Technology has transformed the way we do business, and everything has moved towards digitalization. Writing emails to WhatsApp messages, every form of communication, whether written or oral, is conducted through paperless means. However, one thing remains on paper – business cards. Most people argue about the importance of business cards in the 21st century. After all, the world has transitioned to online communication. So, how does a business card fit in?
Importance of Business Cards in 2021
If you are wondering whether business cards are relevant or not in 2021, then you are in the right place. Below we have shared 4 reasons why business cards are important. So keep reading to learn more.
Business Cards Are A Part of Your Brand Identity
A business card is the first customer touchpoint. It might be a small piece of paper for some people, but in reality, it’s the first impression of your company. Whether your brand’s logo is embossed or pasted, the colours are relevant to your market, or the design is minimalistic or crowded, tells a lot about a brand. Therefore, business cards are important to leave a good first impression. Though business cards were primarily made for sharing relevant contact information, they have transitioned to become a part of your corporate identity.
Convey’s Professionalism and Readiness
Business cards have been used for decades, and they have been symbolized as a gesture of professionalism. When there was no internet, people used to communicate contact details via business cards. It’s a pre-defined characteristic of business cards that won’t change any time soon. Therefore, business owners exchange business cards during meetings and presentations to convey professionalism and readiness.
Faster Than Passing Digital Information
Aside from representing corporate identity and conveying professionalism, business cards quickly pass information. Think about it, would you take the time to note down someone’s contact number while they dictate it to you? Business cards are for professionals who don’t have the luxury of time. Therefore, passing along a visually appealing contact card makes sure the other person has your details.
It’s Essential For International Business
Business cards are used all over the world, and some countries treat them with great respect. People in Japan have a culture of presenting a business card with two hands and a sign of respect. You can’t expect to share digital information like that. Moreover, sharing information digitally might offend your international client. Therefore, business cards are still in trend.
The Bottom Line
There are numerous business card designing companies like Space Print. These companies make sure your contact details are shared professionally and creatively. After all, business cards are a part of your corporate identity, and they pass along information faster than digital means. While the numerous advantages of digital information transfer have their own place, business cards are still relevant. Corporate leaders and business owners still carry business cards with them so they can readily share their information. Moreover, it’s a sense of pride for some people to have a business card. The feel of owning one dedicated to your name is close to owning a company, house, or car.
What to Include on a Business Card
| What to include | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Your name | So people remember who you are |
| Job title | So people know what you do |
| Company name and logo | Builds brand identity and trust |
| Phone number | So people can call you |
| Email address | So people can write to you |
| Website | So people can learn more about your business |
| QR code | Links to your website or digital card with one scan |
A business card is the first customer touchpoint. It might be a small piece of paper for some people, but in reality, it is the first impression of your company. Keep the card simple. Put your name in the largest text. Put your job title below it. Put the company name and logo where they are easy to see. Add your phone number and email address. Add your website. Do not add too much text. A crowded card is hard to read. Use a clear font. Use your brand colours. Use good paper. A thick card feels better than a thin one. A matte finish looks modern. A glossy finish looks bright. A rounded corner looks friendly. A square corner looks formal. Choose the style that fits your brand. Proofread the card before you print it. A spelling error on a card is embarrassing. It also looks unprofessional. Print a small test batch first. Check the colours. Check the text. Then order more. Carry your cards with you. Keep them in a card holder. A holder keeps them clean and flat. Hand them out at meetings, conferences, and events. Give one card per person. Do not hand out a stack. A single card shows respect. When you receive a card, look at it. Read it. Say something about it. Then put it away safely. This shows respect for the other person. In some countries, like Japan, exchanging cards is a formal ritual. Take the card with both hands. Read it carefully. Do not write on it in front of the person. Learn the local custom before you travel for business.
Paper Cards vs Digital Business Cards
Paper cards are still useful. They work without a phone or internet. They are easy to hand out. They are cheap to print. They are also easy to lose. A person may forget the card at home. A digital business card is a card on your phone. You share it by QR code, by NFC tap, or by a link. NFC means near field communication. You tap your phone or a smart card against another phone. Your details appear on their screen. Digital cards are easy to update. If your phone number changes, you update the card once. Everyone with your link sees the new number. Paper cards need reprinting when details change. Digital cards can hold more information. They can link to your website, your social media, and your portfolio. They can include a photo and a video. But digital cards need a phone and internet. They do not work if the other person’s phone is dead. The best approach is to use both. Carry paper cards for meetings and events. Keep a digital card on your phone as a backup. When you meet someone, offer a paper card. If they prefer digital, share your QR code. A QR code is a square barcode. A phone camera scans it. It opens your digital card. Print the QR code on your paper card too. This links the paper card to your digital card. It is the best of both worlds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are business cards still important in 2021 and beyond?
Yes. Technology has transformed the way we do business, and everything has moved towards digitalization. But one thing remains on paper: business cards. They are still a key part of brand identity, professionalism, and first impressions.
What should I put on my business card?
Put your name, job title, company name and logo, phone number, email address, and website. Add a QR code that links to your website or digital card. Keep the design simple and proofread it before you print.
What is a digital business card?
A digital business card is a card on your phone. You share it by QR code, by NFC tap, or by a link. It is easy to update and can hold more information than a paper card. But it needs a phone and internet to work.
How should I exchange business cards?
Give one card per person. When you receive a card, look at it and read it before you put it away. In some countries, like Japan, exchanging cards is a formal ritual. Take the card with both hands and read it carefully.
How many business cards should I print?
Print a small test batch first. Check the colours and the text. Then order more. Carry your cards in a holder to keep them clean and flat. Always keep some with you at meetings and events.
Disclaimer: This guide gives general information about business cards. Prices, printing options, and customs differ by place. Check a local printer for current prices and paper options before you order.
Last Updated: 6 November 2026