Even in 2024, business cards are really important because they’re often the first thing people see about your business. So, it’s super important to make sure they look great and have all the right info on them.
But did you know that most business cards end up in the trash? Yup, a whopping 88%! And only a tiny 9% actually make it into someone’s contact list.
Your visiting cards might be headed for the bin for various reasons, but the good news is that many of these issues are easily fixable. Curious about what not to include on your business card? Let’s explore.
What should you not put on a business card?
Ensuring your visiting card contains accurate information is crucial, as even minor errors can influence how both you and your business are perceived.
From spelling mistakes to outdated addresses, inaccuracies can tarnish your brand image. Let’s explore what information you should avoid including on your business card:
Personal information
Exclude personal details like your home address, social security number, or personal phone number. Use your business contact information instead.
Confidential Information
Leave out sensitive details such as trade secrets, financial information, or client details.
Outdated information
When crucial details like your phone number, email, or address change, it’s essential that your business card reflects these updates. Outdated information isn’t just confusing—it can also reflect poorly on your professionalism.
Failure to update this information can lead to confusion and missed opportunities for potential clients or contacts trying to reach you. Read on for insights into what information you should include on a business card.
Related: What is a Digital Business Cards?

Spelling errors
Given that business cards serve as the initial impression of your brand, maintaining professionalism is paramount. Typos, spelling, or grammar mistakes can significantly detract from your brand’s image. Your customers are likely to notice these errors, so it’s crucial to thoroughly review your text before printing.
Simple typing errors or repeated words can easily slip past initial inspections. If grammar, punctuation, or spelling aren’t your strong suit, consider having someone else review your design before finalising it. This extra step ensures your business card conveys a polished and professional message to your audience.
Non-Professional email addresses
Unprofessional email addresses can undermine the professionalism of your business communications. These addresses often come across as overly casual or inappropriate for professional contexts. Examples of unprofessional email addresses include:
- ilovecats@email.com
- partyanimal@email.com
To project a more professional image, it’s advisable to use an email address that incorporates your name or your company’s name.
Low-Resolution or pixelated Images
Your visiting card tells the story of your brand, and images play a crucial role in shaping that narrative.The most important image, undoubtedly, is your company’s logo.
But even if it’s a captivating product photo or a scene-setting stock image, if it’s low-resolution, it’ll print out blurry and pixelated. This instantly undermines the professional look of your card. Even the best printers can’t salvage the clarity of a low-res image.
Hard-to-Read Text
While small fonts and elegant cursive styles may appear stylish, they can pose a challenge when it comes to functionality on your business card. Remember, the primary goal of a business card is to convey information clearly.
Your font choice should prioritise readability. It needs to be easily legible to everyone who receives your card. While the font size shouldn’t dominate the card’s space, it also shouldn’t shrink to the point of unreadability. Similarly, steer clear of low-contrast fonts and intricate, swirling cursive fonts that can obscure your message.

While adding social media links to your business card is a smart strategy, it’s essential to be selective. Opt for links to your professional business profiles, ensuring they represent your brand appropriately. Be mindful not to include personal accounts that may not be suitable for sharing with professional contacts.
Inappropriate Content
While it’s tempting to add personality or humour to your business card, it’s best to be cautious. What one person finds funny, another might find unprofessional. When designing your visiting cards, it’s essential to consider your audience. Not everyone shares the same sense of humour, and it’s essential to maintain a professional image until you’ve had the chance to gauge their preferences.
A cluttered card
Visiting cards are essential for sharing key details about your business, but they’re not meant to cram in every detail. Save extensive explanations for your website or other promotional materials.
Include only the essential details on your visiting card such as: your name, title, email, and phone number. You might also include your website URL or office address if relevant. Consider adding a brief summary to remind recipients of your main offerings.
Get creative with additional information—try a catchy tagline or a one-word description of your services instead of overwhelming them with too much detail.
Related: How to Design a Good Business Card?
Need help with a custom card design
Business cards remain a timeless and essential marketing tool for professionals. However, ensuring they contain relevant and accurate information is key to their effectiveness.
If you’re in need of assistance with custom design, our in-house team is at your service. Explore our catalogues and Contact Print to Brand for custom printing services.
Irrelevant social media handles