Updated Dec 12,2024

Why Is It Important To Use Quality Paper In Business Card: A Complete Guide

why is it important to use quality paper in business card

First things first. 

Yup. First impression always matters! The paper you use in your business card can display the quality of the card. It also displays your personality, style, and attitude towards your business. So, it goes on in your mind, “Why is it important to use quality paper in business card, right?” Today, we’re here to dive into it! Actually, what does a business card do in business? Yes, you already know the business card has lots of benefits in business to spread out its presence!  

First of all, it helps to spread out your business identity in a creative as well as smart way! A business card grabs your target customer’s first impression! Yeah, for the first impression, the business cards should not only work as a show-off but also give a feel of elegance and professionalism when handed out to your target audience! So, using top quality paper in business cards is significant!

However, having a clear and engaging business card design is not everything, the quality of the paper you put a business card on is essential to consider! Look — quality paper reflects not only care for the business but also conveys attention to detail to your customers. This blog will share a complete guide on the importance of using top-notch paper in business cards! 

So, you can think of it carefully while you design a compelling business card for yours! Without any further ado, let’s dive into why is it important to use quality paper in business card! Can’t hold on a second to be in? Read on. 

The Importance of Paper Quality in Business Card Design

important to use quality paper in business card

The quality of the paper when it comes to branding is important to make it shine. Business cards act as a marketing kit that provides details about the company. It also showcases the brand's standards and ethics. When you use high-quality paper, it reflects how professional you are! 

On the other hand, poor-quality paper might suggest carelessness or a lack of investment. These minor differences can significantly affect how clients see a brand in competitive markets. A good business card conveys lasting impressions in your target customer's mind. It can grab attention and stand out your brand from the crowd. 

Yup, high-quality paper also allows you to have clear color, printing, and details which makes it pop out. How the business card is perceived when people touch also impacts how they react to the card. Does it feel smooth, sleek, or flimsy? All these factors also lead to the overall branding of your organization or company! 

The more high-quality the paper is, the more you can grab someone's attention with your brand. Furthermore, if your brand steps up and uses recycled paper to match the quality, it can also help with the branding. People will think the brand gives a lot of thought in the presentation. That your brand truly cares about the planet, while maintaining good quality.

To be frank, premium cards cost a lot. However, the cost-effectiveness of it in the long run makes it worth it. When you give time to quality, your customers can get the idea of your brand being elegant and loyal. Then, you'll make the impression of excellence and details, which will make them put their trust in you!

What Defines High-Quality Paper for Business Cards?

paper in business card

Some must factors define a high-quality paper. Some of these are how it looks, its durability, and the aesthetics of it. You also need to account for the GSM of the card. The higher the GSM, the better the quality! Isn't that so? 

For example, if the card's GSM is above 300, then it'll be more durable and tough. Which speaks about how good quality it is. Those cards make the perfect choice for those whose branding entirely depends on the traditional way!  

Another factor that adds to this is the textures used. Some business cards will have textures like smooth, satin, glossy, gritty, or a combination. These add a fun twist to the overall branding of the company. When you want to stand out as an elegant company, choose a matte texture! For a bright and bold impression, you can pick the glossy texture. 

Also, you can incorporate cotton or linen to add a soft touch to the elements!  This is cool if you're a clothing brand. Most importantly, how it will look after the print when you use high quality paper to design your business card! If you have good-quality paper, the elements of the will get a more defined, sharper image. Finally, it will make your branding professional! 

This clarity plays a key role in branding, as it brightens colors and makes details pop. A good paper doesn't soak up much ink, which stops colors from spreading or fading as time goes by keeping the card looking fresh. Environmental factors, like sustainability, are also linked more and more to quality! You’ll find some best as well as top-quality papers now come from recycled or FSC-certified sources! It can meet green standards.

Types of Paper Used for Business Cards

types of paper for business card

There are diverse types of paper that you can use to make your business cards stable and long-lasting. Different card layouts can suit best for different brands. Also, there are a variety of papers according to the needs of the diverse businesses. Let's take a look at a few of them:

Standard Cardstock

Regular cardstock 14-16 pt thick, costs less, and adapts to many uses. It sounds like a good combination of toughness and bendability, which explains why many businesses pick it for their everyday business cards. You can get it with a matte or glossy texture by giving your cards a neat, work-perfect look without breaking the bank! 

High-End and Luxury Papers

Fancy papers include thicker stocks often 18 pt or more, and special textures; linen, cotton, or suede. They create a more touchy-feely, stand-out experience showing off quality and exclusiveness. Many luxury choices also add personal touches with raised designs like shiny foil or glossy work!

Eco-Friendly Choices

The eco-friendly paper has recycled or sustainable materials like bamboo or hemp fibers, often with organic inks. They also have wooden cards with engraving on them. Companies committed to sustainability use these papers to reduce environmental impact while keeping quality high. These papers usually have a light texture, which gives them a unique feel that shows eco-conscious values!

Linen Paper

Linen or laid paper looks like fabric textures, giving business cards an elegant, aristocratic, and woven feel. It lasts long and works well for formal industries like law or finance, making people think of sophistication. The subtle texture makes the card look better and more memorable when touched!

Cotton Paper

Decorated from cotton fibers, this paper feels soft but has stability. People often use it to make fancy, high-end cards. The natural feel and thickness of cotton paper give it a handmade quality. It makes it a good fit for luxury type brands, wedding businesses, or creative pros who want an elegant old-world charm!

Plastic and Synthetic Paper

Plastic or synthetic choices create a smooth, modern look that resists water and tearing. Industries where toughness matters, like hotels or event planners, often pick these cards. They catch the eye with their shiny or matte finish and display toughness. However, it can be pretty harmful to the environment!

Metallic and Foil Paper

Shiny metal or foil paper gives depth to colors and makes them pop with its nostalgic metallic look. You can find it in gold, silver, or holographic styles. The cards pack a punch and are go-to choices for high-end brands, artists, and people in the theater business!

Impact of Paper Quality on Business Cards

paper quality on business card

Yeah! Considering that business cards are small kits used for advertising and marketing, the quality of paper used for printing makes a world of difference. It prevents fading, enhances durability, and provides a personal touch or feel that resonates with the brand image!

Visual Appearance

The proverb that says one should never judge a book by its cover has been broken more times than one can imagine. First impressions matter a lot, the significance of high-quality business cards and their appearance must be maintained!

Color Vibrancy and Sharpness

  • Enhanced Color Saturation: High-quality paper soaks up ink well, making colors pop and designs, or redesigns stand out. It grabs people's attention and shows that we take this seriously.
  • Image and Text Sharpness: Top-notch paper keeps images and text crisp, giving a sleek look. Clear, easy-to-see details make everything readable, building brand trust.
  • Consistency Across Prints: Good paper helps keep colors and designs the same, which matters when printing a bunch. This sameness shows you pay attention to the little things and keeps your brand looking the same on all business cards.
  • Less Bleeding and Smudging: Quality paper keeps ink from spreading or smearing, which protects the card's look. It means every part, like logos and words stays sharp and tidy.

Texture and Finish: Matte vs. Glossy

  • Classy Impression: You can get an elegant and classy image by opting for a matte card. Such cards can have a smooth and non-shiny finish which projects elegance. 
  • Stand out with the Gloss: If you want to go out and loud, you can pick the glossy option. This texture will also help the colors to pop and appear brightly. This works well for brands that want to grab attention and leave a strong mark. 
  • Feel in Your Hands: How the card feels when touched shapes people's thoughts about your brand. Matte feels soft and low-key, while glossy feels slick and fancy, matching well with high-end and up-to-date styles. 
  • Resistance to any Smudges: One advantage of having a matte texture is that it's resistant to any fingerprint or smudges. If your brand promotion occurs in a busy area, having matte cards is bliss.

Durability and Longevity

  • Water Resistance: Good quality paper mostly comes with water protection. So, you don't have to worry about it if it's drenched or water spilled on it. It's a significant aspect in a big crowd because people sweat, and also it can transfer to the card, making it tear.
  • Toughness: Good-quality paper tends to be thicker, which makes it super tough. You won't have the issue of bending or scratching when handling the cards. Your business will need this toughness because, in a large crowd, there are chances the card will be beaten up and appear flimsy!
  • Better Protection Against Fading: Good paper and ink together help stop the colors from fading as time goes by for cards kept in wallets or out on display. This keeps the colors bright and the text easy to read, making the valuable card for longer.

Resisting Wear and Tear

  • Lamination: Yeah! Lamination puts a shield on cards to protect them from scratches and wear. When you laminate, it helps to keep the card clean and long-lasting.
  • Won't Rip Easily: High-quality paper cuts down on ripping even when used a lot. Tough cards keep looking professional for longer making the brand stick in people's minds.
  • Sustainability: If you're using a high-quality card with recycled materials, not only will it last you a long time, but it will also have a positive impact on your brand and the earth. When you add the extra element to your pitch, customers will be more drawn to it. Because the brand is putting extra care into thinking about the environment.

High-Quality Paper and Professionalism

  • The Influence on Brand Image: When you get a high-quality paper, it can showcase you care about your brand's value. You give them a professional image by doing things in a classy way and paying attention to details. For example: Matte, high-quality finish cards reflect an elegant brand. While a wooden or recycled card represents a sustainable brand.
  • Makes a Business Stand Out: Quality paper gives cards a unique feel that makes a business different. When people touch the card, they remember it better. This helps them keep the brand in mind.
  • Fits Brand Character: Picking the right paper feel and look shows what a brand is like. A smooth, non-shiny paper might mean a brand is easy to talk to, while shiny, strong cards show a brand is new and fresh.
  • Matching Brand Aesthetic: It's convenient to match your card with the aesthetic of the brand! If you're a minimal brand, you'll want a simple card, right? For an artistic brand, you'll go for a colorful card! When you match the themes, it helps to showcase the brand value better and connect it with people.

Consistency with Other Marketing Materials

  • Professional Connection Across Channels: Look, when your business card quality is on par with other materials, it shows a unified brand experience. This coordination builds trust and establishes a dependable brand image at every point where clients interact with you.
  • Enhances Brand Recognition: Using the same quality materials for various items helps customers spot your brand!
  • Strengthens the Brand Image: To step up your game, use top-notch paper for other marketing elements as well. This little step will help to make your brand stand out. People will care about your brand due to the consistency in quality. Which is a requirement in this economy!

Trust and Credibility

  • Leaves a Good First Impression: Top-notch cards immediately make clients feel special. It positively affects them, building trust and showing the brand as a reliable, high-end option.
  • Giving People Value: Having a high-quality card can project the idea of your brand truly caring for the people. This has a psychological effect on them, which enables them to build trust. When you serve premium, people automatically associate it with high brand value and standards. Building trust also helps to bring in traffic! 
  • Leave a Lasting Image: When you have a good quality card, people will remember you! Statistically, clients tend to keep a premium card more than other ones. And well, if the card stays, it reaches more people. Thus, giving you more clients.

High-Quality Paper Signals Attention to Detail

  • Shows Care in Presentation: Fancy paper tells clients the brand cares about small things. This makes the brand seem reliable and reassuring.
  • Shows Great Investments: Having high-quality cards shows that you put a lot of investment into crafting your whole brand. This makes your brand seem more valuable to people.
  • Improves Brand Authenticity: A nice card helps you seem authentic. With low-effort cards, you might give off the impression of a shady brand. So, making a good card will help your brand be more trusted and loved by the customers.

Environmental Considerations

  • Minimizing Environmental Impact: Recycled paper reduces the need for new fiber, which helps stop forests from being cut down and saves natural resources. When you pick recycled paper, you give off the idea of caring for the planet. Since the world is moving towards an earth-conscious society, the trait helps a lot. Finally — you end up attracting sustainable-friendly customers and help your brand reduce the amount of carbon footprint! 
  • Saving Water and Energy: Compared to new paper, recycled paper uses a low amount of energy. This fits with green practices, making recycled paper a smart choice for brands that want to reduce how much they hurt the environment.
  • Maintains High Print Quality: These days, recycled papers are just as good as new ones. They don't lose much regarding bright colors or how they feel. Hm, your brand can use eco-friendly materials to appear sustainable while also maintaining high quality. You end up promoting the idea that recycled material can be repurposed into high-quality stuff. Finally, this makes your brand stand out amongst all.
  • Lower the Amount of Waste: Let's face it, a lot of card material ends up in landfills. And using new ones just continues the cycle, worsening it. Making the switch to an eco-friendly approach not only helps to lower waste but inspires other brands to do so. You end up setting an example that you can build a good brand even with recycled things!

FSC-Certified Paper and Eco-Conscious Choices

  • Assurance of Responsible Sourcing: Yes, FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification shows that paper materials come from well-managed forests. Brands that use FSC-certified paperback conservation efforts ensure their paper choices help preserve forests.
  • Promotes Biodiversity: FSC-certified forests shield ecosystems and boost biodiversity. This certification appeals to customers who care about the environment, giving brands an edge in green practices.
  • Transparency and Accountability: Indeed, FSC certification holds suppliers responsible for ethical forestry practices. Brands that choose FSC-certified paper show they're devoted to being open and caring for the environment, which builds trust with eco-minded customers.
  • Improves Sustainable Industry Practices: Choosing FSC Paper will help to change the way companies eco-friendly approaches. This choice helps the industry to rethink how they should protect resources, but also how they can come together to tackle environmental issues. This shift can help to set mindful and intentional goals that protect the environment!

Balancing Quality with Environmental Responsibility

  • The Invention of Eco-Friendly Paper: At present, there have been more eco-friendly paper options. Thanks to the conscious green folks. This new invention of paper is tougher and is a good option for printing too. That’s why, you can have the choice of picking an eco-friendly paper for your business cards.
  • Promoting Green Values: Using recycled paper helps to fit your green-like branding even more! So, your customers will also give in to this as they will know you care about the environment. This choice helps brands to show their commitment to the planet and draw in customers who think the same way.
  • Investment in Brand Image: Choosing green paper boosts a good brand image, as more clients value companies that care about the environment. Top-notch sustainable paper shows both professional and ethical means!
  • Cost-Effective in the Long Run: Although sustainable paper might cost more initially, it can bring value over time by improving how people see your brand. Many customers want to back companies that put money into eco-friendly methods. This can lead to customers sticking with your brand and getting more involved in the long run!

Cost Considerations

Choosing paper for business cards means finding a sweet spot between cost and quality, no matter how big or small your company is. Although it costs a lot, investing helps with the longevity of the card. We can assure you that this will pay off in the long run. 

Having high-quality paper also makes your business super professional. It sticks in people's minds. But many brands have to watch their spending. Yeah! It’s true whether they're printing loads of cards or just starting and they don't have much cash to splash. A good tactic is to focus on specific aspects of paper quality, like thickness or finish, while cutting back on others!  

Look, you don't have to invest in the highest GSM when it comes to choosing the material. Just meet in the middle and find the balance. You can determine for a semi-matte or gloss finish, which is relatively cheaper than going who. Therefore, even before you start printing cards, look for printing companies who can get it done for you at a discount. You can reach out to your friends, and networks, or just do research!

The Long-Term Value of High-Quality Paper

quality paper in business card

Investing in top-notch paper for business cards can save money. Premium cards don't wear out or get damaged, so you won't need to print new ones as often. The better paper keeps its good looks even when people handle it a lot. Yup, It means your brand always comes across as sharp and professional!

Such type of toughness pays off for companies that want to get the most out of their marketing materials. Each card stays in great shape and lasts longer. Yeah! Quality paper greatly influences how people see a brand, making it key to brand ROI. When you have a high-quality card, you show true professionalism! When it’s successfully delivered, the brand gains the trust of the clients. The clients' hubs finally use word-of-mouth or spread it on social media, bringing you traffic!  

Another reason that adds to it is that we all love quality! While delivering quality, they appreciate and keep it. They also have the idea that the brand is credible!  It leads to long-term traffic that stays intact without much work. Gradually, the amount you invest decreases as days go on, and the ROI of your brand might increase, allowing it to succeed! Thus, having a good card can impact in many ways and truly be the reason behind a brand's success.

Customization Options with High-Quality Paper

Your business cards will look truly engaging if you use high-quality paper! If you want your cards to stand out and be memorable, you can include features such as embossing or foiling.

Special Effects and the Finishing Touch Tell It All

Matte or glossy finishes provide the proper touch to your cards! Yup, applying a matte finish will give the card an understated elegance while a glossy finish can enhance the vibrancy of colors! You could also try satin and linen textures as specialty finishes for your cards for a perfect appealing and tactile approach! The features not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your cards but also make them attractive to touch.

Letterpress, Embossing, Foil Stamping  

Embossing adds a design element that is raised off the card, allowing it to have some dimension or a 3D look. Metallic colors, including gold and silver, are used in foil stamping for what’s sure to be a striking shine. Look, what is printed on the paper during letterpress is pushed down into it allowing for an exceptional, antique-style design. Such techniques also enhance your brand and make your cards feel very high-end!

Edge Painting and Die-Cutting

Edge painting is a technique that adds color to the edges of the card such that it creates a catchy color accent along the sides even when viewed from sideways. Die-cutting gives the ability to create different cut details such as round corners or special shapes. These alternatives change regular cards into artistic creative designs. With such improvements, your business card will look not only merely practical but also a sophisticated design element that is highly mouth-watering for your target customers!

How to Choosing the Right Paper for Your Business Card

choosing the right paper for business card

When it comes to making business cards, using the right type of paper is critical as it also determines how the audience perceives the brand. Factors like- weight, thickness, and finish are some key characteristics you need to take into account to guarantee the professionalism of your card!

Weight and Thickness (GSM)

Hmm, the term GSM or 'grams per square meter’ refers to the measurement of thickness and degree of heaviness of a piece of paper. Greet & Shine Business cards try to aim for a high gsm like 300 or more as this gives the card the finest feel to it. 

Even the card gets a little thicker, now even the bending of the card becomes harder, thus creating a more solid feel to the card. Or if the GSM is lower, the card would feel weaker and cheaper! Heavy cards also survive better wear and tear, which is beneficial if the cards are in a wallet. 

The holder and design of the card appear more professional when the card is thicker. When choosing the card GSM for a design, beginners can get a happy medium between price and stiffness!

Finishing Options: Matte, Glossy, or Textured

The choice of the finish for your card contributes to its look and feel. A matte finish is smooth and lacks gloss to provide a neat timeless look. Glossy gives a shiny effect that enhances the colors’ vibrancy presence. Textured finishes, such as linen or cotton, provide a nice feel that is equally pleasing to the eye. A good choice of the right finish would reflect on your brand. 

If you have professional and minimalist card designs, matte is your best bet, however, glossy will be best if you are bold and colorful. If you want a card that has some character, try textures. When choosing the finish, consider what impression it would create.

Importance of Thickness  

Sure, thickness influences more than simply the strength and longevity of your business card. Thickness also determines how people perceive your card. If your cards are of a thin type that doesn’t impress then it does not set a good image for your business.

The average measurement of business cards goes from approximately 14 pt to 18. However, it is possible to use thicker material for a stronger effect. Heavy card stock is also preferred when one wishes to do unique printing procedures such as embossing and foil stamping. 

Bonus Tip: A good starting point for newcomers looking to create a professional appearance without breaking the bank is to have a mid-range thickness!

The Importance of Finish 

The impact of the color finish on the actual card cannot be ignored because it contributes a lot to the final product. A gloss color finish is applied to give the design a vibrant look to be used to cover bright pictures. The texture of course does tend to reduce vibrancy but colors still appear clean and tone-wise toned focused. 

In case engraving does get used, the colors likely can look faded, beautifully so. However, it's advisable to try out different options so that the overall design can be maintained in the initial stages. It’s important to maintain both the condition and appearance of the card in the months and years to come.

Durability and Wear

After being given out, a business card that was passed around and not thrown away is a realistic gauge of durability. The card appears new despite extensive handling since high-quality paper is stubborn and does not easily fold or tear. For additional strength, lamination, UV coating, or both, can also be applied. The cards with the highest GSM also endure damage better. This is especially true for other cards that will be put away in pockets or wallets!

Bonus Tip: Incorporating special finishes will provide a unique aspect to your card. For metallic elements that catch the light foil stamps such as these are placed In the card foil stamping is detail-oriented. With embossing, it causes designs to rise, your raised designs can be astounding to touch!

What Is The Optimal Paper Weight For Business Card?

A good paper weight for business cards is in the range of about 300 to 400 GSM. This makes the card quite thick without making it overly bulky. You would be able to hold the cards in this thickness really well and also create an impression of a professional. 

At the same time, a significant reduction in the paperweight can make the card really cheap in looks which can affect the brand negatively. The above 400 GSM’s weight cards significantly beautify the design by being premium or having a special finish that elevates the overall presentation. They also get sturdier and have the least chance of bending or tearing adding to the aesthetic!

But these cards also turn out to be expensive and difficult to carry in bulk. It is not a good idea to go above the 350 GSM mark as a beginner, sticking to 300 GSM and 350 should work.

Is Premium Paper Always Necessary For Business Cards?

Higher-quality paper is not a must, but again, it varies from one objective to the other. For small businesses or casual use such as for family occasions, standard cardstock can do the magic. It’s reasonably priced, hardy, and does not appear terrible, especially for simpler designs. Mind it, premium paper can be a good reason to cause an impact.

For instance, in an industry whose image is everything such as luxury brands or art, using premium paper is a clear no-brainer. It can reflect professionalism and a sense of exquisiteness. Premium paper is usually accompanied by textures and finishes such as linen, cotton, matte, or glossy to give the beautiful effect that is aimed for. 

It can increase your card’s chance of making an impression on potential clients. Beginners should start by balancing the costs with the benefits. There is a cost for the premium paper and it’s not always necessary. When just beginning, a good design together with standard materials should still be able to make the business card credible. One can simply improve later as the business expands!

Endnote

Finally, we’re at the end! 

So, your question “Why is it important to use quality paper in business card” has found a way out in the long run, right? If yes, we’re satisfied as we’ve worked hard to find the answer to the question. In the area of business cards, the design is often overrated compared to grasping why is it important to use high quality papers in business card printing.

Quality paper has a difference in terms of professionalism and precision to details which may be absent in the case of online options. However, there are some viable alternatives to such papers. Eco-friendly paper choices are an exceptional way in this regard. Don’t you think so, too? Yeah, top-notch paper can be well-suited for a long-lasting business card. Sure, you don’t want to design your business card twice in a month, right? 

So, we’re empty with words. Shared everything we’ve found from our research! Still, do you have any questions related to the importance of quality paper on business cards? If yes, contact Graphic Design Eye for a complete solution! Why they? Hmm, Graphic Design Eye is well aware of the design world and provides the best support to fulfill the dreams of small businesses with their top-notch design services!  

They manage to adjust business cards beautifully since eco-friendly materials do not have to be compromised with their quality. Sure, you can hire a top-notch business card design service to leave your all design-related worries! It’s up to you to pick the right planet to bring your dream into reality so you don’t need to regret your choice at the end of the day.  

Time says - no more for today. 

We, Graphic Design Eye, can be a reason for your smile! Let us become a part of your dream. Cheers!! 🎉 🎉 🎉 

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