Even in a digital world, business cards are still important. They have lasting appeal because of their tangibility—they can be slipped into a wallet or pinned on a bulletin board. A custom business card with multiple businesses printed on it can be a huge advantage for small business owners and freelancers who balance multiple ventures. Rather than carrying a separate card for each company or service, present all of your offerings on one well-designed business card, letting potential clients and partners quickly understand the scope of what you do. In this article, we’ll discuss when multi-business cards make sense, how to design them effectively and the most important information to include so your card remains clear, impactful and memorable.
- Why carry a different card for each business when you can showcase all your services in one? It’s a simple way to help people discover everything you offer without juggling multiple pieces of paper.
- A business card with multiple businesses must be organized to avoid confusion. Use clear sections or subtle dividers to highlight each service. Keep the layout tidy so recipients can find what they’re looking for at a glance.
- Even though each brand might have its own look, it’s smart to use similar fonts, colors and layouts to unify them. Cohesive design elements help keep things visually harmonious, no matter how different your businesses are.
- Multiple company logos can coexist harmoniously if sized and positioned just right. Try balancing them on the card so each one shines without overshadowing the others.
- Before ordering your cards in bulk, always proof your design and order a small test batch to catch typos or tweak color issues.
What is a business card with multiple businesses?
A business card with multiple businesses printed on is a single printed card that represents more than one company, service or profession. While business cards traditionally feature just one business, these cards are designed to include multiple. For example, if you run an online marketing agency and a photography business, you could include both on a single card so the people you meet are aware of everything you offer.
Before your next networking event, read up on business card etiquette. Traveling abroad? Learn international business card etiquette first.
What are the benefits?
When networking, making a good first impression is everything. If you have multiple businesses, instead of fumbling around for multiple cards, a card with all of your various details on means you only need to pull out one. Showcasing your multiple ventures on one card not only streamlines valuable interactions, but can prompt curiosity and conversation.
Source: Business cards via VistaPrint
Who should use business cards with multiple businesses printed on?
Are you wondering if a multi-business card makes sense for you? Here are a few scenarios where it’s especially valuable.
Entrepreneurs with multiple businesses
Many small business owners diversify income by offering several services or products. If you own a hair salon and run an e-commerce hair product business, featuring both websites and contact details on one card helps customers understand all you offer in a single glance. Or maybe you’re a real estate agent who also offers interior design services? A business card is perfect for communicating that unique overlap.
Freelancers
According to a study by Upwork, a growing number of Americans earn a living through freelancing. For graphic designers who also dabble in web development, a single business card listing both areas of expertise can simplify networking, while letting potential clients know the scope of your services.
Sister businesses
If you run closely related ventures, like a gym and a health food business, merging them on one card emphasizes the connection between them. That way potential customers and partners can see how you cater to complementary needs.
Source: Business cards for a gym owner via VistaPrint
Networking at events or trade shows
Handing out one business card that includes various ventures is far more convenient (and memorable) than distributing multiple cards. A unified design can make a strong, professional impression at the next local event or small business trade show you attend.
What information to include on your card
Most business cards include essential information like the person’s name, business name, company logo, job title and contact information. But business cards with multiple businesses might have more than one logo, URL, social media handle, job title and even tagline. Because a business card has limited real estate, focus on the details that will help people find you (online or offline) and understand what you offer.
Your name
Your name should be front and center, anchoring the multiple business details that follow.
Your title
If you hold different roles for different businesses, you can either combine them under your name, like “Owner/Co-owner: Serenity Spa/Serenity Yoga Studio,” or list them separately.
Source: Custom business card design by Terry Bogard via 99designs by Vista
Business names
The name of each business should be clearly distinguishable (separate lines or distinct sections). If they’re related but have different brand identities, make sure each name is large enough to be instantly recognized.
Company logos
Logos are important for brand recognition. Size and place them on your card so they’re clear. If two logo designs clash visually, consider printing them on different sides or dividing the card in half (half for one brand, half for the other).
Source: Business cards via VistaPrint
Contact details
It’s simpler if you use the same email address and phone number for all businesses, and can make your card look less cluttered. Otherwise, separate and label contact details appropriately.
Business websites and socials
Ask yourself what action you would like the person to take after receiving your card. Is it to visit your website? Include the relevant URLs. Or if you want to direct them toward your Instagram profile or TikTok page, list the social media handles.
Taglines or slogans (optional)
If you have short taglines that distinguish each brand, you can include them in smaller text. Avoid paragraph text to keep the card clean and uncluttered.
QR code (optional)
QR code business cards can direct people toward specific websites and social media profiles or to a landing page listing your multiple businesses. This approach saves space and is especially helpful if you have more than two businesses.
Source: QR code business card via VistaPrint
Try not to list every social media handle or include long product or service descriptions. A business card sparks interest, while explanations are better left to your website.
How to design a business card with multiple businesses on
With 72% of people judging a company by the quality of their business card, make sure your card is well-designed, speaking volumes about your professionalism and breadth of services. By following simple design principles, like clarity and consistency, and placing logos with consideration, you can ensure that your card is both functional and visually appealing. When done right, a business card with multiple businesses can look sleek rather than cluttered.
Step 1: Design the layout
- Dimensions and margins: Standard U.S. paper business cards measure 3.5″ x 2″. Leave at least a 0.125″ bleed area around the edges. This ensures that no text or graphics get cut off during printing.
- Choose orientation: Horizontal business cards are most common, but a custom vertical layout can stand out. A vertical split might also be handy when including two businesses.
- Create zones or divisions: Decide if you’ll place each business side by side, top to bottom or front and back. A simple sketch can help you visualize the final design.
To make sure you get your layout just right, check out this article on the fundamentals of business card layout.
Step 2: Apply your brand identity
- Fonts: Refer to each brand style guide and use brand fonts or pick a neutral font that complements the different visual identities.
- Colors: Integrate brand colors without overwhelming the card’s design. If your brands have radically different color palettes, use a neutral background color, leaving it to the logos to represent each brand.
- Consistent styling: Try to keep line thickness, icon style and other decorative elements consistent across the different sections. This creates a unified look and professional feel.
Source: Custom business cards via VistaPrint
Step 3: Customize the design
- Shapes and borders: Subtle borders or shapes can help divide and organize the card. If you have to separate contact information, a thin line or color block can do the trick without adding clutter.
- Backgrounds: A plain color background is a classic. If you prefer pattern or texture, ensure it doesn’t compete with the text and logos. Clarity comes first.
Step 4: Add text and logos
- Prioritize readability: Include your name in a slightly larger font, followed by job titles or roles. Each business name or logo design should stand out.
- Place logos: If the logos are similarly proportioned, place them side by side in the top or bottom area. Or company logos can “live” in opposite corners, leaving the center open for text.
- Use a visual hierarchy: Order the information in order of importance. Print your name first, then business names, then contact details.
Step 5: Review and print your cards
- Proofread: Double-check text, phone numbers and formatting for spelling, accuracy and consistency.
- Choose a printing partner: VistaPrint has hundreds of design templates, user-friendly design tools and a range of finishes for premium business cards without the price tag.
- Pick the stock and finish: Matte, glossy or textured paper will change the card’s look and feel. If you want a premium appearance, consider thicker paper stock or high-end finishes like foil.
- Order a test batch: Make sure you love the final result. If needed, refine your design. Once you’re satisfied, order enough to take to networking events and carry with you wherever you go.
Want more on how to design a business card? Read the ultimate guide to business card design and the 10 golden rules of business card design.
Design examples and layout ideas
For design inspiration, take a look at current business card trends and browse examples at 99designs by Vista. Here are a few layout suggestions for cards with multiple businesses.
Source: business card design via VistaPrint
Split layout (horizontal or vertical)
- Pros: Easy to designate distinct zones for each business, avoiding clutter and confusion.
- Cons: If the company logos differ greatly in shape or scale, balancing them can be tricky.
- Best for: Two businesses of equal importance that can be displayed side by side or top and bottom.
Front and back
- Pros: Each business gets its own real estate: one side is devoted to Business A and the other to Business B.
- Cons: Double-sided printing may be more expensive and there’s a chance people won’t flip the card. Won’t work if you have more than two businesses.
- Best for: Businesses that need more room for distinct messaging or brand visuals.
Cohesive one-sided design
- Pros: Creates a cohesive all-in-one business card design that doesn’t need to be flipped.
- Cons: Can look cluttered unless there’s overlap, so careful alignment is crucial.
- Best for: Sister businesses that have similar visual identities or brands that share contact information and social handles.
Corner logos, central text
- Pros: Minimalist approach, leaving a clean middle area for your details.
- Cons: Detailed logos might be hard to read if scaled down to fit corners.
- Best for: Businesses with simple logo designs.
Shared middle, top/bottom separation
- Pros: The center can contain your name and contact details, while the top and bottom sections display separate business information.
- Cons: Mismatched color palettes might clash if not carefully balanced.
- Best for: Individuals who use the same contact information for multiple businesses.
A card fit for a multi-talented individual
One unified business card can be a powerful tool for anyone offering more than one business, product or service. Printing all of your details on one card allows you to neatly convey your versatility, reduce clutter in your wallet and make a strong lasting impression. The trick is striking the right balance so that each business shines without overcrowding the card’s design or confusing potential clients or partners.
Whether you run sister companies or offer separate freelance services, a thoughtfully crafted multi-business card can help you stand out and keep all your contact details in one easy-to-share format. Take the time to get your design just right and you’ll have a networking tool that efficiently showcases everything you offer.
FAQs
Can I use a business card for multiple businesses?
Absolutely. If you have multiple businesses or services, combining them on one card can streamline networking. You’ll no longer need to hand out separate cards for each business, and clients or contacts will understand right away the breadth of what you offer.
How can I design a business card for multiple businesses?
Start by outlining the important details for each business: logos, company names, website URLs and contact information. Then decide on a layout: split, front/back or a unified one-sided design. Make sure your design is cohesive, using consistent or complementary fonts, color schemes and design style. Test different arrangements to find a clear, balanced look.
Is it professional to have multiple businesses on one card?
Yes, as long as the design is polished. A unified, well-structured card can highlight your range of expertise while still appearing professional.
What are some layout ideas for a business card with multiple businesses?
Top and bottom or left and right splits separated by a partition or shape are popular, as is dedicating each side of the card to a different business. You can also place both logos on one side with shared text on the other. Alternatively, place logos in opposite corners with text in the center of the card. The main goal is to ensure each business’s identity and information is clear without overcrowding the design.
Can I use a QR code to link to multiple businesses on one card?
Definitely. A business card QR code is a smart way to direct contacts to separate business websites or to a landing page showcasing your different businesses, saving precious card space. Make sure the landing page is well-designed, user-friendly and clearly labeled to avoid confusion.
