10 advantages of Business Cards

Digital has transformed how we make business connections. But in the age of LinkedIn, are Business Cards still effective?

Absolutely. Here are 10 benefits of Business Cards that shouldn’t be forgotten…

1. Affordable way to promote your brand

Cheap Business Cards can be bulk ordered for a relatively low cost. The number you print is flexible – vary the quantity depending on how many you’re likely to use day-to-day. Say you’re heading to a trade show one month, and you can increase your order at short notice.

It’s also cost-effective to print for multiple people but with different names – for example, your sales team.

2. Fantastic for events and exhibitions

Exhibitions and trade shows provide the perfect opportunity to promote your brand and build your contact base. Such events are perfect for meeting new contacts and making sales.

But often potential leads go away to think about whether to buy or take things further – this is where exchanging Business Card is invaluable, ensuring they have your contact details should they want to get in touch.

Plus, if you’re an exhibitor at a show, they take up zero space on your stand and give people a reminder of your brand to take away with them.

3. Something tangible – the business equivalent of vinyl records

People are increasingly favouring hard copies. Something they can hold and feel. Look at the rise in book sales and the ongoing vinyl revival. Business Cards are part of this analogue renaissance.

They’re a little part of your brand people can take home – to pin on their fridge or stuff in their letter rack. Make it harder for people to throw them away with strong design and content that shows how your service can solve their problems.

4. Easy to distribute and display

Printed Business Cards can also act as a static display, where people can pick them up as they pass by.

Exhibit them anywhere, including:

• Store counter-top
• Pinned on an office noticeboard
• Held in a display holder

Ensure your name and company are visible when on display – think, is the right information above the fold? Thinking carefully about what to include on a Business Card before it goes to print is time well spent.

5. Perfect for certain industries and jobs

We’re living our lives on our laptops and smartphones. But often only a tangible Business Card will do – for example, if you’re working on the land, or at an exhibition centre with poor Wi-Fi.

Think about the following small businesses:

• Builders and landscapers use Business Cards to pass on details when mobile signals fail
• Plumbers and electricians use them to put their name in front of potential clients with an urgent problem
• Landscapers use gardening Business Cards to earn repeat business and referrals to new customers
• Street food stalls use them as an affordable marketing tool to promote their brand on location

6. Remembers email addresses for you

Phone numbers, email addresses and names are all easy to forget. Business Cards capture that information in one place so you can recall it long after meeting that person.

They may even have used your card to create a contact in their phone or work email. This is a great example of how Business Cards and digital marketing complement one another.

7. More visible than an email

You send someone an email about your brand. It looks great and details the key information. But it’s only doing its job when people open it.

A Business Card is a constant, physical reminder of your brand. People won’t look at them all the time, but if they have them on their noticeboard, desk or fridge at home – you’re in their eye line more than with an email.

8. Leaves a lasting professional impression

Nothing implies professionalism like a Business Card accompanying a handshake after a client meeting, networking event or completed job.

Having a Business Card says a lot about you and your business, but with a personal touch. When you hand one over to a client, it demonstrates that you’re a reliable representative of your company, which can leave a lasting impression.

9. Pocket-sized to carry at all times

Keep cards in your pocket when you’re working and even when you’re not working – you never know when an opportunity will present itself. Small and concise, these bite-size promotional tools take up barely any space but can help you capitalise on unexpected opportunities.

Spend time on your design and content. This will give people:

• A clear idea of your brand identity
• Your key messages framed as benefits
• All the information they need to contact you

The compact nature of Business Card dimensions ensures that they are convenient to keep on your person in any scenario.

10. Helps visually commit your brand to memory

Business Cards allow you to be bold with your branding. They’re an opportunity to use strong visuals and graphics for advertising you and your company.

Be creative when contemplating your Business Card design ideas and using them to create your own artwork. Incorporate logos, pictures and eye-catching colours to build a picture of your brand. A well-designed Business Card is a window into what your business offers and can help commit your business to memory.