Do Business Cards Still Matter in a Digital World?
Growing up, I used to think business cards were outdated, and I never saw the appeal in carrying one around. I thought they were something people only kept because their workplace printed them in bulk. In a digital world, why would you ever need a physical business card? Today, there are so many easier ways to exchange contact information. That’s what I believed… at least until grad school.
As I started focusing more on networking, I realized that business cards still have a place in today’s professional world, even if we’re more digitally connected than ever before. There’s something memorable about handing someone a tangible card; it turns a quick introduction into a more memorable connection.
Many people my age share the same opinion I once had about business cards. Most don’t even think to make one because we live and breathe online. It’s much easier to tell someone to connect on LinkedIn or follow on Instagram. In fact, it’s almost expected that everyone is active and present on those platforms. But what happens when you meet someone who isn’t? What if they’re not on social media, or prefer to keep professional and personal spaces separate? Aside from awkwardly pulling out your phone to type in numbers, what can you give that person to help them remember you?
The practical solution? Always have a few business cards on hand. This way, you’re prepared to connect with people both online and offline. Regardless of their preferred mode of communication, you’re ready to extend the line.
I always keep business cards with me wherever I go because you never know who you’ll meet. I’ve made valuable connections in the most unexpected places. Still, I was able to capitalize on those moments because I was prepared. It felt a little awkward at first to hand one out. Now, it’s second nature, a natural part of introducing myself and leaving a strong impression.
Making a Good Impression in a Digital-First World
As someone currently job-hunting and networking like it’s my full-time job, I’ve learned that being ready to share your information quickly makes a strong first impression. A business card is a simple, professional way to stand out in a digital-first landscape. It shows preparedness, intentionality, and attention to detail, traits employers and collaborators notice.
My rule of thumb when handing out business cards is to always give two: “one to keep and one to lose.” This means your contact can keep one for themselves and pass the other along if they meet someone who might be a good fit to connect with you later. It’s an easy way to extend your network through word-of-mouth and increase your chances of being remembered.
It’s also smart to give a few cards to friends and family. When I first got mine printed, I handed five to each of my family members to keep in their wallets. You never know when someone in your circle will meet a potential lead, hiring manager, or client. If you want to make a strong first impression, especially in a professional setting, a business card can speak volumes about you before you even start the conversation.
Designing Your Own Card
Designing your own business card is much easier than you think! I created my business card myself, which adds a personal touch and doubles as a quick portfolio piece. It also showcases my overall design sense and captures my personality well without saying much.
If designing your own card feels a bit daunting, that’s okay. You can always start with a simple template. My very first business card was actually made from a Canva template. Over time, I upgraded it by designing my own layout from scratch.
I lost the files to my first business card, but I used this template to make my card:
This is my current business card:
My first business card wasn’t bad, but it was a little hard to read and didn’t really reflect my personality. It felt like a standard, generic business card. My current one feels much more like me; it’s still clean and professional while reflecting my style in a subtle, intentional way. It stands out without trying too hard, which is exactly what I wanted.
You don’t need to be a graphic designer to make a professional-looking card. Canva makes it easy to create something clean and straightforward, especially if you start with one of their templates. Before you order a batch, proofread your card multiple times. It’s always frustrating to notice a small typo after you’ve paid for printing. If you design in Canva, you can have them print your cards directly. They even offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee if something goes wrong with your order!
Dos and Don’ts of Business Card Design
Do:
Use a clear, readable font at a legible size — Avoid fonts so small that people have to squint to read them. A good range is usually between 9 and 12 points, depending on the typeface. If your font has thinner strokes or tight spacing, go slightly larger to keep it readable.
Choose colors that contrast well for visibility — You want your text to stand out clearly from the background. Light text on dark backgrounds or dark text on light backgrounds works best.
Store your cards in a holder to avoid damaging them — A simple case keeps them clean and prevents them from bending or smudging. It also adds a polished touch when you pull out a card, showing that you take yourself and your work seriously. Here’s the business card holder I use from MaxGear on Amazon.
Don’t:
Shrink your text so small that it’s unreadable — White space is your friend, and it makes your card cleaner and easier to read. If everything looks crammed together, scale back on the content instead of the font size.
Use color combinations that make your information hard to see — Avoid trendy palettes that look great digitally but don’t print well. Neon text, pastel on white, or gray on black can all make your card harder to read once printed. Stick to strong contrast and a simple, clean palette.
Overload your contact information — You don’t need every social handle or link on your card. Include only what’s essential: your name, title or role, phone number, email address, and website or portfolio link if you have one.
The Big Picture
Business cards might seem old-school, but they’re still one of the simplest ways to make a lasting impression. In a world built on digital connections, they give every introduction a physical anchor, something tangible that someone might find in their wallet later or keep on their desk as a reminder of your conversation.
So, do business cards still matter? Absolutely. They’re just as relevant as ever, not because they replace digital networking, but because they complement it.
If you’re thinking about creating a business card soon, download my free guide, “How to Create a Standout Business Card in Canva,” here.
