You’ve probably received a business card at a social event, or some friend has shared theirs with you. Maybe you wonder if having a business card is necessary for this day and age thanks to technology continually evolving (we can find anything at the touch of a button!). At the same time, you worry that being original is expensive, so you are not sure if investing in business cards is the right thing for your business right now. If this is your case, let me show you how to leverage business cards in your favor and how to stand out ahead of your competitors.
Table of contents
- What is a business card?
- Why use business cards?
- The relevance of a unique design
- Budget vs. creativity?
What is a business card?
A business card is the first tangible way to communicate what your business is all about. It’s part of your brand’s essence and identity. And you have the power to determine what you want to convey and in which way. But remember! Your design also must be consistent with your brand. Let me give you a couple of examples:
- You own an elegant home furniture company. You have chosen opaline as a material and pastel colors for your business card when it has no relation to what you are selling. In this case, you are not projecting the proper tone.
- On the other hand, if you lead a sustainable and eco-friendly construction company and your card is printed on recycled paper, using the same range of colors as your brand, your customers will immediately recognize it.
Why use business cards?
Technology can help us find any information we may need in a matter of seconds, but it also has some limitations. What do I mean by this? Suppose that you go to a meeting or a networking event and don’t have a business card on you and that there are so many people that mobile connectivity is not reliable at the moment. In this case, you will not be able to share your information and show your work’s quality; you could even look unprofessional. Is that the image you want to give?
Additionally, you might want to share your contact details with someone, hoping the person you are talking to can write it down on their mobile device or some paper. But let’s be practical, what are the chances that they will review that information again? Besides, business cards are small and easy to carry! You can store them in wallets and give them away quickly when people are in a bit of a hurry. It is a tool that will likely never go out of style.
Plus, if you have a business card with a creative and innovative design, they will remember you. People will want to reconnect with you if you make an excellent first impression of yourself and your business. This way, you will attract more customers, business partners, and potential investors; thus, creating a chain reaction as your customers share your card with more people.
The relevance of a unique design
When we talk about business cards, we automatically think of the rectangular shape with its standard measurements of 3.5 x 2 inches. If you are looking to stand out, you should think outside the box and play with its shape and design. Business cards can be large, small, square, or oval and have rounded corners, a particular form, or perforations. Perhaps include information on one or both sides, create one with a fold for more space, or use a QR code that leads clients to your website or portfolio (if you don’t know how to get started on a website, check out our article 5 Great Benefits of Using WordPress).
There are thousands of possibilities for textures and finishes. You can emboss them or use a different material like couché, opaline, plastic, and metal. Make them magnetic, stickers, 3D, or a key chain. Check out Forbes for more tips on how to make your business card stand out. It will talk to you about not only design but also the best way to approach your audience.
Budget vs. creativity
Having a unique and innovative design does not necessarily mean that it will be expensive to print them out. First, it is essential to discard the idea that you must print hundreds of business cards. Do you need to deliver them to as many people as you can?
You have to be strategic and selective of people who are best suited to become clients. Think about who and what kind of people you would like to work with. Consider who could help you expand and reach other people who may be interested in your brand. Handing out dozens of business cards will not ensure success. Many of those business cards may also end up in the trash or lost, which is not what you might want.
Second, it is crucial to consider the budget you have before designing your business card. With this in mind, you might find inexpensive ways to innovate and stand out. Remember to break out from the standard and try to think outside the box. You can add elements created by you, such as watercolor paintings or a written message that leaves an excellent first impression. Dare to create something new, so they never forget you. In case you need inspiration, you may want to take a look at more examples in desingmodo.
