In a time of social distancing, some may wonder if business cards are outdated. Opinions differ, especially between printers and digital marketers.
Write on Time Consulting usually recommends marketing tools that we’ve tried, tested and deemed worthwhile. So, here’s our advice on business cards: use them.
Why Business Cards are Still Effective
A business card helps to promote your brand, provides quick access to your contact information and shows professionalism. Having a business card handy, in printed or digital format, shows that you anticipate promoting your brand and generating leads.
Without one, you may appear halfhearted in your attempts to market your products or services.
A business card is just one more promotional tool to have in your arsenal of marketing assets. You can never have too many publicity items when you’re campaigning for brand awareness. The key is to make your business card attractive, brief but informative, and highlight products or services in high demand. There’s still a matter of the business card format and whether a printed or digital one is best.
Printed Business Cards
Write on Time Consulting actually acquired its first two clients with this old-fashioned method of lead generation, one even during the COVID-19 pandemic. Honestly, some people prefer the convenience of a printed business card. Therefore, if someone asks for one during a brief encounter, it’s good to have it handy. Quite frankly, we oblige when someone asks for a business card, but we do so while practicing recommended safety precautions.
We’ve placed QR codes on a few printed business cards for contactless dissemination. Acquaintances may scan it from a distance to access our website or a representative’s digital business card.
Health experts have confirmed that the coronavirus can live on surfaces, including paper, for a limited amount of time. However, WebMD states that it’s unlikely to catch COVID-19 from surfaces that pose a risk. If avoiding that risk is preferred, use a safer alternative to printed business cards.
Go Virtual Instead
If you already have a printed business card, going the digital route is even easier. There are a number of free virtual business card services that allow users to scan a printed card and share it electronically. Here are some that we recommend:
- BizConnect — Available to Android and iOS users, this business card scanner app includes sharing, QR code and business promotion features. You may choose to create a business listing to promote your company to other app members. Your virtual business card may be shared via social media, email or chat messaging.
- Haystack — Android and iPhone accessible, the Haystack app has a starter plan that offers unlimited cards, sharing and use of a business card scanner all at no cost. The business plan, which starts at $7.95 a month, offers more features.
- HiHello — For download from Google Play and the App Store, HiHello enables users to create a digital business card on a mobile phone or desktop computer. A basic subscription is free and offers three business card scans a month, four unique card creations, and email signature and sharing features. Plans with additional services start at $3 a month.
In summary, be prepared to attract and accommodate various potential customers to your business. Not all are technically inclined, so be equipped to promote your business to all types of consumers, at any time. Even with restrictions in place, most likely you will have to go out in public to take care of everyday needs. When you do, be prepared to advertise your brand with a printed or digital business card. Contact Write on Time Consulting for more information or to request a business card design.