Is the business card still useful in 2020?

What weight can a simple rectangular piece of card carry when set against all the digital solutions available today? Now that our websites and LinkedIn profiles have become our greatest showcases, and our email signatures are the best sources of practical information, what is the point of a business card? In truth, far more than many people might think.

Business cards have not finished filling your briefcase. A genuine professional habit — even a ritual — exchanging them remains, in 2020, one of the most appreciated and effective practices for growing your network.

Hand to hand

If there is one thing digital simply cannot compete with, it is human contact and in-person introductions. And it is precisely in this context that the business card looks set to enjoy many more fine hours — for directors, obviously, as well as those in commercial roles and every team member who interacts with clients.

After a meeting, at events (conferences, trade shows, etc.), during an impromptu encounter… the most natural and courteous reflex to let your interlocutor know that you would like to exchange further on professional projects, or simply stay in touch, is to slip this piece of card from hand to hand.

The business card is, in a sense, your signature to close a meeting. And we must admit there is something addictive about collecting them. No, it is not quite the same frenzy as collecting postcards — although it is not uncommon to feel a certain quiet satisfaction when you slide a new contact's card into your transparent card holder.

Wherever you file them, what matters is that your interlocutor can lay their hands on your details whenever needed. Keeping a permanent stock of around ten cards on you is therefore a good habit and the best way, in a professional context, to share your phone number or email address.

A medium with a few codes

This small piece of your business that you hand to your contacts must be representative of who you are and consistent with your visual strategy. Just as with all your other communications materials (print or digital), maintain visual coherence on your business card. If you find this difficult, a professional can help you define your visual identity or adapt it to this relatively codified format.

A business card is generally the size of a bank card — easy to slip into a wallet or conference folder — measuring 8.5 cm in length by 5.4 cm in width.

Essential information to include:

• The identity of the organisation
  Its name, of course, but also — and always in keeping with that goal of catching the eye — its logo.
• Your identity
  To avoid confusion or the fear of mispronouncing or misspelling your name in a future exchange, it makes sense to have it appear on your card. Also specify your role.
• Your contact details
  This is the primary function of a business card: allowing your interlocutor to get back in touch with you easily. Phone number(s), email address, and even fax if that is still part of your daily life — make sure you include everything.
• The physical address of the organisation you represent
  This can prove extremely useful if your interlocutor is likely to come and meet you at your premises, can't it?
• Its website
  You have no doubt discussed your respective activities, but to recall certain points or explore others further, your interlocutor will need to be able to look up your organisation's website.

Embracing originality to stand out

As we have already noted, your business card design must reflect your visual identity. Understood. But nothing stops you from being creative — while respecting your codes. Presenting a card that stands out visually, and not only visually, can also work in your favour. You will have made an impression, and if the design is truly effective, your interlocutor may even want to show it to others.

Here are a few simple creative avenues that could help you catch the attention of your contacts:

Shape

Departing from the rectangular format is very much in vogue at the moment — your card will stand out when they are all grouped together. However, bear in mind that unconventional formats are not to everyone's taste, particularly for practical reasons: where do you put it if it does not fit standard dimensions?
If, for this reason, you prefer to keep the classic rectangular format, you can still play with the edges. Why not round the corners or cut out shapes?

Colour

While an immaculate white was the norm for a long time, you are free to move beyond this tradition. The important thing now is to stay true to your image. Also bear in mind that each colour can carry an interpretation depending on the field you work in. That said, white remains a very effective and legible base if you still want to use it.

Texture

Paper can offer sensory experiences both visually and to the touch. Necessarily printed on card to make them more durable, business cards can be made from raw, varnished, matte, or velvety paper — and can even feature 3D details for even greater originality.

The reverse side

All too rarely used — and often left completely blank — giving a new role to the back of your business cards is well worth considering. Adding your logo there is an obvious option, but the thinking can go further.
Depending on your field of activity, a practical function can be attributed to it: a small notepad for jotting down a few notes after a meeting or your next appointment, a loyalty card to be stamped for retail businesses, an exclusive discount to be redeemed at your establishment… Ideas are plentiful, but they must match your image and your target audience so that they do not become counterproductive.

As with all materials, ensure good legibility and balance. Do not overload your card with details, information, or graphic elements.

Key takeaway

The business card was, and will remain, among the most deeply ingrained professional codes. While the practice remains unchanged, this concentrated piece of information is modernising — and taking current environmental concerns on board.

In most agencies and print centres, you can opt for environmentally responsible solutions. As at Http5000, it is possible to choose raw materials such as papers meeting ISO 14001 standards and eco-friendly inks.