Last Updated on February 25, 2024
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Business cards are one of those marketing tools that never age. The perfect combination of personal and professional, a business card is one of the most powerful tools in your marketing arsenal.
While the importance of this diverse tool has never wavered, they are sometimes seen as a little ‘old school’. After all, in the age of smart phones and social media; how can they compare to swapping Twitter handles or Blackberry Pins?
Modernizing the Business Card
Cutting edge designs, out-of-the-ordinary additions, and creative shapes are just some of the ways you can get the most out of your business cards. In a competitive business world, your business cards need to do more than stand out for a moment.
They need to create a lasting impression. They need to be impossible to resist. They need to make people pick up the phone, head to your website, or buy your products.
Here are three ways you can modernize your business cards, and get the most out of them:
1. Innovative Designs
The traditional business card is a 90mm x 55mm, landscape rectangle. Simple and plain, they did the job. But in the 21st century, the rulebook has been thrown out of the window.
Something as simple as switching the orientation of the card can make yours stand out in a crowded networking event. But if you really want to make an impact, you need to do better than that.
Think outside the box with your design.
Include embossed elements, die cut details or even fold-out features. With modern business cards, anything goes. You don’t have to go over the top with your design though, sometimes less really can be more. Striping everything back to a plain card with just one or two written details may also be as effective.
Here are some examples of innovative business card design:
2. QR Codes
QR codes are a bit of a ‘buzz word’ right now. As well as being hugely effective on your printed business literature, including a quick-response code on your business cards is a great way to get more bang for your buck.
Including a QR code allows the recipient of your card to receive extra information. Whether it directs them to a specific page on your website or encourages them to sign up to your newsletter; they are one of the best ways to get something more out of a simple marketing tool.
They add an air of mystery. What exactly will scanning it reveal? They encourage your prospects, peers, and customers to delve a little deeper into your business.
Space is limited on a business card. By including this simple design element, you can offer a wealth of information in a flash. In terms of making an impression and standing out from the crowd, this is one of the most simple but effective tactics you can use.
Here are some great examples of QR codes in business cards:
3. Augmented Reality
Augmented reality business cards do require a bit more technical effort, but – when done well – really can yield amazing results.
Simply by holding the card up to a webcam, these cards can provide recipients with a plethora of extra information in the form of text, images and even video. Imagine the how effective it can be to tell each and every person, face-to-face, why they should buy from you.
Logistically, that’s impossible. But with augmented reality cards, it is a real possibility.
For product-driven companies, these business cards are a real blessing. You can showcase you products, demonstrate how they work, and really drive sales. All from within your business card. This is something that is almost too good to be true, and is a great tip for anyone looking to get more out of this humble marketing tool.
Here are some amazing examples of augmented reality business cards in action:
These are just three ways you can create a cutting edge business card. With a little creative flair, it is easier than you may think to bring the business card well and truly into the 21st century. You strive to make an impact with all your other marketing efforts, why should your business cards be any different?
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Posted by:Clare Evans
This guest post has been written by Clare Evans for Charterprint; a UK based print management company specialising in business card, flyer, and letterhead printing. Visit their website to find out more.
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