Just how relevant or necessary are printed business cards when networking nowadays?
Once upon a time, business cards were an essential member of any legit business starter pack. But when the world shut down in 2020 and networking events migrated to digital spaces, printed business cards all but disappeared. There was no need for them if we couldn’t physically pass them along to others. This may still be true, post-Pandemic, as we reacclimate ourselves with outside activities.
Brick and mortar businesses that survived the pandemic have reopened, while online storefronts have continued to build on the digital marketing successes found during shelter and stay mandates. Where printed business cards fall within this equation is still up for debate. Are they still a viable marketing tool? As in-person professional engagements reemerge, are printed business cards a networking necessity?
Seriously, when is the last time you were given or gave out a business card?
Follow Me On Social Media
Digital business owners, and those who embrace social media marketing are huge proponents of online connections. Rightfully so, a Tweet, reel, or Tik Tok posted by the right influencer at the right time can potentially generate more revenue than any circulated print materials. According to The US Census Bureau’s Annual Retail Trade Survey, online sales increased 43 percent in 2020. Producing a whopping $244.2 billion during the first year of the pandemic. Paper business cards could never. Or could they?
Major corporations and nonprofit organizations still use printed business cards by and large. Group that with professional companies like medical, law, and accounting offices, etc. it’s safe to say that printed cards are still the standard for industry interactions for most people. Plus, asking someone to follow your business on Instagram or giving out your phone number may not have the same professional marketing appeal as handing out a card. Hence, it may be safe to say that business cards, like newspapers, aren’t going anywhere for now.
Riding The Digital Marketing Wave
Chats about printed business cards being obsolete is not a new conversation. Younger and more progressive business owners have been trying to persuade seasoned business vets into riding the digital marketing wave for decades. Networking with QR codes or tappable business cards has been around for a while. But for some reason, printed business cards make business feel more real for some individuals.
Black folks, especially, like to pass along hardcopy business information to others within our community. There may be historical implications for this. Either way, we like to touch and feel our newspapers, books, magazines, reports, business cards, etc. Makes it more real for us.
What are your thoughts on printed business cards? Are they here to stay, or is their relevance fading?