A guide to creating beauty business cards

The beauty industry is competitive, so making a great first impression is incredibly important. A business card can be a great way to share your information, stand out against the crowd and make your business memorable.

A good business card is way more than contact information. It's an opportunity and a reflection of your brand, style and professionalism. Here's everything you need to know about beauty business cards that leave a lasting impact and create opportunities for you.

What is a business card?

A business card is a small, printed card that contains essential contact information about an individual or a company. It's convenient for sharing professional details during networking, meetings, or business-related interactions.

A business card normally includes the following:

• name and title of your business
• contact information and address
• website and social media handles
• business or brand logo

Business cards come in different sizes, designs and materials, so you can customise them and make them look the part while they fit in with your business.

Do you need a business card?

A business card is used to exchange contact information in a professional setting. They're great to use in face-to-face meetings, leaving a reminder about your business with potential clients, colleagues and partners.

They're professional, give a good first impression and make it much easier to network and stay in touch. They also help you to represent your brand and your business easily. They can also be passed and shared with others, facilitating marketing, referrals and connections.

A business card's easy to use and doesn't usually need specialist technology to access it (though more techie business card solutions are out there now, but that's another conversation).

They also add a personal touch, credibility and trust, making it convenient to keep hold of information. If you're a business owner, a service-based business or a beauty professional that relies on networking and connections, then a business card might just be what you need.

How to create a business card

If you've decided that you need a business card but you're not quite sure where to get started, we've got you. Let's outline the steps you need to take to create the business card of your dreams.

Where to get a business card?

You can get business cards from lots of different places, both online and offline. Here are some ways to create a business card that you can use over and over again:

• online design and printing services like Vistaprint, Canva and Zazzle all let you create your business cards online using templates. It's normally fast and cost-effective, but you're responsible for each step of creating them
• local print shops can help you to create and print a business card from scratch. You can get something really individual that meets your needs perfectly, but it can take more time, need more input and be more expensive
• hire a freelance graphic designer to create custom business card designs for you. Once designed, you can get them printed through online services or local printers
• you can also try some DIY when it comes to your business card if you have the right skills and tools. This can sometimes be labour-intensive and may not produce the best results

Guide to creating a beauty business card

Need a step-by-step guide to creating a beauty business card that you can use in your professional network? Here's what you need to do to design and print a beauty business card.

Design and layout

Choose the right size for your business cards. Standard business card dimensions are 85 x 55 mm, which generally means it fits nicely into a wallet, purse or pocket. There's no rule when it comes to shapes, sizes or cut outs, so you don't need to stick to this—making them compact and easy to carry is normally helpful.

Use colours that reflect your brand, a clear version of your logo and fonts that are accessible and easy to read. You don't want to use anything that's too swirly or hard to read, and you should skip using more than two different ones or clashing colours.

Make sure that when you're designing, you leave some space around the edges of your design, and while it might be tempting to include as much information as possible, sometimes less is more.

Branding elements

Feature your logo prominently. Ensure it's clear and easily recognisable, as well as being in the right format and clarity. You might also want to include a strapline or a tagline if you use one for your business—think about the best use of space on the business card.

Use high-quality images or graphics related to your services, such as a palette for a makeup artist or scissors for a hairstylist. Think about whether you design on both sides, too.

Information to include

The whole point of a business card is to share your professional information and to be used as a communication resource. Here's the basics to include:

• your name and professional title (e.g., hair stylist, makeup artist, aesthetician)
• phone number, email address, and website. Consider adding social media handles if they're professionally relevant
• if you have a physical location, include the address or at least the city

Finishing touches

Before you even think about printing, proofreading is one of the most important steps. You don't want to leave it until it's too late to spot any mistakes. This can have a financial impact, taking more time, and being frustrating. If you're not sure, or spelling isn't your strong point, ask someone to help you out.

Once you've proofread your cards thoroughly, consider extra touches like embossing, foil stamping or rounded corners for a luxurious feel. Go for high-quality, durable cardstock to make a lasting impression. You should also look to get a test piece printed to ensure you're happy with your business card's overall look and feel.

What else to think about when you create a business card

When you're designing and printing a business card, there are some things that you need to think about to effectively represent you and your business. First of all, you need to think about the purpose of your card and the audience—you need to make information clear for them and make sure that the design resonates with your clients and fits with your brand. You want to make sure it looks visually appealing and represents your brand well—it needs to be easy to read and uncluttered.

Check that the information is accurate and necessary—before it goes to print. One challenge with trying to DIY your business cards is that you might need to be made aware of certain design and print requirements to make sure they look their best. Don't be afraid to invest in the help of a designer or printer to advise you on this—it's worth it to make the right impressions.

Be prepared for the costs of printing and delivery, the number of cards you're (realistically) going to need and whether you might need to update them regularly or at least in the future. Many online services have discounts and offers for ordering more, but be realistic about your budget and whether you'll actually use them all up. Also, plan to ensure you have a stash of business cards available if you will be at an event or networking.

Creating your beauty business card is more than just exchanging contact information—it's about making a statement. A card is one way to make an impression in the competitive beauty industry.

It isn't just a piece of paper—it's a gateway to connections and opportunities. Whether meeting potential clients or networking, your professional introduction can help you establish credibility and leave a lasting mark. Follow these steps and tips to create a business card that embodies your brand, professionalism, and unique style in the beauty industry.

Specialist hair and beauty insurance through Ripe 

Whether you’re a freelance beautician or a salon owner, insuring your business through Ripe can help provide financial protection and peace of mind should the worst happen.

Hair and beauty insurance arranged by Ripe includes Public and Products Liability cover as well as treatment risk cover, with the opportunity to build your own policy so you’re never paying for more than you need.

Find out more about specialist hair and beauty insurance through Ripe or get an online quote today.