Business cards are not the sort of thing you can design once and never look at again. No, an effective business card not only needs to reflect your brand, both as a business and an individual, it should also be in line with current design and aesthetic trends to help get you noticed.

So, if you're looking at a traditional white rectangle and wondering how to make your card stand out, let us help you with these five simple and effective tips for creating a business card that wows.

1. Do some research
Lost among the sea of options? No clue where to begin? Collect any  business cards that have been piling up around your office, lay them on your desk and see what catches your eye. Make notes on what look you would like to incorporate into your new design. Alternatively, you can also jot down what you don't think works to remember when crafting a new card.

2. Include only the necessities
The last thing you want is a cluttered business card. You won't have a lot of space to work with – traditional cards are usually only 2 inches by 3.5 inches – and you might want to include as much information as possible. However, telling your business' story on a card will likely leave it unreadable and useless. Stick to the basics: name, title, company name,  phone number, email address and website. These days, you might consider skipping the fax number. Make negative space your friend.

3. Make your logo the focal point
Ideally, you have a simple logo that looks great when shrunk down – a good design principle to keep in mind. If you do, consider using your logo as the eye-catching point of your header. Logos are often the most recognizable images connected to a company, communicating what the business represents without words, slogans or anything else that will clutter your card. They may not remember your name immediately, but a logo will likely stick in their mind.

4. Consider an unorthodox shape
An outside-the-rectangle shape isn't appropriate for every profession or industry. However, if you are a creative type, consider putting your critical business information on a shape relevant to your job or product. For example, if you own a pet-grooming service, imagine a business card in the shape of a dog bone. Or, if you're a baker, go for a cake shape. Just remember: It needs to be easily identifiable. An amorphous blob of a business card is unlikely to garner the attention you seek.

5. Experiment with details
While a uniquely shaped business card might not be right for your, there are still details you can choose from to add subtle flair. Card material is one element you can play with. Rather than the typical cardstock, give some thought to using wood, plastics, metal or more. Keep in mind, you want these to be able to fit in someone's wallet.