Do You Still Need Business Cards?

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Technology enthusiasts are predicting that the digital age will

eventually bring an end to traditional business cards, and they may be right, but for the time being

they are very much a part of how we do business.

First Impressions Count

They might only be a simple piece of card but they are often the first impression a new contact will get of your company, and they are invaluable for exchanging details quickly and easily during those chance meetings with potential customers, suppliers, or partners.

Business cards are still an essential piece of business stationery, particularly when you’re launching a new business.

Alternatives to Business Cards

There are various digital alternatives to business cards popping up, such as apps on mobile devices that do clever things like linking to social media profiles, but at the moment physical business cards still have a number of advantages.

Cards are a tangible reminder of your meeting or encounter and their physical presence will prompt your new contact to get in touch.

A business card validates your business and your role within the company. A new contact is more likely to take you seriously if you give have a business card to give them.

Design Your Business Card

The design should include your business logo and use the colour palette that you have chosen for your business.

Even the font should be chosen to match the font on your letterhead and website to create a seamless experience for your contacts across all forms of communication with your business.

The quality of your business cards is also important. Pay a little extra for good quality printing and thicker card stock as this will create a better impression.

Business Card Content

Keep the information on your card to a minimum so the card doesn’t become too cluttered. The following are essential:

• Business name • Logo• Your name• Your job title• Your e-mail address• Your phone number• Website

Some business choose to use the back of their business cards for additional information.

This has a couple of downsides, firstly because business card holders are designed with the assumption that the back of business cards will be blank, and secondly because the blank backs of business cards are a great place to scribble additional notes.

A bold coloured back is a stylish way to make your business card a little different.

If you do want to print something on the back, make sure it isn’t information that is essential for someone to contact you.

You could add your web address, your company slogan, or even a QR code that links to a welcome page on your website.

For the foreseeable future business cards are still a vital way of getting your details in front of new contacts and validating your business.

They help to build you brand and to remind new contacts of their conversation with you.

When you’re designing your business logo, setting up your website, and finalising your stationery, make sure you don’t overlook the humble business card.

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