What Information Should You Include on Your Business Card?

Essential Business Card Elements

Your business card is often the first physical representation of your professional identity that people encounter. Including the right information ensures it serves its purpose effectively. Here's a comprehensive guide to what belongs on your card—and what doesn't.

1. Your Name

Use the name you professionally go by. If you have a difficult-to-pronounce name, consider including a phonetic spelling. Make your name the most prominent text element on the card.

2. Job Title

Be specific but concise. Instead of just "Consultant," try "Financial Consultant Specializing in Retirement Planning." Avoid listing multiple unrelated roles—it can confuse your professional identity.

3. Company Name

Include your current company. If you're self-employed, your "company" might be your personal brand name. Ensure the name is recognizable—if it's obscure, consider adding a brief tagline explaining what you do.

4. Contact Information

Phone: Include the number where you're most reachable. Email: Use a professional address (ideally yourname@yourcompany.com). Website: Include if you have a professional site or portfolio.

5. Physical Address (Optional)

Only include if relevant—retail businesses should always include it, while freelancers might omit it for privacy. If space is limited, just list city/state or neighborhood for location context.

6. Social Media (Selective)

Include only professional profiles that enhance your brand (LinkedIn, professional Twitter/X, Instagram if visual work). Personal accounts should be omitted unless they're part of your professional identity.

7. Logo or Brand Mark

If you have one, include your company or personal brand logo. Ensure it's high resolution and reproduces well at small sizes. Avoid pixelated or blurry logos.

8. Tagline or Value Proposition (Optional)

A brief phrase (6-8 words) that explains what you do uniquely. Examples: "Transforming Ideas Into Reality" or "Your Trusted Financial Advisor."

9. QR Code (Optional)

A QR code can link to your website, portfolio, or contact info. Ensure it's large enough to scan (minimum 1×1 cm) and test it thoroughly before printing.

Industry-Specific Additions

Realtors: License number. Doctors: Credentials. Freelancers: Services offered. Artists: Portfolio link. Multilingual professionals: Languages spoken.

What to Exclude

Home address (unless home-based business), personal phone/email (unless that's your primary contact), outdated information, too many social media icons, unprofessional email addresses, and anything that makes the card look cluttered.