There was someone who on one of the breakfast news programmes asked, “Do people even use business cards anymore? It’s not the 1980s!” Straight off, as a company that designs and prints business cards, we can tell you that they’re definitely still very popular. This applies to the traditional use of them but we’re also seeing some newer, and creative uses. If you’re someone who doubts whether business cards are still worth it, we reckon that you’ll reconsider once you hear what else you can do with the trusty old business card.
Alternative and creative uses of business cards
It’s a long list. We promise it’s worth reading to the end.
Referral cards
The card acts as a mini flyer for your existing customers to pass on to other potential clients.
Given the convenient size of business cards – easy to keep in wallets, pockets, bags etc., – they’re great for this purpose. People will always have space for them so would be more likely to hand them out, which in turn would lead to more referrals.
We’d recommend that the card have the space to write the names of both the ‘referred to’ and ‘referred by’ customer so you can make sure that both parties benefit from any incentive scheme. You should also include details of the incentive.
Appointment cards
We’re used to seeing appointment cards as something separate from business cards. However, they can be easily and effectively combined as a handy reminder for the customer and an additional reminder for the business. These can have a wide reach because even some of the most digitally-minded folk still like a physical appointment reminder.
Make sure you have your contact details clearly visible as well as what to do in the event of a cancellation – try and minimise those frustrating last-minute no-shows.
Loyalty cards
These are really popular – you’ve probably got several coffee shop cards in your wallet as you read this. Some businesses miss the opportunity to fully promote their business in addition to collecting stamps. Instead, brand one side and use the reverse for the stamps… all at a size that will fit nicely inside someone’s wallet acting as a visual prompt to come back to get one step closer to their freebie.
Swing tags
If you’re looking for a more personal yet affordable way to create swing tags for clothing or other items you sell, a business card (and a hole punch) can provide this. Often tags are quickly discarded as they are purely functional but there is the opportunity to change this if you add some additional value to the card. For example, feature social media details with a hashtag to show them wearing/using the item.
Mini rulers or guidelines
This one is good fun, memorable, and will likely increase the shelf life of your business card. If you’re in a business where it’s relevant think about using one side of your business case as something practical. For example, there was an architect who made their card a mini ruler. You could equally use it for things like paper dimensions or a measuring tool for DIY.
Collectable art
This is a great one for ensuring that people hang on to your details and come back again. If you create business cards as mini art in a range of collectable designs, people will buy into the idea of trying to collect all of them. It’s in our nature and we’re also highly competitive so, if there’s a reward for collecting the whole range, then people will keep coming back until they win.
Mini feedback forms
Isn’t giving feedback sometimes really dreadful? Even if you want to, they’re faffy or there are too many questions so you just don’t bother. Creating a feedback form the size of a business card would help overcome these barriers – no hassle and you can easily see how quick the process will be. Very convenient to snap on social media too. You could even add different questions to the cards so that you’re able to get a range of feedback but in bitesize pieces.
If you’re looking for some creative design and print ideas for your business cards, please get in touch.