With so many things going digital today, do business cards still matter? In the past, a business card was the only way to really get the word out about your business. Today, people have social media, websites, and so many other digital tools to spread brand awareness.
Calling cards, which became known as modern-day business cards, have been used for centuries. These date back to both Asia and Europe, and they were a way for the wealthy to share their social status and distinguish guest arrivals.
However, in the past hundred years, these cards have shifted and changed. In this guide, we’ll answer the big question: do cards matter in the digital age?
What makes today’s business cards different?
Before we discuss why business cards are still so useful, let’s talk about what makes today’s cards different. In short, there are so many more options than ever before.
Aside from traditional business cards, there are a number of alternative business card styles that increase brand loyalty and stand out. They no longer are limited to the “classic” styles of the past.
These cards today are fully customizable. With the right design, you can really make a statement with these. In fact, there are even ways to digitalize these cards to make a seamless omnichannel marketing experience. These aren’t your grandpa’s business cards!
So with all that in mind, here’s why business cards matter in the digital age.
1. They’re More Reliable
As reliable as digital tools are, they’re not foolproof. Your phone can die. Your website can go down unexpectedly. You can’t always count on your digital tools 100% of the time.
Cards, on the other hand, never die. They never take time to load, and they never disconnect. They’re always working around the clock, and that’s really valuable.
2. Business Cards Get Noticed
While you might think it’s easy to lose a business card in a pile on one’s desk, consider just how cluttered your digital life is nowadays. Social media is an endless scroll of content and images. Your inbox is always bursting at the seams. Getting noticed in the digital space is hard.
Cards don’t involve this same level of digital clutter. They’re tangible and they take up real, concrete space. This is more meaningful than ever.
3. Global Awareness
No matter where you travel in the world, you can guarantee people understand the concept of business cards. They’re truly international, and they make a strong impression everywhere.
When you’re traveling for your business, whether you’re going to a trade show or another event, you want to make sure you have a tried-and-true way to communicate your brand. Cards bridge gaps between cultures, and they’re universally understood.
4. Professional Impact
Business cards, frankly put, are professional. There’s nothing that feels quite as official as having a business card with your name and business in print.
A memorial card leaves a strong, professional impression. It shows you know what you’re doing, and it can be a real source of confidence. It’s much better to hand over a card than to scribble your contact info on the back of a napkin. Better yet, they’re small enough to always keep with you in your wallet.
5. They’re Personal
Last but not least, business cards are personal. They say something about you, and they can’t be delivered electronically. When you hand someone a business card, you’re making a personal connection.
In the digital age, personal connection matters more than ever. A startling 95% of professionals consider face-to-face communication to be vital for long-term business. This is huge, and it means those one-on-one card interactions really add up.
Make a Difference with Your Connections
So do cards matter in the digital age? Absolutely, yes! While it’s true the digital branding of your company matters greatly, it’s just one side of the picture. You need multiple branding elements to tell your full story.
No matter your marketing strategy, don’t overlook the power of a good impression. In many cases, your business card is the first connection you make with a new professional, prospective client, or employee. It’s like the handshake of the business world, so don’t let it slip through your grasp.