5 Creative Uses for the Back of Business Cards?

Most people focus on the front of a business card and leave the back blank – a missed opportunity. In fact, a staggering 88% of business cards are thrown out, often because they fail to stand out. The back of your card is valuable real estate that can set you apart. By using both sides, you can turn a simple card into a mini marketing tool that engages recipients.

Let’s explore 5 creative uses for the back of business cards that will make a lasting impression and ensure your card doesn’t end up in the discard pile.

Why You Should Use Both Sides of Your Business Card

Using both sides of your business card instantly doubles the space to convey your message. This means you can include extra details or branding elements without overcrowding the front. Leaving the back blank is like forgoing a chance to promote yourself further, whereas a double-sided card transforms into a mini-brochure for your brand. It not only looks more professional but also shows you pay attention to detail – a blank back can even be seen as unthoughtful or cheap. Double-sided cards tend to be more memorable and engaging for recipients, giving you room for creativity that helps your card stand out. The slight extra cost for premium double-sided printing is worth the impact: you get a high-end feel and more design possibilities. 

In short, using both sides makes your card more valuable, impactful, and memorable for potential clients.

 1. Add a QR Code for Instant Access

In today’s digital age, a QR code on your business card bridges the gap between physical and online networking. Scanning a QR code with a smartphone can lead someone straight to your website, portfolio, or contact details. This interactive element provides a digital touchpoint that keeps you at the forefront of a client’s mind. For example, a designer might use a QR code that says “Scan to see my work,” instantly showing off their portfolio. A QR code can also direct to a LinkedIn profile, an intro video, or an app – anything you want to share beyond what fits on the card. It’s especially ideal for tech startups, creatives, and service providers who have rich online content. 

By using a QR code business card, you keep your card uncluttered while giving tech-savvy contacts an easy way to learn more about you. It’s a modern, interactive twist that makes your card more engaging and less likely to be forgotten.

2. Highlight a Special Offer or Discount Code

Why not transform the back of your card into a small coupon? Printing a special offer or discount code on your business card is a clever way to encourage future business. For instance, you could include a message like “10% off your first project – use code CARD10” or “Bring this card for a free consultation.” This gives recipients an extra incentive to hold onto your card and reach out. A card that doubles as a promo means it’s not just contact info – it’s delivering value. 

This strategy can drive conversions by nudging prospects to try your services or products. It also helps track the effectiveness of your networking: if someone redeems the code, you know your card made an impact. Make the offer clear and enticing (and consider an expiry date to prompt quick action). Such a personal deal turns your card from a passive handout into an active call-to-action that benefits the client. This little touch can effectively turn your business card from a simple contact tool into a “valued offer” that sparks customer interaction.

3. Showcase Your Tagline, Mission, or Values

Your business likely has a tagline or a mission statement – the core message that defines your brand. The back of your card is the perfect place to highlight it. A well-crafted tagline or a brief mission line can express your brand’s personality in just a few words, making your card more memorable. 

For example, a company might print “Innovation. Integrity. Impact.” or “Building solutions for a sustainable future.” This gives insight into what you stand for, beyond just your name and title. Sharing your mission or values helps create an emotional connection with the reader: it can resonate with their own values or spark curiosity. It also differentiates you from competitors by showcasing what makes you unique. Remember to keep it concise and impactful – the goal is a slogan or statement that’s easy to remember yet powerful. 

By using the back for your tagline or ethos, you reinforce your brand identity with every card handed out. It’s a subtle way to deepen the impression you leave and remind people what your business is all about.

4. Include Social Media Handles or Icons

In a world where everyone is on social media, making it easy for people to find you online is just good business sense. Use the back of your card to list your social media handles or include the platform icons (LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc.) with your username. This approach ensures that clients can reach you on their preferred platforms and be part of your online community. For example, a freelancer might print the icons followed by “/@YourBrandName” for each platform, or simply a line: “Let’s connect: LinkedIn – yourURL | Instagram – @yourhandle.”

By putting these on the back, you keep the front clean for your primary contact info while still providing multiple ways to engage. It’s wise to focus on the one or two platforms most relevant to your business and where you are active – quality over quantity. Adding a phrase like “Follow us for updates” or “Connect with me online” can invite engagement. This not only helps people stay in touch, but also lets them see more about your work and brand through your social content.

In short, listing social media on your card makes networking convenient and shows that your business is accessible and up-to-date in the digital world.

5. Feature a Mini Portfolio or Product List

For many creatives and businesses, seeing is believing. The back of your business card can act as a mini portfolio or showcase of your offerings. If you’re a photographer, artist, or designer, consider printing a small image of your work or a collage of a few thumbnails. A striking photo or design on the back can instantly demonstrate your style (and it makes the card aesthetically pleasing, increasing the chance it’s kept). This tactic has the same benefit as showing a sample of your work in person – it speaks for itself. Alternatively, if you offer services or products, you can list a few key services or best-selling products on the back. Keep the list short (perhaps 3-5 core offerings) so it’s easy to read. For example, a marketing consultant might list “Brand Strategy, SEO, Content Creation, Workshop Training.” This gives the card holder a quick snapshot of what you do, beyond your job title. It’s like handing them a tiny brochure along with your contact info. 

Just be sure to design it in a clean, legible way – maybe using bullet points or a tasteful graphic – so it doesn’t feel cluttered. By featuring a snippet of your work or services, you provide immediate value and context, making your business card far more informative and engaging than the average card.

Make It Count: Design Tips for Double-Sided Cards

Having great content on both sides of your card is powerful – but only if it’s presented well. Here are some design tips to ensure your double-sided business card remains professional and effective:

• Keep it simple and uncluttered: Don’t overload the back (or front) with too much text or graphics. Focus on one or two key elements. Ample white space helps maintain a clean, visually appealing look. A balanced design is more inviting to the eye than a wall of text.
• Ensure readability: Use legible fonts and a font size that’s easy to read. High contrast between text and background is essential. After all, even a great offer or tagline is useless if people can’t read it. Also, double-check that any QR code is large enough and works from a quick scan.
• Consistent branding: Both sides of the card should align with your brand’s colours, imagery, and tone. The design on the back should complement the front. This cohesion reinforces your brand identity (see our guide on designing a business card that reflects your brand for more tips).
• Use high-quality printing: Double-sided cards should be printed on quality cardstock to prevent any show-through of ink. A sturdy card with a good finish (matte, gloss, or velvet) gives a premium feel. Remember, people often judge your business by the quality of your card – a well-printed card boosts credibility. If budget allows, opt for premium double-sided printing so both sides look sharp and professional.

By following these design best practices, you’ll ensure that the creative additions to the back of your card are presented in the best light, enhancing readability and overall appeal.

Make Every Millimetre Work for Your Brand

Every square millimetre of your business card is an opportunity to strengthen your brand. By using the back of your card wisely, you transform a simple card into a powerful marketing tool. We’ve shown you 5 creative uses – from interactive QR codes and enticing offers to bold taglines, social connects, and mini portfolios – each of which can give your card an edge over the ordinary ones. The result? A business card that not only shares your contact info but also tells your story and engages your audience. Don’t let the back of your card go to waste; make every bit of it count towards leaving a memorable impression. 

Ready to refresh your cards and elevate your networking game? Explore double-sided options at Space Print and make sure your next batch of business cards works overtime for your brand.