Keeping Your Business Card Relevant In the Digital Age

(Image from – Dave Parker) Business cards have always been an essential component of any business relationship. But, as technology has changed, and many elements of today’s operations have turned paperless in favour for digital, does this mean the death of the business card? And just how can the humble business card adapt in the new digital age?

An important bit of paper

Most professionals recognise the importance of a business card and the role it has to play in nurturing new and existing relationships. Business cards are much more than bits of paper with contact details on them. They are useful ice-breaking tools at conferences, meetings and exhibitions, and can be an important marketing or branding device.

But, with a growing trend towards all things heading digital and paperless, many business forecasters predict the business card may soon be a thing of the past. But, the reality is, many professionals still value this simple bit of paper, yet have used the advances in digital technology to adapt the business card to meet the growing and changing digital world.

The modern business card

If your business card hasn’t yet stepped into the current digital arena, then it’s time to give it a full-blown audit. Consider the details you have on your card. What do they say about you? Do they give any tell-tale signs that you have embraced the modern era of technology?

Social networking media is a good starting point. Most people have dabbled in some form of social media, whether it’s posting a tweet on Twitter, uploading some photos on Facebook or writing a blog. Many businesses share their data on sites such as LinkedIn. If you’re involved in any social networking sites, then consider adding these links to your business card. But, make sure it is relevant to your business. Only include links to sites that you regularly maintain and commit time and effort to, otherwise including them may only be detrimental to your image or reputation.

Most recipients of a business card would expect to see a website address or email address, so always be sure to include yours. Debate is increasingly rife over whether you should include your telephone number and address. Only include these if you think they are vital components. If your clients are not likely to call you or visit your premises (particularly if you work from home) then you can probably get away with not including these – giving you more space on the card to include more relevant details.

Quick response, or QR, codes are increasingly popping up on business cards these days. But just what are they? They are a bit similar to barcodes. They are great little marketing devices, as they allow smartphones or other devices to scan the code, which can then link to websites, texts, product data, other essential items of information, etc.

Smartphone apps are also shaping the way modern business cards should look. For example, business card scanner applications can be used to take a photo of your business card, which then captures, stores and manages the content of the card. As business cards with simple font types are better at being read by the scanners, it makes sense to go for this type of font on your business card.

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This guest post has been written by UK Print Price, specialists in promotional gifts.