Knowing what to put on a business card ensures your contacts have the right details and the card presents your business professionally. In the UK, the basics almost always include your name, job title, company name, contact number, email, and logo, with optional extras like social media and QR codes. Get the details right, and you’ll leave the right impression and make networking easier.
This guide answers key business card questions for UK businesses, with practical advice on content, design and best practices.
What Should You Write on a Business Card?
Start with the essentials. Every business card should include your name, the company or organisation name, and at least one way to reach you. Most cards in the UK use the following structure:
- Name (yours, or the cardholder’s)
- Job title or role
- Company or organisation name
- Telephone number (mobile or landline)
- Email address
- Website (if available)
- Business logo
Some cards go further, adding the business address (if visits are encouraged), LinkedIn or social media handles, or a QR code linking to a profile or website. The main aim is to provide enough for meaningful contact without overloading the card.
Visually, keep the layout clear. Each piece of information should be instantly visible. Use a professional, legible font and ensure the logo and company branding are presented well. If you have a company tagline or a clear value statement, include it, but don’t let fine details crowd out the main facts.
For those needing further guidance on professional design and print options, our Northamptonshire business cards page outlines our offerings, including artwork support and tailored print runs. We also provide poster printing and banner printing to match your branding.
A Common Mistake on Business Cards
One of the most frequent errors is cramming too much information onto the card. An overloaded business card quickly becomes hard to read and risks diluting the key details the recipient actually needs.
Other common pitfalls include using tiny or hard-to-read fonts, skipping a proper proof, which can leave typos or incorrect numbers, using outdated contact details after job or address changes, omitting the logo so the card looks generic, and choosing colours with poor contrast that make text hard to read.
Always double-check every detail before sending your card to print. Consider letting a colleague proofread your card to spot errors you might miss.
What Makes a Business Card Stand Out?
A memorable business card combines clarity, design discipline and quality finishing. Cards stand out most when they feel considered, rather than flashy for its own sake.
A few factors that help a card be memorable:
- Strong brand identity: using consistent company colours, logos and fonts
- A clear visual hierarchy, making the most vital information unmissable
- Tactile quality: sturdy, good-feeling card stock and a clean finish
- Use of unique finishes (such as spot UV, embossing, or subtle foil) done with restraint
- Distinctive but professional design elements, if they fit your sector, rounded corners, double-sided layouts with a visual on one side and details on the other
These choices present your business as professional and thoughtful. If it looks like care has gone into your business card, prospects are more likely to keep it.
How Many Business Cards Should You Order?
For individuals or small organisations, a batch of 250 to 500 cards often suffices for several months, especially if you’re networking regularly or attending events. Those with high interaction rates, large sales teams, or lots of conferences may need 1,000 or more at a time.
Always order enough to last several networking cycles, but not so many that cards become outdated before they run out. If there’s a planned change in contact details or company branding, smaller batches are safer.
Bulk ordering can bring savings, but review your turnover and the likelihood of changes to information before buying in large volumes.
Can You Put a QR Code on a Business Card?
Yes, a QR code can be a useful bridge between print and digital. Common uses include linking directly to your website, providing a contact download (vCard), linking to LinkedIn, or directing to a landing page tailored to the event or audience.
Place the QR code where it’s obviously visible but doesn’t dominate the card. Many choose the bottom corner or dedicate the reverse side to the code. Before printing, always test the QR code at realistic sizes to confirm it scans correctly.
Just be sure to keep the code relevant and up to date, and check it regularly. There’s little benefit in linking to a page that’s been changed or removed.
Should You List Qualifications on Your Business Card?
Qualifications may add authority, but only include them if they are truly relevant. For most, especially in sectors such as consultancy, legal, medical, or financial services, adding letters (e.g., MCIPD, ACA) builds trust. In other sectors, retail and general trades are less important and can clutter your card.
If the audience expects you to hold certain professional credentials, place these after your name (e.g. Jane Smith, MSc) and keep the list concise to ensure the design remains uncluttered.
Should You Include Social Media Handles on a Card?
If your business actively uses social platforms to connect with clients or showcase work, including handles is sensible. Common choices are LinkedIn, Twitter (X), Facebook or Instagram.
Pick only those platforms that are kept active and relevant to your client base. There’s no need to include every social account, just those that show your business in a positive, current light.
Design-wise, keep handles short and simple. Use recognisable icons if space allows, but maintain clarity above all.
Is Including a Photo on a Business Card Appropriate?
A photo is a matter of taste and industry. For some roles, estate agents, consultants, trainers, or people who network face-to-face, it helps new contacts remember who they have met. In most UK business sectors, though, a photo is optional and not essential.
If adding a photo, use a recent, high-quality headshot, and ensure it fits with your brand’s professionalism. Make certain the image is positioned so it doesn’t make the layout crowded or force the other details into small, hard-to-read text.
What Size Are UK Business Cards?
The most common UK business card size is 85mm x 55mm, similar to a credit card. This size fits easily into wallets and standard cardholders.
Be wary of designing or printing cards at unusual sizes, as they may not fit pockets, wallets or filing systems. Consistency means your card is easy to keep and less likely to be lost or tossed away.
Should My Business Card Be Double-Sided?
Double-sided cards make efficient use of space and help deliver more information or a bolder design. Common uses for the back of the card include a company logo, a brand statement, a service list, or a QR code.
If you need to communicate multiple details, a two-sided card offers more layout flexibility without crowding the front. However, keep the reverse focused and uncluttered; don’t simply repeat information from the front.
Tailor Made in Northamptonshire offers single- and double-sided business card printing services, making it easy to choose the right layout for your needs.
Should I Add LinkedIn to My Business Card?
LinkedIn is widely used for business networking in the UK. Including your LinkedIn profile—ideally as a clean URL or with a simple QR code lets new contacts connect quickly.
This is particularly valuable in professional services and B2B companies, where maintaining online connections enhances relationships. Just ensure the linked profile is up to date and accurately reflects your current role.
Should I Include a Logo on My Business Card?
A company logo is one of the most important visual elements. Including it establishes brand recognition and sets your card apart from generic alternatives.
The logo should be high-resolution and fit well within the layout, without overwhelming names or contact details. Where possible, use your brand’s colours and style so all your printed materials are cohesive.
For tailored advice or help ensuring your logo works effectively on print, consider speaking with a professional business card supplier like our team at Tailor Made. Our business card design in Northamptonshire can also support new logo artwork. We also supply business stationery across Northamptonshire to keep your printed materials consistent.
Should I Put My Job Title on a Business Card?
Adding your job title helps contacts remember your role and understand what you do. This is especially useful in larger companies or at busy networking events where people meet several representatives from the same organisation.
Descriptions should be clear and accurate: “Sales Director” is more helpful than just “Director”. If you fulfil several roles or are self-employed, choose the title that best reflects the relationship you want to build with new contacts.
Is My Mobile Number OK on a Business Card?
Yes, most UK business cards include either a direct line or a mobile number. A mobile number offers a flexible way for contacts to reach you and is particularly valued by sole traders, tradespeople, and consultants.
If you’re not always able to take calls, consider adding a voicemail message linked to your business, so missed contacts still get a professional experience.
Should I Include My Home Address on a Business Card?
Most UK business cards list a business address only if clients or suppliers need to visit. For freelancers, sole traders working from home, or if meeting on your premises is rare, omitting your home address is usually safest and helps protect your privacy.
Alternatives include omitting an address entirely, using a business postal address, or including only the town or city for geographical context.
What Is a Normal Amount of Business Cards to Order?
A typical starter batch in the UK is between 250 and 500 cards per person. If your role is highly client-facing or event-based, a larger quantity may be suitable, but always balance this against the likelihood that details may change. For teams, consider ordering in bulk with sets tailored to each member.
Ordering the right amount prevents waste and lets you update designs or details before you run out. Tailor Made supports both small runs and larger orders to match your organisation’s needs.
Plan your business cards with Tailor Made.
Ready to create a clear, professional business card that people keep? Our Daventry team can help with artwork checks, design, stocks and finishes, and production. Choose single- or double-sided printing, matt, gloss, or soft-touch lamination, and options such as spot UV, rounded corners, or a QR code. Send us your artwork for a proof, or ask us to design it for you.
Visit our Northamptonshire business card printing page to see what we offer, then request a free quote or speak to our team about quantities and turnaround. Local collection and UK delivery are available.
For further guidance on creating business cards that fit your brand, ensure accuracy, and are professionally printed, see our Northamptonshire business card printing page. We offer design support, layout advice and both single and double-sided print options, all managed by our in-house Daventry team.