How to use the back of business cards: 11 creative design ideas

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Your business card contains a lot of essential information about your business. Your logo should be loud and proud on the front of your card, along with the name of your business. On the back, you have a little more space to be creative — whether it’s with a QR code or an appointment reminder. Here, discover 11 creative back-of-business-card ideas, and check out how some real small business owners are making the most of this blank space.

Add a QR code.
Provide some practical info.
Offer a reward.
Get social.
Spotlight a customer testimonial.
Add something special.
Show off your slogan.
Remind customers of their next appointment.
Thank your customers.
Include a map of your location.
Tell customers your story.

1. Add a QR code.

When it comes to business cards, you have a limited amount of space. So, if you want to share something that takes up more space than the backside of a business card can offer, direct customers to your website — like Kristi Frank, owner of Clutch Creations, does on her card. Whether you link to your restaurant menu, your specials or your online shop, a QR code makes it easy for customers to learn more about your business, place an online order or book an appointment with a simple scan.

2. Provide some practical info.

Do you sell a product or offer a service that requires follow-up care? Add the details to the back of your business card, whether it’s a list of recommended hair care tips or instructions for reheating your takeaway meals. Or, perhaps your restaurant or venue has a bustling events calendar. Include an upcoming event schedule on the back of your card.

3. Offer a reward.

The backside of business cards is a perfect place to reward customers for their loyalty, or surprise them with a special offer. Whether you use a stamp loyalty card design or include a welcome offer with a freebie, adding a reward to your business card is a great way to encourage customers to hold onto it.

4. Get social.

Use your card to tell customers where they can find you on social media. On the back of the business card, include social icons of the platforms you use along with your username. Take a cue from CXDSN’s shop and include a line of copy encouraging customers to follow you and tag you in their posts. You could also add a QR code that links to your social media profile of choice!

5. Spotlight a customer testimonial.

Positive customer reviews make great additions to marketing tools — even your business card. Use this blank space to showcase some of the kind words your customers have left, and don’t be afraid to update the testimonial every time you order a new batch of business cards.

6. Add something special.

Surprise and delight your customers with something special on the back of your business card. Do you run a restaurant or a bar? Include a recipe for your signature dessert or cocktail so customers can DIY it at home. Are you a mobile tarot card reader or fortune teller? Add monthly horoscopes to the back of your business cards. Can you think of a funny joke that’s relevant to your industry? Get some laughs from your clientele by printing it on the back of your card.

7. Show off your slogan.

Do you have a catchy tagline or fun slogan for your small business? Give it a place to stand out on the back of your business card, like Clutch Creations does with their cards. Owner Kristi Frank uses this line of copy to create a pattern-like effect that’s really eye-catching.

8. Remind customers of their next appointment.

Want to remind customers when their next hair appointment is, or when they should get their next oil change? Include a spot on the back of your business card to note the date and time of their next appointment or service date.

9. Thank your customers.

Adding a ‘thank you’ message to the back of your business card is an easy way to show appreciation to your customers. Whether you tuck one into their order, like By Holly, or staple one to their receipt, it’s a simple gesture that can go a long way — and make their unboxing experience a little more special.

10. Include a map of your location.

Add more than just your address to your business card — include a map showing where your brick-and-mortar location is. This can be especially helpful if your location is tricky to find (maybe you share studio space with other makers), or if you want to show customers where they should park.

11. Tell customers your story.

Want to give customers some background info on your small business story without taking up a lot of space? Include a meaningful anecdote or your brand’s mission statement — like Yukon Soap Company does on their square business cards. This will give customers a better idea of who you are, especially if they’re new to your business.