The Importance of Business Cards
It might seem like everything is digital in the business world—especially with the advent of the Zoom meeting and widespread telecommuting in the COVID-19 era. While it might be true that most business is conducted virtually, there is still a very real need for a business card. The business card has no digital counterpart—it’s a tangible item that we still pass around in B2B meetings, at seminars, at tradeshows, and with potential vendors and customers.
If you’ve ever wondered why a business card is still important, read on for key insights.
Make a Great First Impression
Consider your business card an extension of your professional self. A poorly-designed business card is certainly not the way to put your best foot forward. A professionally designed card, however, sends a great message. Working with in-house graphic designers and printing pros can help ensure that your brand’s message stays on point.
Reap the Benefits of Direct Marketing
Although there’s no shortage of ways to market your business, passing out business cards is still an effective direct marketing tool. When you make connections at tradeshows or on an airplane, handing out your business card could easily turn into sales. Business cards are especially powerful because they legitimize your business. After all, you had to make an in-person connection before handing over your card.
Make Contacting You Much Easier
Sometimes a quick Google search can make it easy to find your phone number or e-mail, but information aggregated online isn’t always accurate. Besides, a potential sales call could be rerouted to a colleague of yours if a prospect calls your company’s main line. A business card can prevent these miscommunications. Not only is your contact information in plain view – so is the correct spelling of your name.
Develop Trust Among Consumers and Other Businesses
In the Digital Age of doing business, there is no shortage of fly-by-night, less-than-honest operations. This can make consumers and B2B partners justifiably apprehensive. Business cards, however, are a reminder of an in-person interaction, which helps vet and validate your professionalism.
How to Make a Business Card Stand Out
A small rectangular card might seem like a simple thing; just add a logo, your name, your job title, and your phone number and you’re set. The truth is that not all business cards are created equal. The weight of the stock used to the typeface can say a lot about your business and your professionalism.
Cheap stock and blurry logos can turn off potential collaborators, vendors, and customers. Going overboard with flashy colors, illegible fonts, and busy design can have the same negative effect.
Great design and quality stock can go a long way. When in doubt, consulting with a graphic designer and printing pro can help ensure that your business cards make a memorable impression. Although it might seem easier to use digital printing companies where you upload your own logo and select your typeface, working with professionals can help prevent you from making a business card faux-paus.
Our team at Pel Hughes understands great design and top-notch stock. If you’re in the market for a professional and sleek business card, give our experts a call at (504) 486-8646.
