Overview

A business card is a great way to network and advertise your business. A business card can represent you in your absence and help make your brand more memorable. This article covers what a business card is, the types of business cards, where you can get affordable business cards and business card etiquette.

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What is a business card?

A business card, also referred to as a calling card or a visiting card, is a small card containing the information of a business or person. It is usually rectangular in shape and contains information like a person’s name, company name, contact information and job title. A business card is used for formal introductions and helps facilitate communication in the future.

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Types of business cards

Standard

This is a paper business card that is commonly used for networking purposes and formal introductions. It helps provide a quick and easy way for people to remember you and includes your contact information if they need to contact you. The standard business card typically measures 3.5 inches wide by 2 inches tall, designed to fit comfortably in a pocket or wallet.

Metallic

This is a luxury business card that is printed with a shimmering metallic finish. To achieve this metallic finish, metallic inks or foil are applied to the surface of the card. This leaves a card that looks professional and sophisticated and can leave a lasting impression. The luxury nature of this card can convey a sense of exclusivity and quality.

Matte

A matte business card has a smooth, non-reflective and flat surface. The colors on this card appear muted and subdued. As a result of the textured or silky finish of the card, it is resistant to smudges and fingerprints. Although the card has a smooth texture, it is not slippery and can be easily written on with a pencil or pen.

Square

Square business cards are business cards that come in a square shape, diverting from the usual rectangular shape of a business card. Their shape is more modern and eye-catching and helps them to stand out from standard cards. As a result of their shape, they are versatile and can be used not just for networking, but also for promotions and even as loyalty cards.

Digital

This is an electronic version of the usual paper card. Here, information is stored digitally and can be accessed by either scanning a QR code or by sharing a URL. QR code business cards, although physical, are also classed among digital business cards.

Spot UV

With this type of card, specific areas of the card design (like text, images or logos) are covered with a polymer coating and then cured with ultraviolet light. This creates a raised and glossy effect that is subtle, yet eye-catching.

Glossy

With glossy cards, a special coating is applied to the card. This coating makes the card shiny and reflective. Because of the shiny nature of the card, colors and images appear vibrant and eye-catching.

Foil

With foil business cards, metallic colors like gold or silver are applied to specific areas of the design like images, logos or texts, using heat. This metallic foil finish makes the areas it is applied to, stand out.

What goes in a business card?

The following details should be included in a business card:

Your name
Company name
Your title or role in the business
Your contact information - Email address - Phone number - Website URL
Company address
Company logo
Company slogan

Are business cards still relevant today?

In a world fast dominated by social media, it might seem like handing out physical cards is an outdated practice, but this is not entirely true. Business cards are still an important aspect of business marketing for the following reasons:

Personal touch

Physical cards provide tactile satisfaction that cannot be replaced by digital cards.

Helps reinforce brand identity

A business card is a great way to market yourself and your business consistently. A card remains even when you leave.

Appeal to conservative and traditional people

Handing out physical cards to traditional and conservative people can appeal to them and make them trust your business more. This can facilitate loyalty to your business.

Make networking smoother

It is easier to pick up a card from a table and read than it is to scan a QR code or link to a URL. Traditional business cards are easy to navigate.

Where can I get affordable business cards?

If you're looking for a place where you can design elegant, remarkable and distinct business cards that reflect your brand identity and purpose without breaking the bank, iBCSCorp is the best place to look. We have a vast collection of business card design templates that you can choose from. From simple visiting card designs to professional visiting card designs, we can help create that perfect card that will reflect your brand identity. Our team of professionals can help provide you with creative business card designs that reflect the elegant and professional nature of your brand.

Regardless of what part of the world your business is, we can still be of service to you.Book and appointment with us and let us design professional business cards that will enhance your networking experience to keep your business in the minds and mouths of people for a long time.

Business card etiquette

When it comes to exchanging business cards, the following rules should be followed:

Always have your cards readily available and accessible. Avoid fumbling for your cards during an exchange.

Make sure your cards are in perfect condition. This makes you look professional and clean.

Make sure to have a well designed and elegant card. Use professional designers like iBCSCorp for your card design. Your card can leave an impression in the mind of the recipient.

Ask permission to hand out your card to the other person before doing so.

During the exchange, make sure to mirror the body language of the other person. If the other person presents their card with two hands, you should receive it with both hands. When handing out your card, you can use either one or both hands, based on local customs. If you’re unsure, always play it safe by presenting your card with both hands.

Always make eye contact during the exchange. This shows that you are genuinely interested in what is going on and can help solidify the relationship. However, try to avoid making too much eye contact, so you don’t come across as creepy and make the other person uncomfortable.

Remember to always hand out your business card with the contact details facing up.

When you are handed a card, do not just receive it and put it in your pocket. Take a few seconds to look at the card and read it. Show genuine interest in the person. You can even make comments or ask questions based on the content of the card.

Treat received cards with care and respect. Make sure to store them carefully in a card holder so that they don’t get damaged.

After the exchange, don’t forget to make out time to follow up or connect. This should be done within a reasonable timeframe. You could send a message or an email making reference to your meeting.

Conclusion

A business card is a great way to network and it is still relevant today. There are many different types of business cards and the one you choose depends on your preference. There are rules to follow during a business card exchange and following them shows professionalism.

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