Are you tired of feeling like business cards are a thing of the past in the digital age? You’re not alone – but the truth is that they are still an important and valuable asset for businesses of all sizes.
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According to a survey conducted by the Printing Industries of America, 74% of people said they would rather have a tangible business card than an electronic version. This demonstrates the value that people place on physical business cards and the lasting impression they can make.
Here are 10 reasons why business cards are still important in today’s digital landscape:
1. Demonstrate professionalism and commitment
Business cards are a tangible way to make a lasting impression on potential clients or partners. While it’s easy to forget an email or social media profile, a well-designed business card is something that people are more likely to hold onto and remember.
2. A quick and convenient way to exchange information
They provide a quick and easy way to exchange contact information. In today’s fast-paced world, people don’t always have the time to enter someone’s information into their phone or email. A business card allows for a simple and convenient exchange of contact details.
❝66% of people said they were more likely to remember a company if they had a business card.❞
3. Serve as a mini-marketing tool
Business cards can serve as a mini-marketing tool, showcasing your brand and highlighting important information about your business. A well-designed business card can give people a sense of what your business is all about, and what sets you apart from the competition.
4. Establish credibility
They can help to establish credibility and professionalism. A high-quality business card demonstrates to potential clients or partners that you take your business seriously and that you are willing to invest in your brand.
5. Act as a reminder of your business.
Business cards can be used as a reminder of your business, especially if they are well-designed and memorable. If you hand someone a unique and eye-catching business card, they are more likely to remember you and your business when the time comes to make a purchase or hire a service. The style and quality of your business cards will convey more about your business than the information printed on it.
6. Be a useful networking tool
They can be a useful networking tool, especially at events or conferences where it may be difficult to remember everyone you meet. A business card allows you to make a lasting impression on people you meet and ensures that you have a way to follow up with them later. What type of impression your card makes comes down to the design, materials, print quality, and finish.
7. Serve as a call to action
Business cards can serve as a call to action, directing potential clients to your website or social media profiles. By including links to your online presence on your business card, you can encourage people to learn more about your business and what you have to offer. The higher quality of the business card the less disposable it is. Expensive cards are retained longer than cheap ones.
❝78% of people said they were more likely to do business with a company if they received a business card.❞
8. Differentiate yourself from competitors
They can be a way to stand out in a crowded digital landscape, where it can be easy to get lost in the sea of emails and online profiles. A physical business card can make you and your business stand out and can be a memorable way to differentiate yourself from competitors.
9. Be a cost-effective marketing strategy
Business cards can be a cost-effective marketing strategy, especially if you design and print them in-house. With the right tools and resources, it’s easy to create and print high-quality business cards at a low cost. But most home/office printers have limitations on the thickness of card stock they can handle, you’re also missing out on a variety of finishing options like spot varnish and foil stamps. Consider your customers, a small gardening business would be ideal for homemade cards, but a professional landscaping company should opt for a more professional finish.
10. Showcase your brand and what you do
They are a simple yet effective way to showcase your brand and what you do and can be a valuable asset in any business’s marketing toolkit. Even in the digital age, business cards remain an important tool for building relationships, making connections, and promoting your business.
❝A survey by Vistaprint found that 84% of people believe that a business card reflects the professionalism of a business.❞
Conclusion…
While business cards may seem like an outdated trivial marketing tool, they still have the potential to have a positive impact on your business. Especially if the business you’re in is associated with high-quality, luxury, or professional services.
There are several characteristics that can make a business card of high quality:
- Professional design:
A well-designed card reflects the professionalism of your business. It should be visually appealing, well-organized, and easy to read. - High-quality materials:
A card should be printed on durable and high-quality materials, such as thick cardstock or plastic. - Attention to detail:
A card should pay attention to details, such as correct spelling and grammar, and should use appropriate fonts and colors. - Unique and memorable:
A card should be unique and memorable, setting it apart from other business cards. This can be achieved through the use of interesting graphics, unusual shapes, or other design elements. - Relevant information:
A card should include relevant information about your business, such as your name, title, company name, contact information, and any relevant logos or branding elements. - Legible:
A card should be legible, with text that is easy to read and not cluttered or overcrowded. - Customized to your business:
A card should be customized to your business, reflecting your brand and values. - Well-organized:
A card should be well-organized, with the information presented in an easy-to-read and logical manner.
Overall, a business card should be professional, well-designed, and relevant to your business. By investing in high-quality design and printing, you can create business cards that stand out and make a lasting impression on potential clients and partners.
So don’t be too quick to discount the power of the business card – it may just be the key to your business’s success.
Hue Marketing Founder
Seasoned marketing strategist and information junkie, with over 25 years of hands-on marketing experience. Phuket based since 2003.
I completely agree with this article! Despite living in a digital age, there’s still something special about receiving a physical business card. It adds a personal touch to any business interaction and shows that the person is prepared and professional. Plus, having a tangible reminder of someone’s contact information is always helpful, especially if you’re someone like me who sometimes forgets to save phone numbers or email addresses in their phone. I think business cards are a small but significant tool for making a great first impression and building lasting business relationships.