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Long before smartphones, texting, and email became part of our daily lives, the only way to exchange information with customers and business colleagues was with business cards. Salespeople would give these small pieces of card stock to their prospects and customers to get sales in the future. Business professionals would bring them to meetings and conventions and use them to network with their peers.
Although technology has made it possible to share information instantly via mobile phones, printed business cards are still widely used in today’s business world. This Balboa Capital blog article features six reasons why business cards are relevant.
1. They offer value.
A business card is small, but its value is incredible. Well-designed and professionally printed cards that feature your brand logo, colors, and typography are an essential extension of your marketing efforts. Business cards are a great way to network with prospects and customers and can help generate interest in your company’s products or services. The longer your prospects and customers hold onto your cards, the more likely they will get in touch with you. When they do, you may have an easier time making sales.
2. They are personal.
Business cards provide a personal touch. Imagine being at an industry event and sharing your contact information over a bunch of text messages. Then, when you return to the office and check your smartphone, you might have difficulty remembering who’s who from your long list of new connections. If you collected cards, that would not be the case. Instead, you could look at any card and immediately get the necessary information.
3. They help generate sales.
Branding can be expensive, and not every branding strategy will produce a good return on your investment. For example, print advertising, online advertising, direct mail, and public relations can cost a pretty penny. On the other hand, business cards give you an inexpensive way to help generate sales.
4. They are pocket-sized billboards.
Your business cards convey your brand essence and provide all necessary contact information, such as a website address and a telephone number. Each time you hand out one of your cards, you are advertising your company, albeit on a tiny scale. The more cards you distribute, the more contacts and potential customers you will have. Over time, you will develop a nice-sized network. You can also expand your reach when people share your cards with others.
5. They help employees feel valued.
Sometimes, even the most minor things can make your employees feel good about working at your company. Perks like a catered lunch, company picnic, or surprise day off can make all the difference in the world. So, too, can business cards. When your employees receive a box of personalized business cards, their eyes will light up, and they will feel valued and important. In addition, your employees will elevate your brand when they give business cards to prospects, customers, vendors, etc.
6. Business cards are old-school, in a good way.
There is something unique and special about business cards. They are tangible and demonstrate that you care. They instantly generate interest. Moreover, they enable you to keep it old-school and have actual face-to-face conversations with the people you give them to. If you did not have business cards, you would need to stare at a tiny glass screen and enter each person’s contact information, which takes time and is not very personal.
Summary.
With the advent of digital printing technology, you can print your cards quickly without paying a lot of money. Therefore, do not skimp on paper stock or quality. Doing so looks unprofessional and can hurt your brand, not to mention your sales. The standard size for a business card is 3.5 inches by 2 inches, but there are ways to make your card more exciting and memorable.
It can be vertical, undersized, or printed on unique or heavy paper stock. Square business cards are also a popular option. Whether creating new cards or revising your existing ones, make sure they are simple and clutter-free. Avoid heavy graphics, unnecessary colors, and text that isn’t easy to read.
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.