Trusting the traditional business card

The business industry is huge, and when you are first starting up, it can be a daunting prospect – but it’s important that you make a good impression for your company and make sure your message is heard above your competitors. You need to stand out. Whilst making sure that you stand out from the crowd and your message is heard is crucial it can be difficult to determine which method of communication works best for your business with so many options available to you.

But one to keep a look out for is the trusted, traditional method of a business card. They have stayed strong through thick and thin. With over 90,000 searches a month for ‘business cards’, it looks as though they’re not only here to stay, but also are more popular than ever.

Do they work?

Measuring at just 85-90mm x 55m, business cards pack quite the punch. But why? Here are some points to consider:

They are, literally, pocket-sized.

You never know when you might meet a new business contact, so it’s important that you have your business cards readily available when the opportunity arises. They fit comfortable in your pocket so you can carry them at all times. And secondly, anyone who you give one to can pop it in their pocket, wallet or purse without any inconvenience

They give the first impression of your brand

First impressions matter! If you meet someone for the first time and exchange business cards, it’s the first time your new contact sees an example of your brand. This means quality, design and overall appearance are extremely important. See below for advice on how to design a business card that gives the best impression.

They maintain traditional business etiquette

As times change, that doesn’t mean that traditional methods should be pushed aside. They are still around for a reason – they work! It is still a very well-established form of networking that many people still view as a viable method of business acquisition. With business cards to hand, you can make connections with people of all ages.

Extra-special business cards get shared

Make your business card stand out. Taking the time to get brilliant business cards designed and printed could gain you coverage online, too. People share clever or special businesses cards simply for the appreciation of what they are.

They keep things personal

Personal engagement makes a difference. Face-to-face networking is a very personal process, and exchanging business cars is very personal way to exchange information. New contacts can put a face to the name. Business cards help make real business connections.

Make it stand out

If your business card is a client’s first impression of your company, you want it to stand out and stick in their mind. You don’t want people to forget about you as soon as they walk away and disregard your business card. We’ve created a list of tips on how to get this essential marketing material right:

1. The simpler the better. Anything over-complicated will distract the reader, or influence the readability of the card altogether.
2. Make use of the white space. The blank space on the card is just as important as the text that’s on it. Strip back as many words and as much decoration as possible to really make an impact.
3. Think about your market. As with any form of marketing, you need to consider who will be reading your business card. If you have a young, party supplies business, your business cards would have a different audience to those working in B2B engineering, for example.
4. List the key information you want to include – we recommend company name, web address, your name, email address and phone number.
5. Invest in the best thickness you can afford. Thicker business cards tend to be more hard-wearing, so will stand the test time. If you can push for a thicker gsm or finish, it’s worth a try.
6. Want even more of a luxury feel? You can upgrade your business card even further with luxe business card options – triple-layered to 920gsm. Go even further with the use of Scodix, which helps to create tactile, memorable business cards with specialised embossing and varnishing finishes.

Article provided by Where The Trade Buys, a UK multi award-winning commercial printing company. The UK based business is a leader in HP Indigo Technology and booklet printing provider.