After lockdowns and social division, the last few years have reminded us of the importance of face-to-face interactions. Texting and chatting on talk calls is a great way to stay in touch, but it can’t replace the emotion and impact of a face-to-face conversation and certainly doesn’t leave the same impression.

Take the humble business card. Did you know that 27 million of them are printed every day? Even though we’re in the digital age, the business card remains a tried-and-tested way for people to introduce themselves and their work – and, more importantly, to think of.

Business cards are so effective because they serve as a way for beneficiaries to take home a piece of the conversation. They’re like a keepsake that includes the content and context – the environment, the body language, and, of course, an idea of ​​what the company is.

The Value of Traditional Business Cards

In an online world, off-marketing adds a layer of validation. It serves as proof that companies really are what they say they are—so offline marketing will always play a role in business. That’s why the business card has been around since the 15th century.

72% of people judge a company or person by their business card, partly because they expect a lot of time and effort to go into a business card. But business cards also provide security—they contain people’s direct contact details, making recipients feel like they’re getting an exclusive, personal service.

The Impact of Digital Services on Business Cards

The remote revolution has indeed forced brands to step up their creativity. With so many companies competing for audience attention, standing out’s becoming increasingly difficult. However, with some companies opting for expensive solutions to stand out, the mighty business card can be far more successful.

Our eCommerce marketing specialist, Ambre Zachman says, “The push online has made printed material more enticing and valuable as it’s less common.” She points out that curating an experience around a business card will grab people’s attention much faster than the usual digital tricks.

The important element of business cards in the digital age is that they must be well designed and bring your brand to life. When you introduce yourself to someone in person, seize that moment and use your business card to get your story and DNA to life. Melanie Handl, our Custom Solutions Team Lead, says, “If you have a dog walker, try a die-cut fire hydrant or foil-embossed leash. If you’re an artist or photographer, a UV spot or embossed brush is powerful.” The possibilities for communicating your personality and brand are endless.

How has cross-work further impacted business cards?

The business world has gone through a lot of significant changes recently. With cross work now the norm, in-person meetings, and sales calls aren’t happening the same way. But that doesn’t mean more traditional tactics like business cards have lost their shine—quite the opposite. Business cards are evolving with the times.

Hybrid work requires hybrid branding. Ambre explains, “we need to tie our digital efforts to physical experiences so prospects and leads trust your brand and echo your message.” For example, if you just hosted a webinar, mail leads your business card afterward to create a fun, unsolicited unboxing moment.

Business Cards Still Matter In the Digital Age

Business cards have been round since the 15th century and have been used by various experts to promote their business. However, with the advent and flourishing of the digital age, many are questioning the importance of business cards. But before we get into the reasons why business cards are still important, let’s take a look at their brief history.

A Centuries-Old Tradition

The first uses of these small cardboard/paper cards probably date back to 15th century China. They were called “calling cards” and were given to hosts to broadcast the arrival of aristocrats and royalty.

In the 17th Century, Europe began using cards with similar functions but were close to playing cards in size and shape. However, as with their earlier Chinese counterparts, these were only used by the elite.

It was only around the 18th and 19th Centuries that these cards took on their business function that we of today are all familiar with. This was also around the time that “business card” usage became widespread among the middle class to the extent that most houses had trays for people to leave cards in. 

1. Simple and Effective

The Benefits Of Business Cards In The Digital Age: Why They Still Matter Allserviceindia.In Business cards are essentially pieces of paper/cardboard with information written on them. And yet, despite this, they always accomplish their goal – to create connections.

The reason for their effectiveness is very simple: handing anything to a person will cause them to look at (or even read) it for at least a few seconds. This becomes quite advantageous for anything written, let alone business cards. 

Another thing to keep in mind is that business cards were purposely created to be small and portable. This means that you can keep it almost anywhere, the most common being in a wallet. It also means that reading through it won’t take long. 

2. Shows Legitimacy

For anyone running a business, a client’s trust is extremely important. Business cards are a useful tool in earning a client’s trust for the simple reason that they have a physical item to associate with you. And since business cards almost always contain contact information, it gives clients a feeling of “safety” as they have someone to contact if they need anything. 

One can argue that setting up a web page for your business can achieve the same. However, social media sites have made this quite accessible to anybody who knows how to use them. Whereas not everybody will have a business card. It shows clients that you take them and your business seriously.

3. No Internet? No Problem

Having an impressive website or social media page for one’s business is great and all, but not being able to access it at all times is disadvantageous and may cause one to lose clients. This is when business cards become invaluable for not being internet-reliant. 

Furthermore, some only use the internet out of necessity and would greatly appreciate being handed a business card.  

4. Leaves a Great First Impression

First impressions are important when it comes to most things, even more so when it comes to business. Failing to make a great first impression can easily make or break deals or projects. This is where business cards come in handy. 

5. A Powerful Marketing Tool

Your business card is a miniature billboard for your brand. Use it to showcase your company logo, tagline, and a website address. Consider incorporating QR codes or NFC chips that link directly to your website or social media profiles.

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Conclusion

The Benefits Of Business Cards In The Digital Age: Why They Still Matter Allserviceindia.In business cards remain a valuable tool for building relationships and promoting your brand in the digital age. They offer a tangible touchpoint in a virtual world, establish trust and credibility, and provide a convenient way to share contact information. So don’t underestimate the power of this timeless networking essential.