Business Cards That Get Kept, Not Tossed: A Simple Guide

Let me tell you about my first business cards. I was so excited when they arrived. But when I handed them out at a networking event, I saw people's faces fall. The cards were flimsy, the print was blurry, and honestly? They ended up in the bin before I left the room.

That's when I learned an important lesson: your Business Cards is often the first physical thing people get from your business. Make it good, and they'll remember you. Make it cheap, and they'll forget you.

At East London Printer, we've printed business cards for everyone from plumbers to CEOs. Here's what we've learned about making cards that actually get kept.

Why Business Cards Still Matter in 2025

You might think: "Do people still use these?" The answer is yes - and here's why:

They're personal - Handing someone a card feels more real than a digital contact
They work anywhere - No need for WiFi or phone signal
People remember them - A good card stays on desks or fridges
They start conversations - A unique design makes people ask about your business

Just last week, a café owner told us their new cards brought in more customers. Why? Because people kept them on their fridge.

The 3 Biggest Business Card Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

1. Using Paper That Feels Like Cereal Box

Thin, bendy cards scream "I don't care."
The Fix:
Use at least 300gsm card (thick and professional)
Choose between matte (classy) or glossy (eye-catching)

2. Cramming Too Much On There

Your card isn't your life story.
The Fix:
Just the basics: Name, what you do, contact details
Big, clear text (no tiny fonts)
Plenty of white space

3. Forgetting About Design

Plain white cards with black text are boring.
The Fix:
Use your brand colors (but not too many)
Make your logo clear
Try a simple pattern or border

Our Most Popular Business Card Options (Made Simple)

Standard Business Cards

300gsm thick card
Full color printing
Matte or glossy finish
Perfect for most businesses

Premium Business Cards

400gsm luxury card
Spot UV coating (shiny details)
Soft-touch finish (feels amazing)
Great for high-end brands

Eco-Friendly Cards

Recycled paper
Soy-based inks
Still thick and professional
Perfect for green businesses

A local architect used our premium cards last month. He told us clients kept commenting on how good they felt.

Design Tips That Actually Work

After printing thousands of cards, here's what gets results:
Keep text big and clear - If people need glasses to read it, it's too small
Put important info on the front - Name, job, phone number
Use the back wisely - Maybe a short tagline or QR code
Make your logo clear - But not too big
Leave space around edges - So nothing gets cut off

Quick test: Hand your card to a friend. If they squint to read it, simplify the design.

Why Professional Printing Beats DIY

You could print cards at home or use a cheap online service. But here's what usually happens:
Colors look wrong (your logo comes out weird)
The edges are rough
The card bends like paper
They look homemade

With professional printing:
Colors match your brand perfectly
Edges are clean and sharp
Cards feel substantial
People take you seriously

A personal trainer we know made his own cards. They looked so bad clients thought he wasn't professional. After getting proper cards from us, he booked more sessions.

How We Print Your Cards (Simple Steps)

You send us your design (or we can design it for you)
We check everything (and tell you if we spot issues)
You choose your card and finish
We print on professional machines
You get perfect business cards (fast delivery or pickup)

We're not a big faceless company. If you have questions, you can actually talk to us.

Ready for Business Cards That Work?

If you want cards people will actually keep, we can help.

Call +44 (0)20 7041 9649 (we answer the phone)
Email [email protected] (we reply fast)
Visit https://eastlondonprinter.co.uk (see examples and prices)

Your business card is often the first thing people get from you. Make it good.

Let's print something you'll be proud to hand out.

P.S. Need cards fast? Ask about our quick turnaround options. We can often print same-day for urgent jobs.