Many brands do away with having business cards altogether in lieu of connecting digitally. Whether you’re texting someone your information or adding new people to your social media, in the age of the Internet, it makes sense to stay connected virtually. However, this doesn’t mean business cards aren’t an important tool for brands and businesses. Read on as Pedram Zohrevand makes a case as to why business cards are still effective in modern times.
1. Get Personal When Sharing Contact Information
Connecting with a colleague via digital means is now easier than ever. With the invention of LinkedIn and Facebook, you can now network comfortably from anywhere in the world. However, while many businesses are relying more and more on social media and online platforms to connect with others, experts like Pedram Zohrevand assert that this isn’t the most effective way to form relationships with others.
Just as it is easy to connect with new people virtually, these types of connections rarely go beyond adding a new friend or exchanging a few words. Alternatively, business cards allow businesses to connect with one another in a more personal way. The act of meeting someone and exchanging a business card is a far more personal interaction then sending out a friend request on the latest platform. The age-old tradition of passing out business cards encourages engagement and real conversations, which is the most effective way to start real relationships and develop bonds that will last a lifetime.
2. Market Your Business Effectively
Marketing is a tricky business. While brands today need to invest in email marketing, social media marketing, and search engine optimization, these aren’t direct forms of marketing. Business cards give people the opportunity to directly reach out to a potential lead anytime they encounter one. Whether they’re at a happy hour, in an airport lounge, or at industry conferences, having business cards handy makes solidifying a new connection easier than ever.
3. Give Others the Best First Impression of Your Brand
Businesses only have one shot at making a first impression with a future client or customer. While it’s important to do your best to make a solid first connection when marketing your brand online, first impressions in person can either make or break your business. Having a business card that accurately and memorably portrays your brand will always leave others with the best impression of your company.
One of the best ways to make a good first impression via a business card is to use quality paper and eye-catching visuals. A well-designed business card will always have more of an impact than a cheaper and unattractive card.
4. Improve Brand Awareness with Creative Cards
Creativity is something that doesn’t always come through when exchanging information over digital channels. While it’s easy to network by adding someone on LinkedIn, it’s not as memorable as passing out a uniquely innovative business card. Creative business cards always make an impactful impression as they’re a representation of your brand and personality that will always remind the recipient of your company.
An easy way to stand out with your business card is to use a non-traditional shape. Cards that are circular or square-shaped will automatically stand out more than the typical rectangular business card. Likewise, business cards that display the text in a creative way or use high-quality visuals will always be more memorable than those that don’t.
5. Always Be Prepared
Another reason brands should still invest in business cards is to display a sense of professionalism. The saying “If you’re always ready, you’ll never have to get ready” is very true when it comes to the concept of having business cards. Brands always appear more professional when they are ready to meet new people and connect with a high-quality business card. This approach shows your potential contact that you’re a business owner that cares about networking and takes their promotional efforts very seriously.
Business cards are just as important for today’s brands as they have been in the past. With business cards and effective marketing through digital channels, you’ll be able to improve brand awareness and stay connected with others, both on- and offline