Yes, You Still Need a Business Card (and Other Signs Print’s Not Dead)

illustration of women exchanging business cards

In an age where pretty much everything has already gone digital, it’s easy to assume that print marketing is a thing of the past. Not so fast, though. While online marketing plays a crucial role in growing a business, printed materials like business cards, brochures, flyers, and direct mail still have a strong impact.

Here’s why print isn’t dead – and why your business should still be using it.

Tangibility Demands Engagement

Consumers are bombarded with digital ads, emails, and notifications every day. It’s easy to tune them out. But when someone receives a high-quality print piece in the mail or picks up a flyer, it stands out. 

It’s not just us saying this, either. Studies show that people engage more with print materials than with digital ads. They spend more time reading direct mail and are more likely to remember what they see in print.

Moreover, not to state the obvious, but printed materials are physical. People can hold a business card, flip through a brochure, or pin a flyer to their bulletin board. This creates a lasting impression that digital ads can’t always achieve.

A well-designed business card, for example, isn’t just a way to share contact information – it’s a personal touch that shows professionalism. Handing someone a card during a conversation leaves a stronger impact than simply telling them to “find you online.”

Print and Digital Enhance Each Other

Print marketing shouldn’t replace digital – they should complement each other. QR codes, personalized URLs, and social media handles on business cards, brochures, and mailers help bridge the gap between print and online engagement, making it easy for customers to take action.

Here are some specific examples:

  • A brochure can introduce your services and direct readers to your website for more details.
  • A mailer with a discount code can encourage customers to visit your online store.
  • A flyer promoting an event can include a QR code linking to a registration page. 

Physical Business Cards Still Matter

Despite the rise of LinkedIn and digital contact-sharing apps, business cards you can hold in your hand remain an essential networking tool. They offer a personal touch in a way that digital connections don’t. 

Plus, they don’t rely on an internet connection or a charged phone. If you’ve ever attended an expo or convention where you’re networking for long hours, you know how much that matters. 

Finally, a high-quality, well-designed physical business card is a signal to potential clients and partners that you’re serious about your business.

Direct Mail Just Works

Email inboxes are overflowing, but physical mailboxes? Not so much. 

Sure, everyone says they hate “junk” mail, but direct mail campaigns are an incredibly effective way to reach potential customers. Whether it’s a postcard, a promotional letter, or a catalog, physical mail has a higher open rate than emails. Even better – people tend to keep and review mail longer, giving your message more chances to be seen.

In a World of Digital Everything, Print Stands Out

Print marketing isn’t dead – it’s just underutilized. And with most people oversaturated by digital messages, print materials offer a unique way for you to connect with your customers.

From business cards to brochures and mailers, tangible marketing materials create trust, reinforce your brand, and can be made to work seamlessly with digital efforts. Looking to refresh your printed marketing materials? Schedule a free consultation to discuss what’s right for you.