Are business cards relevant today?

If you're in business with a role where you are engaged in meeting other people in business, you'll undoubtedly have a business card.

For decades this small 55x90mm (ish) bit of cardboard has been an essential piece of communication. But is it still necessary in today's digital world?

Surely people are now more likely to look online for a business or a service, and that usually means looking at a company's website or social media such as Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn for contact details? Yes, a business card acts as a permanent reminder of a contact name, or a location, or a service, but so can a favourited webpage or computer's address/contacts book.

A business card is still relevant, perhaps even more now. Times are changing, that's true, so it's time to think a little differently about the role and purpose of a business card. A card is not merely a bit of text listing you're name, job title and your address anymore. And just why do people need to know you're address unless they're planning on visiting you? Is that essential at a first introduction?

Great example of a clever, memorable, and sector based business card

Think of a card as an advert or a brochure. It's a selling tool. It's selling you, and it's selling you're offering (whether that's a service or a product). It's also saying a lot about you. If you have a card on a flimsy bit of photocopy paper that you've cut out yourself with a pair of scissors, what does that say about you? It might look like you don't care about what you do or value who you do it with, or that you have no money.

World's most expensive card from Black Astrum

Now it's not about making an expensive business card (like the world's most expensive card at $1,500 each!). What does that card say? Arrogant? Opulent? The best? We charge a premium?... You are advertising and promoting your business first and foremost. Your card should say what you do, what you offer, and how you offer it.

Imagine you're at a business event and you get a dozen cards from the same type of company for a service that you need. Which one do would contact? Why?

The first mistake is to only use one side of a card. It has two sides, you should use the space. Put your details on one side and use the other to show images of your work, items that you make or sell, a list of services that you offer etc.

Secondly, adding your contact details and your logo is not enough. Your logo might not say enough about what you do. I've had many cards where the following day I have no idea what the company did. Contact is not all about the phone these days. Put your Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and blog details on there or even add a QR barcode for smartphones to scan.

Thirdly, don't see your business card as an instant sales tool. People might want to get to know you and your company for a time before contacting you directly and placing work. Your card is also an opportunity to direct traffic to your website, encourage people to sign up to your newsletter, participate in offers or take part in surveys etc. You may get recommended to another business, so effectively you get free advertising too, it's not just about making a sale.

Key points to remember about designing your business card:

• Be informative but give provide the right information
• Make it memorable and eye-catching
• Think about your brand identity
• Think about your message and what you say
• List your services
• Showcase your products
• They're a cost-effective way to advertise

There are no hard and fast rules to business cards. Use whatever format you want. A business card can be any size, any colour, and be on any substrate. There are millions of great examples out there. Be inspired, be creative.