Using Color in Business Cards

Of all the forms of non-verbal communication, color is a serious contender in conveying messages and meanings. Color is often called the "silent salesperson," and should grab the holder's eye, convey the message of what the business is about, create a brand identity, and make that sale. Business cards are an essential marketing tool, so selecting the right colors can make all the difference.

The effect of color is subliminal and we are unaware of how persuasive it can be on our decision-making. Below are some emotional associations to color that people tend to experience. These are important to keep in mind along with how to combine them when creating effective business cards that will appeal to your prospective client.

White: Pure. Clean. Youthful. It's a neutral color that can imply purity in fashion and sterilization in the medical profession.

Black: Power. Elegant. Secretive. The color black can target your high-end market or be used in youth marketing to add mystery to your image but when combined with other colors it can be prestigious and formal.

Red: Passion. Excitement. Danger. Red is the color of attention, causing the blood pressure and heart rate to rise. Use red to inject excitement into your brand.

Orange: Vibrant. Energy. Play. Add some fun to your company if you want to create a playful environment for your customers.

Yellow: Happy. Warm. Alert. Yellow can be an attractor for your business with a relaxed feeling.

Green: Natural. Healthy. Plentiful. To create a calming effect or growth image choose green.

Purple: Royalty. Wise. Celebration. Maybe add some purple tones to your look for your premium service business.

Blue: Loyal. Peaceful. Trustworthy. Blue is the most popular and neutral color on a global scale. It is a safe choice for a business building customer loyalty.

Consider how these colors are being used in your current business cards. Are your colors projecting the personality and image you want? If not, it could be time for a color makeover.

Don’t re-create the wheel – the color wheel that is. Using complementary colors are those on the exact opposite side of the color wheel. If you choose a bright blue, the color on the opposite side is yellow. Use complementary colors on your business card to create a strong contrast between text and background or to separate elements from one another in a dramatic fashion.

Of course you may be working with a company logo that already has its color determined. No worries, there are creative ways to play with color and design to give your business a fresh new appeal.

21 fun examples: http://blog.uprinting.com/21-colorful-business-cards