The trend of going digital is increasingly prevalent in our lives. We can see this shift everywhere; even small details like the way we interact with others are now primarily done through messaging apps or email rather than with business cards. Business cards have long been a cornerstone of networking and maintaining connections, but with so much focus on digital profiles these days, many people wonder if they’re still relevant. In this post, we will explore the pros and cons of investing in business cards, how you can stand out from the crowd, and how to get the most bang for your buck when it comes to investing in them.
What is a Business Card?
A business card is a small card that you can hand out to others in order to get your name out there and build your network. They’re a great way to share your contact information without having to write down your email or phone number on a napkin or piece of paper. They’re great for networking and growing your professional network, especially if you’re in a field where networking is important, like in sales or marketing. Business cards can come in many different formats. They can be printed on paper, cardboard, plastic, fabric, bamboo, wood, or any number of other materials. They can also be printed with a variety of different materials, like foil stamping or different types of raised text or images.
Why Do You Need A Business Card?
This is a crucial question to ask yourself before investing in business cards. You may not need them at all if you primarily interact with others via social media or email. In fact, it’s probably a better idea to share your contact information through digital means than through business cards, which can be easily lost or misplaced. If you do interact with lots of people in person, however, business cards are a great way to stay organized and have a permanent record of your contact information. Business cards are especially important if you work in sales and networking. In those fields, you’ll likely be handing out a lot of cards, and will potentially be receiving them from your customers as well. It’s much easier to stay organized when you have all of that information in one place and can easily access it later.
Why Are Business Cards Still Important?
Even in a digital age, business cards are useful in many situations. If you’re in sales, your customers may want to keep your card on hand in case they want to follow up about a purchase. People in many other industries also rely on business cards, like educators or doctors who want to give out their information to patients. If you’re a freelancer or own a small business, you may not be in a position to have business cards printed because you may not have a physical address. Having a card that lists your digital information is still very important, especially if you want to network with people in person.
The Importance of Networking With Business Cards
Networking is an important part of building a successful career or growing a small business. It’s an opportunity to connect with people who can help you or who can introduce you to new opportunities. Networking can be intimidating if you’re not sure how to go about it, but having business cards can make the process a little bit easier. When you meet someone new, it’s always a good idea to exchange cards with them so you can follow up later. This is especially important if you’re meeting someone in a position to help you advance your career or start your own business. Networking is a two-way street, so be sure to follow up with people when you get cards from them as well.
The Benefits of Printed Business Cards
Business cards can be a great investment if you want to stand out from the crowd. If you want to make yours stand out even more, there are a few things you can do. First, consider printing them on unique paper or on different types of cardstock.
You can also consider double-sided business cards. Instead of just having your name and contact information on one side, have it printed on both sides. That way, you can share a bit more about yourself when you hand over your card.
The Benefits of Digital Business Cards
Nowadays, many people interact with others by email or through messaging apps, so it can be difficult to find the right way to let others know who you are and what you do. That’s why so many people opt for business cards these days. In addition, there are plenty of ways to connect with others through messaging apps like Facebook, Slack, etc. You can also use messaging apps on your phone or tablet and have your contacts’ contact information in one place.
5 Ways to Stand Out With Your Business Cards
Whether you go digital or stick with print, your business cards should stand out when you give them to someone. It all depends on the design that you choose. Here are several ways to stand out with your business cards.
Use a Unique Design
If you’re ordering business cards online, look for ones that are printed on a unique paper stock or are printed with a special design. These little details can go a long way in standing out from the crowd.
Implement Branding
Make sure your business cards match the branding of your company if you own your own business. This includes the color scheme as well as the font you use for your name and contact information.
Give It Texture
If you’re looking to stand out from the crowd and get more bang for your buck, you may want to consider foil stamping or embossed cards. These techniques can give your cards a unique look and make it easy for others to hold onto them. Embossed cards are perfect if you want to leave an impression on others. Pay special attention to this technique when selecting a business card printer.
Increase the Weight
If you’re looking to stretch your business card budget by using a thinner or lighter paper stock, think again. If you use a thinner stock, your cards will be easier to lose and harder to keep on hand in case someone wants to follow up with you later. Instead of stretching your budget, look for a heavier cardstock that is thicker and sturdier. This way, your cards will be more durable and easily recognizable when people handle them.
Include a Sales Line
It’s a good idea to include a “sales line” on your business cards. This is basically your elevator pitch for telling people who you are and what you do. It should explain what value you bring to the table, what kinds of products or services you offer, and why people should care about that.
3 Tips for Getting the Most Value Out of Your Business Cards
Having your business cards is not enough; you need to be using them regularly to get any value. Here are several things that you can do to get the most value out of your business cards.
Carry Business Cards at All Times
It’s always good to have a few cards on you in case you need to give them out to someone right away. And you never know when you’ll meet someone who needs your services and wants to follow up with you later.
Keep Track of Your Cards
If you carry multiple cards with you, you need to keep track of which ones you are giving out and to whom. Make sure you write down this information so you can follow up later with the people to whom you gave cards.
Don’t Pass Out Cards Randomly
While it’s good to get cards in circulation, you don’t want to pass them out willy-nilly without thinking about who might want one. Think about the type of people you want to meet and make sure you have cards for them.
The Bottom Line
Business cards are an important part of every networker’s arsenal because it makes it easy for them to pass on their contact information to potential clients or employers. But with so many cards on the market, it can be hard to stand out. If you’re interested in investing in business cards, make sure you have a reason for doing so. For people that mostly interact with people through digital means, you can still benefit from having a card by storing it digitally.
Contact Us to Improve Your Business’s Communication
Business cards serve as a kind of communication. When someone calls your business number, it’s important that they have a professional interaction with someone that answers the phone. We can help.
If you’re ready to get started with a professional answering service, we’re here to help. Contact Answer Aide by calling (866) 427-3500 or by filling out our online form. We’re happy to partner with you to support your business while it grows.