Without the business cards, how will you share your web address? And without a website, can you really print business cards that leave this important contact detail out?
For some, it may seem like a “chicken or egg” scenario – which comes first?
Do you even need business cards?
Yes. As a digital business operating in an increasingly digital world, we still believe that printed business cards have a valuable role to play in your overall mix of marketing assets, because:
- They contain all your basic contact information at a glance and make it easy for prospects and customers to get in touch with you
- They are easily handed from one person to another, which helps to support word of mouth recommendations
- They are sometimes kept on desks and in purses or wallets, which helps to keep your company top of mind
- They are relatively cost-effective to produce and print
- It just feels more professional having a business card to hand out at meetings or during networking events – usually when someone asks you for your web address!
Essentially, one of the key benefits of printing business cards is to share your website address and drive traffic to this platform, so – without a website, business cards will not live up to their full potential. Prospects may be interested in your products and services, but keen to do some research on your offering first, or your expertise and track record, before giving you a call or sending you an email. If your business cards do not contain a website address, they may search for a competitor online instead.
Why you need a website first
At Kri8it, we believe that your website should be your first priority. Even if you have no logo, no brand voice and no corporate identity yet, this can all be developed for you as part of the strategic website design and development process.
Therefore, before you invest in designing and printing a business card or any other marketing materials, you need to build your website. This acts as the foundation for your marketing efforts. It’s your brand’s virtual home base, where you:
- Showcase your products and services
- Educate people about your experience and other credentials
- Express your brand personality and company values
- Enable people to purchase products and services online
- Share all your important contact details
Unlike a business card, which is a physical object with limited space for communication, a website is a detailed, interactive brochure for your business that is accessible by a far greater audience.
Even when you have physically handed over your business card to someone, this may not always be as instantly accessible as a website is. Clients may have to rummage through their bags or desk drawers to find your business card, but your website can be found quickly, even if people don’t know your URL off by heart, with a simple online search.
You can also increase the reach of your website in a way that you can’t with a business card, through search engine optimisation (SEO), digital advertising and social media marketing – all efforts that drive traffic to one point: your website.
Additionally, while physical business cards need to be reprinted if you need to update any details, a website can be easily changed as often as you require. This makes it a lot easier to keep your contact details current, in a professional way. (How many times have you received a business card with contact details added or edited in ballpoint pen? How did this make you feel?)
A website also enables your customers to interact with you while they’re using it. And you can track and monitor user behaviour to gain insights into your prospects and existing customer base. Knowing how long users spend on your website, which products they have looked at, and much more helps you to create more personal and meaningful user experiences that are more likely to lead to conversions.
When you hand over a business card, it’s impossible to tell whether someone is keeping it safe on their pinboard or has thrown it into the recycling.
These are just a few reasons to make your website your first priority. Kri8it can help you to design and develop a simple or complex site, with any features you need.