Some days, it feels like everything we do is digital.

Meeting? See you on Zoom. Birthday gift? Amazon will have it there tomorrow. Networking? Look for my LinkedIn connection request. 

Even in a world where virtual sometimes overrules the physical, the business card still matters. And yes, we mean the kind that you hand to a prospect or leave behind after the meeting.

Why? Networking is all about the connection—and many times, exchanging virtual contact details feels forgettable. A business card has staying power. Think of the last time you cleaned out your wallet or emptied that bag of swag after a trade show, and the business cards you collected came tumbling out. Chances are, you can remember the details of those meetings—and some of them become the beginning of real relationships. Business cards can be the key many times, and a LinkedIn connection request can never fully take their place. Besides, you can always enter contact information into your phone or request that online connection later.

There are other reasons that the business card still matters even in a digital-first world. Think of the old adage, “You never get a second chance to make a good first impression.” Your business card often makes the first impression for your business or brand, so you want to make sure that what you are handing over will make a good impression. Business cards can also have a long lifespan and they are shareable—the person you hand your card to initially may share it with a friend or colleague, creating another potential opportunity.

We’ve all collected business cards that have gone directly into the trash, though. Now that you know why the business card still matters—a lot—it’s time to think about creative ways to help you and your business stand out. The business card is anything but boring, and with advances in printing technology, the sky’s the limit when it comes to being creative.    

Creative ideas for memorable business cards

The best business cards stand out from the crowd, whether they are interactive, cut into an interesting shape, pop with color and gloss, or include something unexpected like paper embedded with flower seeds. Here are some ideas to get your creative ideas flowing. 

• Grab attention with an interesting shape. Business cards don’t have to be 2” x 3.5” rectangles. Play with ideas that would be aligned with your brand or industry. A good printer can help you with unique shapes or recommend alternatives to the rectangle, like squares, circles, triangles, and more. We’ve seen fun card shapes like a bouquet for a florist, a hanger for a home organizer, and a paint chip for a home improvement company.

• Play with color or texture. Cardstocks of different thicknesses, glosses, and primary and secondary colors can help to create a memorable business card. If you’re going with color, be sure that the colors you choose are on-brand.

• Incorporate a layer. From card sleeves to cutaways, layers can help you bring the “wow” factor to your business card.

• Create a takeaway. Looking to maximize the lifespan of your business card? Create one that also doubles as an everyday object, like a coaster or a small notepad.

• Include a QR code. Like the mythical phoenix, the QR code has risen from the ashes of the “aughts” to become a mainstay in today’s communication landscape. Include one on yours that takes someone directly to your LinkedIn or to a company page.

Information to include in a business card

What should you include on your business card? This list includes the basics:

• Business name and/or logo
• Full name
• Phone number(s)
• Email address
• Website
• Business address (if applicable)
• Social media handles

Order printed business cards

Not sure what will stand out? Or wondering how to bring your creative business card ideas to life? A professional printer can help turn your ideas into a mini ambassador for your brand. Tap our expert AlphaGraphics team to make your ideas reality. We’ll help guide you through choices including quality cardstock, synthetic substrates, and digital printing options that leave a lasting impression.

Award winner

AlphaGraphics Wood Dale is proud to be recognized as the “Regional Center of the Year,” Great Lakes, 2022, for the best-run business in the Great Lakes Region—awarded by the entire AlphaGraphics network. We want to thank our amazing community for supporting our business—you continually inspire us to be our best.

Ready to create memorable business cards for yourself or your team? It’s easy to get started with AlphaGraphics Wood Dale. Simply send us a file to get a quote or call us for more information on your project. Need more help? Learn more about our print services. At AlphaGraphics Wood Dale, we provide great choices at great prices. Remember, a free quote is just a click away. Or give us a call at 630-595-6800. We are conveniently located at 165 Hansen Court, Suite 111 in Wood Dale.