Why You Should Keep To Tradition With Physical Business Cards
We’ll share the reasons for continuing to use traditional business cards.
With people spending ever-increasing amounts of time glued to their digital devices, it’s been claimed that physical promotions, such as business cards, are resigned to history. Indeed, research carried out by Ipsos I has revealed that 23% of adults have ever given out a business card.
Despite such statistics, physical business cards are still considered as essential promotional tools for many professionals. Go to any networking event or business conference and you’re still bound to see good numbers of people exchanging business cards. We’ll look at some of the reasons for their continuing popularity here.
Tangible Connection in a Digital World
Claims about the demise of the business card can be compared with those about the reduced popularity of the book given the option of reading on digital devices. People generally prefer to have something tangible that they can hold in their hands and keep to look at when they like. The printed business card can be a point of difference to the everyday connections that are made online.
There’s a sense of commitment to tradition that can be maintained in the exchange of business cards. This is most obvious in many Asian cultures, where it’s expected that business cards will be given with two hands and a bow. The swapping of cards is also an important practice in Latin America and Africa. It’s a key consideration for international business travellers.
First Impressions Matter
As with all aspects of business promotion, first impressions count. For example, there’s an expectation that business cards will be translated and readily shared after business meetings in Japan. Although British people may be a little more forgiving, you don’t want to be in the position of not being able to exchange or only having creased business cards to hand.
An expertly designed business card is bound to be seen as a sign of your professionalism. You can make a stand-out impression with a business card that blends the visual elements of your brand with clear and easily understandable text. It’s been found that most people consider coloured business cards as being more memorable than plain black and white versions. There’s also a shared belief that thicker business cards look more professional.
As one respondent to a CreditDonkey business card survey said, “The corporate world is still filled with business cards. It’s the number one networking tool. It’s the icebreaker during a meeting and the branding when you part.” And it’s effective too, with sales increasing by 2.5% for every 2,000 business cards that are handed out.
Networking Made Easy
As mentioned, it’s still common practice to hand out business cards when meeting and mingling at business events. It’s a mistake to assume that everybody will have their mobiles close to hand, that there’ll be a wi-fi connection, and that you’ll be active on the same social media sites. However, you can quickly and easily share your business information with a well-designed business card. It’s a super-polite and unobtrusive way of sharing your contact details too.
If you’re keen to show that you’re on the ball then there’s the option of adding a QR code, which could link to your business website or social media profile page. At the very least, you should include your name, business name, and contact details (ideally with a professional email address). It’s also common practice to add your company logo and tagline. However, you should aim to keep your card fairly simple and easy to read.
Here are some other business card recommendations:
- Remember that thicker business cards are seen as being more professional
- Ask for a second opinion before sharing, as business cards that look and feel cheap are bound to put people off
- Choose the traditional size (the same as the standard credit card) for convenient storage
- Have your card printed on recycled paper as a sign that you take your environmental responsibilities seriously.
Creative Possibilities
From the inclusion of distinctive shapes and fonts to the choice of materials and finishes, there’s endless potential for creative business card design. However, it’s worth investing in a professional business card design service for the right blend of textual and visual detail. And that’s where thefingerprint comes in; offering a bespoke business card design service that effectively expresses your business identity.
So, make the smart choice and get in touch with thefingerprint for a first-rate business card design service.
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