Quick answer
Do business cards still work for tradespeople?
A card helps someone keep or pass on your details after a job or a chat. It doesn't replace being on Google.
The jargon
The words you'll come across, in plain English.
- QR code: a square barcode people scan with their phone camera to open a web page.
- Bleed: extra background around the edge of a print design, trimmed off after printing.
- Proof: the final version you check before it's printed.
- Brand: how your business looks and sounds: name, logo, colours, wording.
What to put on it
What should I put on my business card?
- Your business name
- What you do
- Your name, if it helps
- Your phone number
- Your business email
- Your website
- The area you cover
- Company details, if you're a limited company
Design
How should a trade business card look?
Do this
A big phone number, strong colours and one clear next step.
Not this
Tiny lists of every service, town, social account and qualification.
Hand them out properly
When should I hand them out?
Good moments: when you finish a job, when you're introduced to someone, with suppliers, or when a customer wants to recommend you.
Is it working?
How do I know if cards are working?
Ask every new enquiry how they found you, or use a QR code or web address that only appears on the card. If you're a limited company, check what details you have to show.
Test the first batch
How many should I order first?
Print a small number and ask someone who doesn't know your business what they notice first. Keep one in your wallet for a week, scan the QR code in bad light, and type the web address in by hand.
- Check you can read it at arm's length
- Check the colours indoors and out
- Check it survives a pocket
- Only hand them out when it makes sense
- Ask callers how they heard about you
- Look at the results before you reorder
If you can't remember where enquiries came from, ask every caller one question: How did you hear about us?
Match everything else
Should my card match everything else?
Your name, logo, wording, number and website should match your van, quotes, email and Google profile. A card with an old name or a personal email makes a real business look unsure of itself.
- Keep the design files somewhere you control
- Note the printer, paper and size
- Keep an editable copy and the approved PDF
- Check you're allowed to use the logo, fonts and photos
- Date the approved version
- Bin old cards when important details change
Don't let the printer be the only one with your design. Anyone should be able to reprint or update it without starting again.
Sources
Where this guide comes from.
Checked against these official pages on 27/10/2026. Next check due 27/01/2027. Things can change sooner, so check the official page before an important decision.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions.
How many should I print?
Start small, so you can fix anything before a big order.
Should I add a QR code?
Only if the web address is printed next to it, and you've tested it.
Can I leave cards in shops and cafés?
Ask the owner first.
Should I put prices on my card?
Usually not. Prices go out of date, and you're stuck with the cards.
Can my apprentice have their own cards?
Yes, as long as their job title and details are right. Keep the phone, email and design in the business's name.
Got a question?
Send us a message and we'll point you in the right direction.
We're happy to help, even if it's not about a website.
