Today’s high-tech world has made communication easier than ever. This has left many people wondering whether they still need business cards. Before recycling your cards, take some time to learn more about how people use business cards today. You don’t want to get rid of them until you decide whether they are truly obsolete.

Who Needs Business Cards With So Many Alternatives?

Smartphones and Internet technology offer plenty of alternatives to business cards. Since you carry your smartphone everywhere you go, you basically have a Rolodex in your pocket. This makes it easy to get contact information from the people you meet.

Websites like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook also make it easy to find people in your business community. You can use your smartphone to connect with them immediately after you are introduced, or you can search for them later when you have more time.

LinkedIn is an especially good resource because it focuses on professional information. A well-made profile will have all of the information that the typical business card offers. Plus, you get to publish content showing off your areas of expertise.

Business Cards Still Play Essential Roles in Building Relationships

Image via Flickr by yuichirock

Despite the technological alternatives, business cards still play essential roles in building business relationships. Business leaders site several reasons for still using cards instead of relying on social media and emails. Some of the most important reasons include:

• meeting the expectations of other people, especially those who have been in business for several decades and have not transitioned to electronic communications
• showcasing personality with a unique design
• creating tactile experiences that make you more memorable

Business Cards Can Support Online Profiles

Clearly there are plenty of reasons why business cards are here to stay. That doesn’t mean you want to stop using digital alternatives that will help people find you online.

When used well, business cards can actually support your online presence. Some of today’s best business cards don’t even offer that much information. You may just want to include your name, the name of your business, and a URL that directs people to your online profile.

Don’t make the mistake of overloading your card with information. If you want to promote your social media presence, choose one profile for your business card. You’ll get even better results by creating your own website that links to your profiles and gives visitors a summary of your career.

Stand Out, But Not Too Much

Using business cards can help you stand out from the crowd, especially as other people make the mistake of going completely digital.

That’s good because you want to stand out and you want people to remember you.

Keep in mind, though, that you can go too far. Avoid making your card ridiculous. Some of the worst ideas include:

• making cards out of weird materials (e.g., meat or balloons. People have actually done these things. Please, do not follow their examples.)
• keyword stuffing (keyword stuffing doesn’t even work online. It certainly won’t work on your business card.)
• pop culture references that people probably won’t even recognize a few months from now
• jokes, unless you’re trying to get a job as a comedian

Try to keep your business card as simple as possible while offering pertinent information and a professional design. Some online business card sellers have design templates and graphics that will help you choose appropriate options. Take advantage of those tools to affordable business cards that get the kind of attention you need to improve your career and court new clients.

Conclusion

Mobile devices and social media have changed the way that people do business, but that doesn’t mean you should abandon easier tools that work well. Besides, business cards don’t cost a lot of money.

You may encounter some people who prefer exchanging information digitally. When that happens, go with the flow and accommodate that person’s needs. Most people, however, will readily accept your business card. If you try to follow the digital trend too firmly by avoiding cards, you will lose that opportunity to connect with others.