When you first start out as a business owner, it can be a little daunting taking your first step into the big bad world of business. Making sure that you stand out from the crowd and your message is heard is crucial, but it can be difficult to determine which method of communication works best for your business.

As times continuously change, there are multiple marketing options available to a business owner, meaning one of the biggest challenges can be simply choosing the right method for your business.

Despite all the changes and developments in the marketing world, the business card has remained strong and ever-present. With over 90,000 searches a month for ‘business cards’, it looks as though they’re not only here to stay, but are also more popular than ever.

Do they work?

The trusty business card is a humble 85-90mm x 55m. Small, but they seem to pack in everything you need. But why? Here are some points to consider:

They give the first impression of your brand

When you meet new people for the first time, you exchange business cards. It’s the first impression a new contact gets of your company. This means quality, design and overall appearance are extremely important. See below for advice on how to design a business card that gives the best impression.

They are, literally, pocket-sized.

You can literally carry them in your pocket at all times, meaning you always have one with you when the opportunity arises. And secondly, anyone who you give one to can pop it in their pocket, wallet or purse without any inconvenience.

They keep things personal

Making a great first impression is always important, and face-to-face networking is a very personal process, and exchanging business cards is a very personal way to exchange information. New contacts get to put a face to the name. Business cards help make real business connections.

They maintain traditional business etiquette

Despite new developments in the marketing industry, the traditional business card method is still a very well-established form of networking that many people still view as a viable method of business acquisition. With business cards to hand, you can make connections with people of all ages.

Extra-special business cards get shared

Taking the time to get brilliant business cards designed and printed could gain you coverage online, too. People share clever or special business cards simply for the appreciation of what they are.

How to design a memorable business card

Your business card needs to be memorable to really give a great first impression. You don’t want to be forgotten the second your new contact walks away. We’ve created a list of tips on how to get this essential marketing material right:

1. The simpler the better. Anything over-complicated will distract the reader, or influence the readability of the card altogether.
2. Make use of the white space. The blank space on the card is just as important as the text that’s on it. Strip back as many words and as much decoration as possible to really make an impact.
3. Think about your market. As with any form of marketing, you need to consider who will be reading your business card. If you have a young, party supplies business, your business cards would have a different audience to those working in B2B engineering, for example.
4. List the key information you want to include – we recommend company name, web address, your name, email address and phone number.
5. Invest in the best thickness you can afford. Thicker business cards tend to be more hard-wearing, so will stand the test time. If you can push for a thicker gsm or finish, it’s worth a try.
6. Want even more of a luxury feel? You can upgrade your business card even further with luxe business card options – triple-layered to 920gsm. Go even further with the use of Scodix, which helps to create tactile, memorable business cards with specialised embossing and varnishing finishes.

 Article produced by the team at Where The Trade Buys, a UK multi award-winning commercial printing company, specialising in outdoor banners. The UK based business is a leader in HP Indigo Technology.