In a world that relies so heavily on technology to communicate, and as we look forward to meeting face-to-face once again, the role of the traditional business card is as important as ever. No introductory meeting is complete without the ritual exchange of these humble business tools. The history of business cards and the etiquette around them can be traced back to 17th-century Europe, where they were used to announce the arrival of prosperous merchants and aristocrats. As a way of quickly conveying who you are, what you do and how you can be contacted, they are a simple and effective solution that has still not been bettered.
As an investment, the cost of business cards is a drop in the ocean compared to other sales and marketing tools, such as your website or corporate brochure. But it is no exaggeration to say that they are just as likely to win or lose you business. Your business card will probably be your first opportunity to make an impression and to demonstrate your organisation’s values. And when your face-to-face meeting is finished, your card will help to ensure your business stays front of mind.
So, are your business cards working as hard as they should be to promote your business? To maximise their impact, we think there are three key areas to consider – design, materials, and functionality.
business card design
Within reason, the scope for creativity is limitless, so it makes sense to work with a designer to help you to make the most of the space available and showcase your brand. Embossing, die-stamping, foil blocking, lamination, and spot varnishes are all options to add interest and help your logo stand out. And why confine yourself to just two sides? Folding business cards can give you extra space for additional information. You could also consider shaping your card to reflect the nature of your business – a light bulb for an electrician, a PC screen for a computer engineer, and so on.
Whatever design options you choose, remember that your business card’s purpose is to make it easy for people to get in touch with you in the future, so make your contact details clear and, of course, make sure they are correct. It’s also a good idea to stay close to the usual credit card size – there’s nothing more annoying than a business card that doesn’t fit into a standard wallet or purse!
what material is best for business card printing?
Business cards are tactile and will create an impression as soon as they are held. The weight and texture of the board used can help you make a real statement about yourself and your organisation. We use carbon captured paper and many of the business cards we produce are printed on a smooth board that is laminated on both sides for a stay-clean, professional finish. For organisations seeking more tactile business cards, there’s a wide selection of material to choose from, including recycled boards.
An uncoated card can look and feel sophisticated – especially where there is little ink coverage, allowing the surface texture to be shown off. Using different coloured boards can create interesting effects too, with endless options for mixing inks and cards of different colours. And if you choose Duplex cards – created by fixing together two boards of different colours – you double the possibilities!
functional business cards
When it comes to additional uses for your business cards, your imagination is the only limiting factor. Here are a few ideas:
promotions
Promote special offers and discounts, or make your card double up as a loyalty card. Print a QR (Quick Response) code onto your card to take customers straight to a landing page on your website.
appointment cards
Give clients cards with an area for recording appointments, so they will never miss a meeting and always have your details to hand.
price-lists
Listing prices for services will encourage customers to keep your card handy for easy reference.
portfolio
Create a set of cards with different images of your products, examples of your work, or different colours from your brand guidelines on the reverse.
time for new business cards?
When your business cards are due for a reprint, why not take some time to amplify their use and make them work harder for you and your organisation? We’ve printed business cards for hundreds of customers, including World Odyssey, Symm and Alex Wenham, stone carver.
If you’d like to see other examples of printed business cards or want to discuss business card design and printing, please call 01865 242098 or contact us using the button below.