In an era of digital connections, business cards might seem like relics of the past. But don’t be fooled—these pocket-sized marketing tools are still incredibly powerful when done right. They’re not just pieces of paper; they’re your personal brand’s first impression that can open doors and create lasting connections.
Many people have discarded traditional marketing strategies like custom business cards, but face-to-face networking will always be a big part of building a successful business. If you find yourself at a conference or other networking event, presenting a potential partner with a well-crafted business card is the best way to make sure they remember you and your company.
In this article, we’ll go over the keys to creating high-quality business cards, how to distribute business cards properly, and why business cards remain one of the best marketing strategies even in today’s digital world.
- Why Business Cards Are a Great Marketing Tool
- Business Card Design
- Business Card Printing Options
- Distribution Strategies
- Using Business Cards As Part of a Larger Marketing Strategy
- Creating Your Own Business Card
Why Business Cards Are a Great Marketing Tool
Your business card is a visual handshake, and making a great first impression matters more than you might think. Your business card is often the first tangible representation of your brand that clients will hold in their hands. If they’re greeted with a premium feeling card with captivating visuals, they are far more likely to use your products or services.
Here are a few reasons why business cards are such great marketing tools.
It’s Convenient
Imagine you meet a potential client at a conference, and they’re interested in doing work with you. You could ask them to pull out their phone and enter your contact information, but that process is inelegant and unprofessional. If you pull out a nicely designed business card that they can take with them, it’ll help cement your business proposition in their minds.
Looks Professional
Having a polished business card printed on high-quality materials shows that you’re dedicated to your business, highlighting your attention to detail and professionalism. It can also demonstrate that your business is successful, lending you additional credibility with potential clients.
Not Reliant on Technology
You might encounter potential customers who don’t like working with smartphones, and in these instances, business cards provide a wonderful alternative. You never know when you could run into a potential client, so having a supply of business cards on hand can help you promote your business without having to rely on technology.
It’s Expressive
Creative professionals such as designers, photographers, and artists can showcase their skills directly through an illustrative business card. You can provide a potential client with a sneak peek of your art style.
It’s Real
In a world dominated by emails and instant messages, it’s refreshing to receive something tangible. Business cards bridge the digital divide by offering a physical reminder of a conversation. When someone places your card in their wallet, desk drawer, or card holder, it’s an artifact of your interaction that will stay with them.
Business Card Design
Not all business cards are created the same. While a well-designed card can leave a lasting impression, a poorly designed one can quickly end up forgotten—or worse, tossed. 88% of all business cards are thrown out within the first week, so you have to ensure that your business card stands out and grabs the attention of whoever is looking at it.
Here are a few tips to help make your business card design stand out.
1. Focus on Simplicity
A cluttered business card can overwhelm the recipient and dilute your message. Keep your design clean and precise by focusing on the essentials: your name, job title, company name, and contact details.
2. Use Readable Fonts
Your business card should be easy to read at a glance. Choose a font that is clear and professional, and avoid too decorative or overly small text.
3. Strong Branding
Your business card is an extension of your brand. Blend in your company’s logo, colors, and design elements to create a cohesive look. Consistency with your other marketing materials, like your website or brochures, reinforces brand recognition.
4. High-Quality Materials
The feel of your business card matters just as much as its look. Using high-quality paper stock or unique materials like textured paper, metal, or plastic is an extra step that can make your card stand out. However, keep in mind that using a special finish can be an extra cost when printing your cards.
5. A Unique Shape or Finish
Most standard business cards are rectangular and measure 3.5 x 2 inches. While this standard size is practical, experimenting with other shapes or finishes can make your card memorable.
Again, using unique shapes and styles can lead to extra costs. If you plan on veering from the standard business card dimensions and using a unique finish, consider ordering a smaller quantity to keep costs affordable.
6. Add Color
Color can make your business card pop, but it’s important to use it reasonably. Stick to a color palette that aligns with your branding. Bright or bold colors can attract attention, while neutral tones can convey sophistication and professionalism. Strive for a balance that matches the tone of your business.
7. Double-Sided Design
Don’t neglect the back of your card—it’s valuable real estate. Use it wisely to include additional information, such as a tagline, a list of services, a call to action or even a blank space to jot down some notes! You can also use the back to display a QR code linking to your website, portfolio, or social media.
8. Personal Touches
Adding a personal element can make your business card design more memorable. For instance, if you’re in a creative field, consider a custom illustration or a witty tagline that reflects your personality. A personal touch can leave a lasting impression and make you stand out from the competition.
Business Card Printing Options
The physical quality of your printed business cards is just as important as your business card design. If you have two business cards with the same design, but one was printed on regular printer paper and the other was printed on durable and weighty paper stock, the latter would be far more appealing to potential clients.
Shop Business Cards for the Best Results
Before you print your business cards, make sure to get a sample of the material your cards will be printed on. Some card stocks have a soft touch finish, whereas others have a rougher edge. Your card should feel premium in the hand so that potential customers are more likely to hold on to it.
When finalizing your business card, you can customize your card by choosing from various paper stocks with different thicknesses and coating options. Here are a few other things to consider when you are designing and printing your business cards.
- Consider the standard business card size or opt for a custom size.
- Select from a variety of printing options, including spot gloss and matte finishes.
- Check the paper type and coating options to ensure the best results.
- Make sure to include a bleed area when designing your business cards.
LogoMaker can help you create business cards that stand out with our suite of powerful tools and thousands of customizable templates.
Distribution Strategies
According to a report from Adobe, the number of sales increases by 2.5% for every 2000 business cards that get passed out. In order for your business cards to be impactful, you have to hand out a lot of them. However, you shouldn’t just hand out business cards indiscriminately; you have to be strategic about your business card distribution.
Networking events, conferences, and industry meetups are prime opportunities to distribute your business cards, but don’t stop there. Think creatively about where your ideal customers or collaborators might be. A coffee shop frequented by professionals in your industry, a local business networking group, or even a community event can be perfect distribution points.
Custom Business Card Options
Business cards are a very versatile marketing tool. You can create a standard business card template with your company logo, color scheme, and other marketing elements. Then, you can customize that template to suit the specific needs of any particular situation.
For example, if you’re presenting at a tradeshow or conference and you have a booth, you might want to print a variation of your business card instructing people to come visit you and provide your booth number. By using templates, you can make these kinds of creative edits to your business card while maintaining the design and style of the card.
Using Business Cards As Part of a Larger Marketing Strategy
You should use business cards as a complement to your other marketing efforts. You can include your business card in your email signature or other online communications.
Additionally, consider using business cards to help promote discounts, sales, or giveaways. Business cards are just one tool in a marketer’s toolbelt.
Digital Business Card Integration
Your business card should bridge physical and digital networking. QR codes can link directly to your portfolio, Instagram profile, or landing page.
Consider including your social media handles or a unique hashtag that encourages digital engagement. Some professionals are even experimenting with digital business cards that can be instantly shared via smartphone.
Creating Your Own Business Card
Boost your company’s marketing work by designing your business cards with our LogoMaker DIY tool and design templates.
Once you’ve selected a template, use our intuitive design tools to add your personal information, such as your name, title, and contact details. With LogoMaker, you can create a unique and professional business card in just a few clicks.
If you still need to get a logo, you can use our logo maker tool to create one that captures the essence of your company. Choose your industry and then input your business name. Our AI tool will generate logos specifically tailored to your business.
From there, you can customize your favorite design by adjusting the font, colors, and layout until it perfectly represents your brand.
Conclusion
Despite the collective move towards digital marketing, business cards remain an incredibly powerful tool for bringing attention to your business and attracting new customers. Business cards provide a tangible and convenient way to connect with potential clients while promoting professionalism and competence.
Being handed a well-crafted business card can create a lasting impression. By designing an eye-catching card and being mindful of the best methods of distribution, you can harness the power of business cards as a marketing tool to elevate your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are business cards still relevant in the digital age?
Yes they are! While digital tools are great, business cards are a personal, physical connection that can’t be replaced by a digital handoff. They’re often the first physical representation of your brand, leaving a lasting impression that digital contact info might not.
What information should I include on my business card?
At the very least, it should contain:
- Your name
- Job title
- Company name
- Phone number
- Email address
- Website or portfolio link
Optional elements include a link to a social media site, a physical address (if relevant), or a QR code that links to your online presence.
What size should a business card be?
Standard business card size is 3.5 x 2 inches (88.9 x 50.8 mm). It fits in wallets and card holders. You can play with shapes and sizes, but make sure it’s portable and practical. Use high-quality paper stocks to make it feel great.
Should I use both sides of the card?
Yes, using both sides of the card makes it more useful. For example, the front can have your essential contact detail,s and the back can have your logo or tagline, QR code or a promotional message.
Can I include a photo on my business card?
Yes, you can include a professional photo of yourself, especially if personal branding is important in your industry (e.g. real estate, consulting). Just make sure it’s aligned with your brand and looks polished. Adding a photo will also mean additional printing costs.
How many business cards should I carry with me?
It’s always better to have too many than too few. For networking events or conferences, carry at least 50-100 cards. On regular days, keeping 10-20 cards in your wallet or bag ensures you’re always prepared for unexpected opportunities.
Should I print business cards in bulk?
Printing in bulk is cost-effective, especially if you frequently network or attend events. However, avoid overprinting if you expect changes to your contact information or branding in the near future. Start with 500-1,000 cards for small businesses. However, keep in mind specialty cards with a unique business card size, soft-touch finish, or other different design elements.
