Making a good first impression can be decisive in winning or losing a client—especially when you're just starting out as a freelancer. And even though it's 2025 and we're deep into the digital age, business cards are still essential for standing out and creating opportunities in the professional world.

Having your card ready, whether in physical or digital format, allows you to connect in a professional, fast, and memorable way. Therefore, it’s important to understand what a business card is for and why you shouldn't underestimate its value.

Business Cards for Freelancers: What They Are, Types, and Why You Should Have One

What is a business card?

It’s a small printed or digital document that summarizes who you are as a freelancer.

It usually includes information such as:

• Name.

• Specialization or role (like designer, copywriter, developer, etc.).

• Contact information.

• Personal logo.

• Website.

Generally, it includes brand-aligned colors and other representative elements. Some even come with a QR code that links directly to a portfolio or website.

Its function is to help you share your professional details clearly and accessibly. This way, potential clients or collaborators can reach out to you easily.

Whether you’re at an event, a meeting, or even in a coffee shop, having your card on hand can open the door to new opportunities.

What is a business card for?

This small piece is not just to share your number or email—it works as a mini professional presentation. One that can leave a memorable mark when you're networking or offering your services.

But let’s break it down and see exactly what a business card is for:

• Introduce yourself professionally. It gives the reader a clear and direct introduction to what you do.

• Connect in any context. You can hand out your card without having to explain too much in different scenarios—at an event or even during a casual chat.

• Summarize your freelance identity. With just a few visual elements and details, you convey who you are, what you do, and how to contact you.

• Make first contact easier. Giving a card removes the need to look up info on your phone or dictate your details.

• Show your personal style or brand. The design of your card says a lot about you—from the colors to the tone of your message.

• Accompany your proposals or deliverables. You can include it when submitting a quote or a sample of your work, reinforcing your presence.

In other words, it helps build trust, convey professionalism, and make it easier for potential clients to remember and contact you.

Types of Business Cards [+Example]

There are two types of business cards: printed and digital.

Printed Business Cards

These are traditional cards in physical format, printed on paper or cardstock and commonly handed out at events, meetings, or trade shows. Their dimensions vary between 75 x 45 mm, 85 x 55 mm, and 90 x 50 mm.

A standout feature of these cards is that they have two sides: a front and a back. The front can be used to include a phrase, while the back is useful for adding information without overcrowding the design.

Printed Business Card Example:

Digital Business Cards

Now, what is a digital business card?

It is similar to the classic card, but in an electronic version. They are designed to be shared instantly through digital channels.

For digital cards, size in pixels is more relevant than physical dimensions. Typically, the standard resolution is 1080 x 620 px (horizontal format).

Their content is almost always on a single side, as they are meant to be viewed on a screen or as a file (image or PDF). The most modern ones use a vertical layout to fit the screen of a mobile phone.

Digital Business Card Example:

Differences Between Printed and Digital Business Cards

Each has its own characteristics that may make it more or less useful. It all depends on the environment in which you work or the type of clients you communicate with.

How to Make a Business Card

The creation process should be strategic, whether you choose to create a physical or digital business card.

These are the general steps:

1. Define your goal and audience

The first thing you need to do is answer questions like:

• What do I want to achieve with this card?

• Who will I give or send my card to?

Knowing clearly what you want to communicate and who you are addressing will help you choose the most suitable style, tone, and content.

2. Select the information to include

You don’t need to write a summary as if it were a job cover letter. A business card should only display the essentials so people can remember and contact you, with data such as:

• Your full name.

• Logo (if you have one).

• Profession or service you provide.

• Email address.

• Contact phone number.

• Website.

If social media is relevant, you should include it too. Even a physical address, if necessary for your freelance activity. Just avoid overloading it with unnecessary details.

3. Choose the correct format

Before designing, think about how you’re going to use your card.

If you often attend events, fairs, or in-person meetings, a printed card will be more useful. In that case, you can use the back to include extra information, like a slogan or a QR code to your portfolio.

On the other hand, if you work remotely or do networking online, a digital card will be more practical. This allows you to add interactive elements, social media links, or WhatsApp. Plus, you can share them through remote work tools like Slack.

You can also opt for both versions to adapt to different contexts.

4. Design with your personal brand in mind

The design of your business card should match the colors, typography, and style you use—for example—on your website. These elements should reflect your identity as a freelancer:

• If you’re a designer, you can take creative risks.

• If you’re a consultant, keep a clean and professional style.

What matters is that it aligns with your personal brand.

5. Prioritize readability

The information must be instantly legible, with a clean and clear design. Avoid colors that don’t contrast, and prioritize a visual hierarchy that allows your name and contact details to stand out immediately.

6. Test before sharing or printing

Check spelling and make sure all information is correct. Don’t forget to see how the card looks on different devices (if it’s digital) or in hand (if it’s physical).

Benefits of Having a Business Card

Having a business card provides real advantages for any independent professional, including:

• It increases your offline networking opportunities. Even if you work from home, your card helps you start conversations and move forward in prospecting new clients.

• Preparation. Not having to look up your number on your phone or improvise how to introduce yourself makes a good impression.

• It makes you easier to remember. If you choose an attractive design and a clear message, it’s more likely people will remember you after a meeting—especially if it communicates your essence and services simply.

• It supports your personal branding strategy. A well-designed card also reinforces your personal brand, helping you stand out from other freelancers. At the same time, it positions you as someone reliable.

• It’s practical and easy to use. Whether printed or digital, you can always have it ready in your pocket or on your phone.

Your card helps you introduce yourself, position yourself, and connect—without needing long explanations.

Programs and Tools to Create Business Cards

Any freelancer can create digital or print-ready cards without advanced design knowledge.

Here are some recommended options:

• Microsoft Publisher. Allows you to lay out printed cards using easy-to-edit templates and guides.

• Canva. Offers pre-designed templates to create cards in minutes with professional results.

• Adobe Illustrator. If you're a graphic design professional, this program gives you full control over every element.

• HiHello. A platform specialized in interactive digital cards. You can include links, buttons, and share it via email, QR code, or social media.

• Adobe Express. Lets you add text, images, and download in high quality—perfect for quick but customizable designs.

Remember to add DolarApp to your toolkit to get paid by foreign clients in digital dollars. Plus, you won’t need intermediaries to convert your earnings into your local currency—you can do it from your phone at a favorable exchange rate.