Not long before today’s era of smartphones and social media, where people enter or share their personal or business details digitally, there used to be an era of business cards which consisted of the person’s personal or business details and was widely used in order to market their businesses and show off their style as well.
While business cards can serve these functions, the digital revolution is slowly questioning the existence of the former. So, we are here to answer the question ‘Do people still use business cards?’ and the answer is a very definite ‘yes’.
Here are some of the benefits of using physical business cards in today’s digital world.
Business overview in an easier way
While email is a very professional way to send the required information, business cards leave a long-lasting impression on your client when given in a friendly environment.
Not only that, there is something personal about handing over a business card. Business cards are usually exchanged at networking events, so chances are you’ve already made a bond or had some kind of interaction, making them a good way of helping someone to remember you.
Check out our guide to how to talk to anyone…
Brand identity
Your business cards represent your brand and become the brand identity. When you put effort into designing your card, it also reaps great results. The card becomes a solid reference. While designing your card keep in mind that it should reflect the values of your business.
Incorporating your logo is obviously a key element.
But also making it clear what your role is within your company and which office you work from, especially if there are multiple offices.
Quick marketing tool
A well-designed business card is a direct marketing tool because it is easy to exchange and can be given at any time, anywhere. It is not guaranteed where you might meet a potential client for your business, so sharing your business card with them is the easiest way to let them know of your services.
Word of mouth
Word of mouth is still one of the best ways to market your business and a well-designed, professional business card to even one client reinforces the verbal conversation you have with them. This builds more trust than a mere google search.
Now that you know the effects and advantages of using business cards, here are some of the best practices when it comes to actually designing and creating one.
How to design business cards
If you’ve found a good business card provider then they will normally provide a variety of templates you can customize. For many businesses, especially freelancers, small business owners or solopreneurs, these template business cards will likely suffice.
An example is Moo.com who offer a huge variety of excellent quality business card templates.
But lets look at how you can customize and build the perfect business card to convey your quality service.
Find a template that reflects your brand’s personality
Your business card forms a first impression of your business in your client’s mind so choose very mindful while choosing a template. Depending on how corporate or casual your business is, you can choose a professional or a more friendly looking template. If ever in doubt, talk to a designer who specializes in these services.
Find the right typeface
If there is a font you have been using on your websites and other marketing materials, bring them onto your business card. Again, depending on the profession or the niche of business, choose a font that best represents your brand.
Be sure to give more emphasis to your name or the business’ name and maybe make it larger or print it in bold.
Settle on a size or shape
The size and shape of your business card affects the amount of words you can print on it and also makes a statement about your brand.
Most business cards are rectangular in shape and laid out horizontally. This is a safe choice since people are more familiar with this style, although you can choose a design like rounded edges which gives it a more casual look.
Organize your information
Your information that is supposed to go on the card and the size of the card itself are co-dependent. The information needs to be organized according to the size of the card. It should consist of your name, business name and ways to contact you, online and offline.
When you are laying out the information on the card, make sure every piece of it is distinguishable and flows nicely with each other.
Double sided cards
Make your business card work twice as hard by making it double sided. The front side can contain your information and the back side can be used for appointment reminders, loyalty stamps or as a blank canvas to showcase something special about your business.
Your logo
Before designing your business card, you should have your logo ready. Your logo is the first thing that attracts a client’s eyes when looking at any marketing material. Same goes for your business card. Make sure to attend to the details of the logo so that the card has enough space for the rest of the information.
You can also use double sided cards by printing the logo on the front side and the rest of the information on the back side.
QR cards
You can set yourself apart from your competitors when it comes to marketing by using QR codes on your cards. by scanning the QR code on the card the client will be able to access the information you want like your contact details, address, email-id, etc. Benefits of using QR codes on your cards.
- Link the QR code to your social media and increase your followers and client base.
- Networking will become easy as your clients will be able to add your contact details to their phones with just one scan.
- You can provide your customers with some of your sample work which they can access by just scanning the code on your card.
- You can keep your clients and customers informed about new offers and much more by linking the code to your website.
If you’re looking for high quality business cards, we love MOO.
They provide easily the best quality business card designs and templates we’ve found anywhere. And whats more they deliver them quickly and in a handy carry box.
We use MOO business cards for various purposes here at Sentient Creative, including our content management and for our blog portfolio. Oh and whats more, once you’ve done your design with MOO, it’s easy to come back and edit it, or re-order for next time.
