More than any other time in recent history, our ability to manage our lives from a smartphone or laptop is unparalleled. Stuck in rush hour traffic? With the swipe of a finger, you can arrange for dinner to arrive at your doorstep the same time you do! You can now even chat face-to-face with your doctor without leaving your home.
With so many advancements in the way we communicate, it’s understandably tempting to exchange business info quickly via text message.
Just as there are distinct advantages to seeing your physician in person, there are many reasons why the significance of business cards shouldn’t be overlooked.
Are Business Cards Becoming Obsolete? Not So Fast!
I recently had an interesting conversation about digital business cards. You know, those clever little devices you tap against someone’s phone, and poof! Your contact information is instantly saved.
Pretty cool, right? But here’s my question: Will they remember who you are?
I have thousands of contacts in my phone. THOUSANDS! And being in my 50s, sometimes I’ve forgotten someone’s name before they’ve finished introducing themselves. Don’t judge me. 😂
Now imagine meeting someone at a networking event, tapping phones, and going about your day. Three months later, you need their services. What was their name again? John? James? Jerome?
Congratulations! You’ve successfully added another mystery person to your phone.
That’s where I believe a well-designed business card still has an advantage. A beautiful business card is more than contact information. It’s a tiny piece of marketing that someone can actually hold. The right colors, typography, paper stock, and design can make it memorable enough that someone wants to keep it.
Sure, it might end up in that infamous pile of business cards sitting in a desk drawer. But when someone needs your services, they can flip through that pile, recognize your card, and remember your conversation. Try doing that with 3,000 contacts named John.
Don’t get me wrong. I love technology. Digital contact sharing is convenient, efficient, and certainly has its place. But convenience and memorability aren’t always the same thing.
As a graphic designer, I’ve always believed that good design should do more than look attractive. It should make an impression that lasts. Maybe the smartest approach isn’t choosing between digital and print. It’s using both.
Now I’m curious: Do you still save business cards, or have you gone completely digital? And be honest, how many people are saved in your phone that you couldn’t identify if your life depended on it? 😂
Breathflow Girl business card, featuring metallic gold foil printing.
Provides Credibility For Your Business
A business card is one of the first things you need when you start your enterprise. These handy selling tools show that you’re a legitimate business which should be taken seriously. Not to mention, there’s a segment of the population which still feels more comfortable maintaining a business card book or some other physical organization system. Believe it or not, the iconic Rolodex is still actively in use today by people who prefer a more tactile way to keep up with their business contacts.
Visibility
Business cards remain a great marketing tool for strategic placement in locations that your target clientele frequent. The plumber whose business card ends up on a customer’s refrigerator will most likely be contacted first in times of an emergency. A well-designed business card is also an excellent way to promote your brand while networking at exhibitions and trade shows.
Mandatory In Some Parts Of The World
In certain parts of Asia, quite a bit of etiquette surrounds the presentation of one’s business card. In China, for example, courtesy requires exchanging business cards with two hands and placing the card in your business suit’s pocket instead of your back pants pocket. Business cards in the East convey significance and status, and it is considered highly inappropriate to attend a business function without them.
Economical
Business cards are an affordable way to promote your brand and can be ordered relatively cheaply in bulk. Whether you’re a one-person firm or you employ a whole team of professionals, make sure you have a steady supply of business cards ready to advertise your brand!
Make An Excellent First Impression
Distinctive and eye-catching business cards, professionally printed, can reflect the preeminence of your brand while making a great first impression! The thought you put into your card’s design also conveys the quality service and attention your business will provide.
Convenience
One of the greatest advantages of having business cards is they can be carried at all times and presented the moment you spot an opening. You never know when a casual chat while waiting in line at the grocery store will lead to your next business contract! Don’t miss out on unexpected opportunities due to a lack of preparedness.
Ready to get started? Contact me today for beautifully designed cards to elevate your business to the next level!
Original article written by Tahnee Eubanks. Updated commentary by Marcus Hardaway.
Make Your First Impression Count
A great business card should do more than share a phone number. It should reflect your brand and give people a reason to remember you. If your business cards—or your overall brand identity—could use a fresh perspective, I’d love to help.
