Business cards are one of the many ways you can make an impression. First impressions do last. Make sure your business card has a manageable amount of stuff in it, and you want it to look full too. A business card has to be subtle and not in your face. It should have enough information about the company and what you bring to the table. The color scheme of the card should convey what you and your firm stand for. It can have your contact information (phone number, email address), your address, and your website. The text should be in your brand fonts and colors. If you take care in the designing of your card, then you can spark an interest in potential customers and if your services match the ones written there, maybe you will be able to retain the existing ones as well. This goes the same with clients both potential and existing. There are several types of business cards that you can use ranging from extra-thick business cards to magnetic business cards.
Why Are Business Cards Important?
Business cards are nothing new, but they are what you might call timeless. These nifty little pieces of paper have been in business- pun intended- for a long time, and are not likely to make an exit anytime soon. Of course, they have considerably changed over the years in terms of design and content. Pocket-shaped LED business cards are also spreading like wildfire.
Here are some reasons for their popularity:
- Brand Identity: First impressions do matter. Having a business card will give you an air of professionalism. It also emphasizes the care the person has taken to stand out. It is rare for professionals not to have a business card. Lamination of the same will surely get you more brownie points from the people you will be interacting with. Having more than one business card will be even more beneficial and if you have a card case, it would be even better. Being caught off-guard without a business card can be embarrassing.
- Fast Way of Sharing Contact Details: Giving information digitally has become quite the norm but it will always be slower than just whipping your business card out. In a fast-paced environment where time is more often than not of the essence, handing your business card will always be more efficient than giving someone your phone for contact details.
- May Not Have Digital Devices: It may sound unbelievable, but there are still some people who do not have their own cellular devices. Or they prefer to use it less than others. There may be several reasons why they prefer not to use it (much). You can use Teslin plastic cards to make them a part of your network. There is no substitution for the impression made through a business card. Clients may get impressed and may offer you their business cards as well. Or if they offer you their card first, it would be weird if you offer them your contact details digitally. These are subtle things that are highly significant.
- Global Clients: When you are interacting with overseas clients, using business cards is the norm. You have to present the card in ways that will make the potential clients consider reaching out to you. For example, you cannot toss these cards. Even better if the potential clients see you taking the card from a case. Having business cards is not everything but how you offer the same and carry yourself are also just as important. There are other subtleties as well.
Papers Used As Business Cards
A wide range of papers are used as business cards and make no mistake, the material used can solidify your impression to the people you engage in interaction with. Some of the papers are as follows:
- Card Stock: This is a very common type of card paper. Another name for card stock is called cover stock. The usual weight of this paper is around 80 to 110 pounds per ream. The weight and the rigidity of the paper are directly proportional. Cards made using this material can withstand significant rough use. The paper can be expensive but is a bang-for-the-buck purchase.
- Matte Stock: Business cards on matte stock are smooth despite the surface of the same not being shiny. These cards can hold ink so they are a good option if you are likely to write on them. Another benefit of these cards it offers an air of finality to the card.
- Glossy Stock: One of the benefits of using glossy stock as your business card paper is the fact that it dries fast and, as the name suggests, looks glossy. Because they are shiny, you can use vibrant colors on the card that can reflect. They are also durable which makes them withstand rough use as well as water. They cannot be written on, however. Teslin plastic cards are also good materials for business cards.
Conclusion
There are several materials you can use for your business card. Extra thick business cards can be long-lasting and pack other benefits as well. Business cards can make a solid impact and turn heads.