Print • Creative Business Cards Still Matter

Posted by Kristin Farrell on Friday, June 3, 2011

So you do think business cards are a dying trend? You may be thinking everything is moving to electronics and Vcards’ but what if something happens to your electronics? Do you really want to spell out your email to potential clients in a meeting? Tell them you’re on twitter, facebook and then have to spell out screen names? So what has changed and why do people assume business cards aren’t important anymore? The information people are including on their card is what is changing. More and more I am seeing business cards that omit an old-fashioned mailing address and replace it with a website address, skype address, twitter account, and the like. So with more and more screen names and social media addresses to keep track of, the business card is more essential than ever.

To me, these modest pieces of paper still carry a lot of value. A business card creates a physical connection and bond between you or your business and your clients/customers. Just like a website, business cards can become great interactive elements, but with the added ability to have real textures, different materials and shapes.They are not only useful communication tools but essential in marketing yourself in a unique way to others. A well designed business card lets your prospects get interested in you and your offerings.

There are actually lots of ways to be creative in your business cards, for example:

1. Shape. As much as possible, it is important to choose a shape that best represents you and your business.
2. Material. Think outside the box. For example, plastics, metal, cloth, rubber, cardboard, wood – the possibilities are endless.
3. Be Environment Friendly. Use recycled materials and soy based inks.
4. Letter Technique. Styles such as embossing, engraving, foil stamping, etching, letterpress are ways to grab attention quickly.
5. Be Interactive. Your card can have more function than just contact info. Things like pop-ups, folds, pockets, cases, tags, scents, envelopes, ornaments, ribbons, rubber bands, reflection, and maps are all examples of how your business card can become more of an experience rather than a card.

Most business cards are boring and tend to be forgotten, but the ones that are strategic and thought out can really add meaning to you and relevance to your business.

For example, take a few minutes to visit this link. These examples of highly creative cards will really get you thinking: http://www.webdesignerdepot.com

Take the opportunity to be creative with your business cards and I guarantee you will stand out and make a lasting impression long after you first give your card out.

Business cards correspond and also can be used in correlation with a great leave behind piece.  For more information on leave behinds, read my previous blog post. http://www.pikewoodcreative.com/what-will-you-leave-behind/