Let’s be real. How often have we thought about the small piece of paper we distribute at events, meetings, or interviews? You know, business cards. Given all the noise about branding, website & digital presence, and everything in between. It’s easy to think about business cards printing as an afterthought. So, when you share your business card the next time, remember that it’s more than just a card – it’s a representation of your brand.

To the point, if you are a business owner, freelancer, or corporate executive, you have had to do business card printing at least once. The real question is, were the business cards effective? Would your business card accurately show who you are and what your marketing company in Dubai does? Or even worse. Were they handed out and tossed in the trash right away, ignored, or did you feel embarrassed sharing them?

Now let’s identify the most typical mistakes that come to mind about business cards printing, the reasons for the errors, and how not to make mistakes like these.

Most Common Business Cards Printing Mistakes

1. Choosing Low-Quality Paper Stock

One of the first things to notice about a business card is the texture.  Cheap or thin paper can make your card seem cheap and also make it less durable.

Here’s a tip: Always opt for premium or heavyweight quality paper — we prefer anything with a weight of 300gsm or more. A matte or glossy finish can also enhance the touch of your card. When we counsel clients, we also take them down a path of high-end finishes that are impressive the first time you touch them.

2. Forgetting Bleed and Margin Settings

Bleed is an area where the ink is printed, allowing the card to appear seamless when fully assembled.  The design must include bleeds (or margins) to prevent cropping issues or unwanted white space surrounding the printed item when complete. 

Pro tip: Always include a safe margin (including a 3mm bleed) in any designs you create. This is especially important if you expect the printers to print and accurately cut your cards using their professional machines.

3. Skipping Proof Checks Before Printing

We may sound like we’re preaching to the choir, but you’d be surprised at how many people skip the last proofreading detail. It can be just a small mistake, a typo, or an erroneous phone number, and you now have a stack of useless cards.

Pro Tip: Be vigilant with your design files. We suggest you check everything – better yet, have someone else check it also. When we work with a marketing firm in Dubai, such as Color Print, we always send both digital proof and print-ready proof before the printing phase.

4. Using Low-Resolution Images or Logos

Images that appear okay on your screen may print pixelated or blurry. This is especially true for logos.

Pro Tip: Always ensure that the pictures and graphics in your card design are of high quality. Using vector files for logos will result in them scaling clean and not losing quality while printing.

5. Printing Without a Clear Call-to-Action

Your business card is not merely a name tag. It’s a marketing piece. Many business cards leave excellent functionality on the table.

Pro tip: Include a call to action, such as “Book a free consultation” or “Scan to see portfolio” (with a QR code). Then you are making your business card an interactive entry point to your brand.

6. Not Reflecting Brand Identity

If your card does not align with the colors, tone, and philosophies of your brand, it sends a message of disconnection. 

Insider Tip: Utilize professional designers to ensure that the business cards designs align with your overall brand’s identity, including font, typeface, color, and logo usage specifications. Here at Color Print, we can help you with coherence across all your printed and digital designs.

7. Printing at Home or with Inexperienced Vendors

While using a DIY approach may seem like a bargain, home printing can never quite match the quality of professional printers, such as the quality of the ink, smudging, or misaligned print. Can you imagine how bad it would be if your invitation was poorly printed (and ruined your standing)?

As a tip, consider working with a highly regarded advertising company in Dubai, such as Color Print. Our professional service features the latest technology and high-end finishes to make your card truly shine.

In Short

In truth, avoiding common pitfalls when printing your business card is less about beautification and more about consideration. Every choice you make, ranging from the paper to the font, reflects how your target consumers will view your business and brand. When you manage to avoid dreadful problems, you are on far safer ground, having a better business card by thoughtfully integrating with professionals to get a card not only to look good but also to do something for your company. 

Can you, after all, print business cards that recognize your awesomeness?

Then, our friends at Color Print – the leading advertising company in Dubai, would like to collaborate with you to find a solution. Whether you need consultation, an estimate, or a conversation about your business cards designs, we’re here to help you make your business cards great!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How much do I pay for business cards printing? 

A: You’ll pay anywhere from AED 100 to AED 500 for business card printing, depending on the quantity, the card materials, and the quality of the finish. In general, however, it is better to pay for quality rather than quantity.

Q2: Do I need to make the business card before arriving at the print shop? 

A: Yes! Color Print can provide design services for you, but you may also send us your design files if you have them. Additionally, we will assist with any necessary downloads of your artwork to prevent printing issues. 

Q3: How long does it take to have business cards printed in Dubai? 

A: Typically, it takes us around 2–4 working days to print business cards from when we receive final proof approval. We offer an express service for those with an urgent need to publish business cards. 

Q4: Do you offer any eco-friendly printing products for business card printing? 

A: Yes! We have printed business cards made from recycled paper with eco-friendly ink. Ask our team about our green options!