Leaving the back of your business cards empty is a wasted opportunity. Instead, think of how to creatively and strategically utilize all of the space with these back of business card ideas.
Leaving the business card back side blank is like being awarded advertising space on two billboards and using only one because all your information fit on it.
It may seem odd to compare business cards and billboards, but the comparison isn’t that far-fetched. When you hand someone your business card, you’re literally putting your business and your brand in that person’s hands.
Prospects spend more time examining the business card you hand to them than they do glancing at a billboard while zooming by on the highway. What’s more, a business card adds a personal and tactile aspect to the connection you make with each person that no billboard could ever offer you.
So, what information should you put on the back of your business cards?
Beyond Business Card Info: What Impression Are You Making?
When prospects get your card, what messages are they receiving about it? It's human nature to turn it over, read it, and think about your offer. What will they know about your brand beyond standard business card information?
If there’s nothing intriguing about the design of your card, then you risk being forgotten. Your brand might be perceived as bland and boring if your business card doesn't show how you differentiate.
Now imagine the look of surprise and delight on the faces of prospects who turn your card over to find something different. A unique creative business card back can set you apart. Imagine also the positive impression you’ll be making on those prospects who’ll save your card with a delighted smile on their face.
Life is full of little moments, most of which we later forget about. But moments of delight and surprise always stand out in our minds. Which means that getting creative with the back of your business cards can be a game changer for your business.
Adding a personal touch to the tool everyone uses during networking can help you stand out from the crowd. That can leave a memorable impression on prospects.
For a great selection of different types of business cards, refer to this article:
11 Ways to Use the Back of Your Business Cards
Here are a handful of back of business card ideas, so you can answer the question of what to put on the back of a business card?
We'll consider business card backgrounds, creative ways to showcase your skills on the back of a business card and more. You'll even see promotional offer and other incentives to get prospects to visit your websites and follow up with you. That can take place long after you've handed off your card!
1. Choose Meaningful Business Card Backgrounds
I'll bet that you’ve seen business cards that use colorful backgrounds, but ask yourself this: how many of those backgrounds actually added something to the information on the card? And how many do you remember in particular?
Probably not many, if any at all.
The business card background you choose can say a lot about your business. Here are a few questions to help you decide what should go on the back of your business card:
- Are you all serious and business-like when it comes to your work?
- Do you tend to punctuate everything with a bit of humor?
- Are you more whimsical and lighthearted?
Take a look for example at the creative business card template shown below. It features a business card background of internet-related icons. This template is totally customizable. You can change the background to just one icon, as well as the background color to match your brand.
This business card would be ideal for a coder or a web developer. When prospects get home after a networking event and pull out business cards from their pocket, a card like this one would immediately stand out. It will instantly remind them what you do and how you can help them.
Pretty colors and cute swirls may be nice to look at, but they’re distracting. This doesn't necessarily represent your brand. If you’re happy with the information on the front of your card, then use the reverse space to focus on enhancing your brand.
2. Remind Readers of Appointments
When you think of how to use the back of business card designs, the key is versatility. In other words, the best business cards fit more than one purpose. If you’re handing out cards to clients, it’s a great idea to use the business card back side for a reminder space.
When you work with clients, you often schedule appointments with them. These could be in-person interactions or virtual connections. Either way, a handy appointment reminder goes a long way. By including one on your business card back side, you can make the best use of limited space.
Plus, this adds a personal touch. Instead of relying on someone to take note of an appointment, you can do it for them. That’s all possible with a handy, small-sized business card that fits easily into a wallet or pocket.
Wonder about one more key advantage about this set of business card backside ideas? By adding an appointment reminder, people are more likely to keep your card for reference. This leads to a higher likelihood of even more future connections.
3. Showcase Your Skills
Another good way to use the back of business cards is by showcasing your skills. Instead of choosing a background that reflects your industry, you could use that space to display your work.
This business card background idea can work particularly well for professionals in the visual arts such as
- photographers
- graphic designers
- illustrators
For instance, you could use a creative business card template like the one below and add your skills to the lines on the back.
It also works for other industries from architects to decorators, hairdressers, designers, chefs, and many others.
Take for example the elegant photography business card shown below. In the space of the headshot, you could add a photo of yourself that you took, especially if you happen to specialize in portrait photography.
But you can also get more creative than that. There’s no rule saying that you must use your headshot. Instead, you can use your best professional photos that show prospects the sort of images you can take for them.
Not a photographer or visual artist? Not a problem! Just take glamour shots of your best work (a wedding you decorated, an amazing cake you baked, a funky haircut you did) and feature that on the back of your business card.
For example, use a template like this restaurant business card template to display your restaurant’s interior.
If you find the template shown above restrictive in the size of its image, you can always opt for a template like this photography business card template that allows you to use the entire back of the card to showcase your work, or like this photo business card to create a mosaic with several of your best pieces.
The choices are endless. And the impression will be as spectacular as your work! With this feature, when prospects pick up your card from a pile, they’ll immediately see the results you can provide them.
4. Show a Video
You can add video to a business card? Well, maybe not yet, though I’m sure that in a few years video-playing business cards will be as common as color-printed business cards are today. For now, the way to add video to the back of your business card is through a link or a QR code.
This social business card template, for example, (also shown below) has a nice placeholder for a QR code. If you prefer to use a link, make sure it’s short and simple because we’re all too lazy these days to type out long and complicated URLs by hand.
Why would you want to add video to your business cards? Not just because it looks cool. Your decision should have more strategic thinking behind it than that.
Videos are great for people working in the digitally animated industries such as videographers, video editors, and animators. But they can also score points for people with a brand built around their personality. What better way to show your personal style and communicate your enthusiasm to prospects than with a short introductory video?
And don’t just display your link or QR code by itself or by such commonplace and uninteresting phrases such as
“Watch my video!”
or
“Go here to find out more about me.”
Very few people (if any) will put in the effort to do something for you. You've got to intrigue them first.
For example, if you’re an animator working on cartoons, you might say
“Experience magic!”
and take people to a mini animated film you made about a boy under a spell or living in a magical world.
If, on the other end of the spectrum, you’re a video editor creating corporate videos you can say something like:
“Let’s move your business to the top of your industry.”
Now you’ve got a much higher chance of people watching your video because what prospect wouldn’t want to take their business to the top?
A final piece of advice about this idea: if the thought of sitting in front of a camera and speaking to strangers makes you sweat profusely, then maybe making and promoting a video on your card isn't the best idea for you. Choose what fits your brand and personality best.
5. Add a Professional Headshot
Wondering what to put on back of business card designs in 2022? Why not try a photo? It’s one of the top business card backside ideas this year. Photos help form a new connection.
Imagine that you’re working a busy networking event and plan to hand out many business cards. Chances are, you’re not the only one giving cards away. By putting your face on the back of the card, you’ll help recipients remember you. Rather than trying to place just a name, they can place your face.
Once again, this is a top reason to use a premium template. When you think of what to put on the back of a business card, don’t go it alone. Choose a premium design with a photo placeholder built in. You can add a photo in seconds - no tough, time-consuming design work needed!
6. Promote Your Email List
The good thing about personal networking is that you make a real and immediate connection with prospects. The bad thing about personal networking is that the connection you make is as instant and ephemeral as it's immediate.
What happens after you exchange cards and shake hands? Will you ever be in touch with those prospects again? Will you have the chance of building long-term relationship with them?
Your business card can make the difference between “missed connection" and "forever client."
The best way to cultivate long-term relationships with prospects and clients these days is through your email list. So how can your business card help you grow your email list?
Easy! Offer prospects something they want on the back of your business card. As in the idea above, you’ll need to use a QR code or a simple link. This will direct prospects to a landing page where they can enter their name and email in exchange for the information you promise.
Also, with the idea above you don’t want to display the link or QR code on its own, nor do you want to say anything as uninteresting as
“Visit my website to download a free report.”
You want to give people a reason to go through the trouble of getting to your website by highlighting what’s in it for them.
For example, a web developer who specializes in e-commerce could say:
“Learn the 5 common website mistakes that cost most businesses 60% of potential online sales and how to avoid them.”
Hand that card to business owners with online stores. They'll be dying to get home and check your site to find out whether they’re killing their online sales with these mistakes.
For more information on how to build your email list, review the following tutorial:
7. Give a Special Offer
Prefer to encourage people to buy one of your products or services in a more direct way than showcasing your work or sending them to your sign-up page? Then use the back of your business cards to make them an offer they can’t refuse!
Here are just a few examples back of the business card deals:
- Give people a 10% discount on your first project together.
- Offer a special bundle of your products or services at a special rate.
- Promote a one-plus-one-free type of deal.
There are countless offers you can make depending on the model of your business and the type of products or services you provide. The important thing is to clarify in your wording that the offer is exclusively available to those holding your business card. That gives your business card much more value.
8. Show a Map of Your Location
If you cater to local customers, consider showing a map of your location on the back of your business card. This is an excellent way to make it easy for them to find you and stop by your business.
Take a look at this creative business card template with a map on the back. You can easily replace the map thanks to smart objects and the template also makes it easy to include your contact details, down to your social media profiles.
You can use this idea if you've got a physical store, a restaurant, a bakery or any other type of business that provides services in person.
9. Add Your Tagline or USP
Another cool idea is to add your company tagline to the back of your business card. This allows potential clients and business partners to instantly remember who you are and what your company does.
Or consider adding your unique selling point to stand out and make your business card more memorable.
For inspiration, check out this lovely back of business card design from Envato Elements. It’s a perfect template for photographers. It sells the recipient on why you need to hire a professional photographer and it gives you the option to showcase your photography skills to boot.
Another example of company tagline on the back of your business card uses a more corporate style so it’s a perfect choice if you’re looking for a more serious and professional look.
If you don't have a tagline yet, no worries! This tutorial will help you to write a great one:
10. Display Client Testimonials
Here’s a twist on the idea above—instead of a company tagline, consider displaying a client testimonial on the back of your business cards. This is a great way to build trust and share social proof with potential clients.
You can use a template like the one below and add the testimonial along with the person’s name.
If you're looking for a professional business card template, we've got a ton of creative options to browse through. Many of these templates are double-sided, so you can make the best use of both the front and back of your business card:
11. Create a Discount Punchcard
When you imagine what goes on the back of a business card, think of many uses. Your business card shouldn’t only be a listing of your name and contact details. If you’re working in retail, it’s a great idea to boost customer loyalty with your card. A discount punchcard is a great way to do exactly that.
Not only does this make your card more versatile, it keeps your name in people’s pockets for much longer. Customers who want to earn their free reward won't discard your cards.
This is a top back of business card layout idea for 2022. You make better use of resources by avoiding a glance-and-discard business card design. You transform your cards into something recipients hold onto. Plus, you boost loyalty and drive increased repeat sales for your business. These are fun and flexible business card backside ideas for 2022.
How to Bring Back of Business Card Ideas to Life Quickly
We’ve explored some of the very best back of business card ideas and templates. Now, it’s time to bring them to life. Thanks to premium templates from Envato Elements, you can create stunning designs on the back of your business cards. In fact, it only takes five quick steps. Let’s learn how.
Want to follow along? Download the Quantum Side Business Card from Envato Elements today. Let's get started:
1. Open the Reverse Template
When you download a template like Quantum Side, you’ll find that it includes two sides. Many templates only include the front of the card. The key here is to open the Photoshop file that contains the designs on the back of your cards. This is where you bring business card backside ideas to life.
Envato Elements templates download as compressed .zip files. Once you’ve chosen your download, open up the .zip file. Inside, you’re looking for .psd files. Here, they’re contained in the folder called PSD. The reverse template is called Quantum Side Business Card 2.
When you’ve found the back of business card file, double-click on it. Photoshop opens the template. Now, it’s time to begin exploring your business card backside ideas.
2. Customize Reverse-Side Business Card Text
You’ll see the back of business card template opened and ready to edit on the Photoshop window. Notice that there's already some text on the card design. This is placeholder text included in the template. You can easily replace it with your own words.
To do that, find the Horizontal Type tool on the left sidebar. Click on it, then click into one of the placeholder text boxes. Drag your cursor to select the contents of the text box. With text selected, start typing on your keyboard. The existing text disappears, replaced with your own words.
Repeat this step as needed to customize the text on the backside of your business card.
3. Change the Background Color
Business card backside ideas should make creative use of color. This delivers several key advantages. It helps you add your own style. It helps your content stand out. And it allows you to use your brand colors to keep business card designs looking their best.
The Quantum Side template has a beautiful dark blue backdrop, but you can change it to fit your own needs. To do so, double-click on the Background layer thumbnail. You’ll find this in the Layers panel in the lower right corner of your Photoshop screen.
When you do, you’ll see the Color Picker menu appear. On it, you can select a new color using the color chooser and sliders. Or you can add a color hex code for a precise match.
Choose your new favorite color, then click OK. Photoshop applies the selected color to your back of business card background.
4. Insert a Photo
As you think about what to put on the back of a business card, always turn to images. By adding a photo, you can bring new life to any card design. This might be a professional headshot. Or you could use a photo of your company’s products, or even your location.
No matter what photo you choose, it’ll be easy to add. That's all thanks to Photoshop and premium templates from Envato Elements.
To add a photo, browse to an image file stored on your computer. Then, click and drag it onto your Photoshop canvas. Release your cursor, and Photoshop imports the image.
Notice the boxes at each corner. Click and drag these to resize the image. Plus, you can drag the photo around the back of business card template to fit it into place.
By adding a photo, you can bring your back of business card ideas to life in a flash.
5. Export the Finished Card Design
Once you’ve filled out your business card backside ideas, it’s time to export the finished product. This is easy to do in Photoshop. To get started, click on the File dropdown menu inside Photoshop. You’ll find this in the upper left corner of your screen.
From the File dropdown, hover your cursor over Export. From the list of options, click Export As. Photoshop opens the Export As menu.
Over on the right side, you’ll see several options. You can customize elements like the file format, size, and more. The format defaults to .png, which is usually a good option. When you’re finished, click Export. Give your back of business card design a name, choose a file location, and click Save.
Now, you've got a finished image file! You can share it digitally or send it to a business card printer to bring it to life in physical form. Either way, your design is ready to share with the world.
5 Best Back of Business Card Idea Templates (From Envato Elements - For 2022)
Envato Elements is the best place to source business card back side templates in 2022. For a single flat rate subscription, you've got everything you need to create your best business card ever. That gives you more value for less cost.
By using these templates, you can bring your best business card backside ideas to life. Here are five top back of business card templates that are trending on Envato Elements:
1. Business Card Vol. 2
This modern back of business card design is a top choice for 2022. With bold abstract graphics and bright colors, it helps your details shine. On the back, your name and title stand out. The content placeholders are easy to customize with your own key details.
2. Karel Company Business Card
Karel is a great template choice when you think of what to put on the back of a business card. With a timeless color palette, this one helps you shine. CMYK colors and editable graphics make customizations a breeze. Plus, the finished product is print-ready for easy sharing.
3. Business Card
Wondering what to put on back of business card designs? Sometimes, a logo is your best bet. This template has you in mind, with a beautiful logo placeholder. You can add supporting text and images, while customizing the colors to fit your branding.
4. Modern Business Card
Bring business card backside ideas to life thanks to this retro design. With a classic cardstock look, it’s great for creatives everywhere. Choose from two custom color schemes. Then, drop in your own content with the dynamic placeholders and unique fonts inside.
5. Flos - Florist Double Sided Business Card
With a floral design, Flos is a stylish 2022 back of business card template. Smart objects make edits a breeze. The crisp resolution looks great onscreen or in print. As you imagine what goes on the back of a business card, try out your ideas with this template.
Design Your Business Card Quickly With Placeit
If you want to get creative and design your own business card quickly, you can also use an online business card maker like Placeit.
Placeit has thousands of business card templates that you can use as a starting point for a business card design. What’s more, you don’t have to download and learn any complicated programs. All you need to do is use Placeit’s simple online interface to customize the look of the business cards.
Using drop-down menus, you can change out the fonts and the colors and type in your business name. You can also remove the image or replace it with a different one. Simply drag one of the available background images and placing it onto the template.
What Will You Put on the Back of Your Business Cards?
How do you use the back of your business cards? Have you seen any other noteworthy ideas for using the back of business cards that I haven’t covered here? If so, share them in the comments!
With a little creativity and imagination, the back of your business cards can dramatically improve. Take them from an awkward empty space to a noteworthy marketing tool that can help you connect with prospects at a deeper level.
Start your search for the perfect business card template on Envato Elements. Choose from thousands of modern and beautiful designs. If that’s not enough, check out our single-purchase selection of business cards over on GraphicRiver. If you want to get creative and design your own business card, give Placeit a try.
Editorial Note: This post has been updated with contributions from Brenda Barron and Andrew Childress. Brenda and Andrew are freelance instructors for Envato Tuts+.
