As an entrepreneur in the digital world, you might not think that business cards matter. After all, almost everything you do is online. If you genuinely want to build your business and be successful, you’ll need to do in-person networking, which requires business cards. Most paper business cards look the same and can get easily damaged. Paper is one of the least expensive business card materials, but it’s not the best. Keep reading to learn how to choose the best material for your business cards so your card will be both durable and unique.
Plastic: Paper-Like and Waterproof
If you love paper business cards but want something a little more durable without having to run your cards through a laminator, then opt for plastic business cards. Depending on the type of plastic you use, your card will still be lightweight and slightly bendable, perfect for sliding into wallets, pockets, and purses. Even if you use a thicker piece of plastic with a bit more weight and isn’t bendable, plastic cards should easily slide into whatever holder the recipient has due to their smooth texture.
Another benefit of ordering plastic business cards is that they’re waterproof. A spilled glass of water or cup of coffee could wash away the only evidence of your business that a person has if you use paper cards. Meanwhile, a plastic card will stick around. All the recipient must do is wipe it off, and it’s good as new.
Metal: Heavy Duty and Memorable
While plastic business cards imitate paper ones, metal cards are in a category all their own. One advantage of metal business cards over paper is that they make a unique first impression. The recipient will know that, like the card, your business is high-quality. These cards are durable enough to outlast the paper business cards in a leather wallet, and the wallet itself. That durability also offers you different design options that are impossible with paper, such as holes and other types of cutouts.
While metal cards may be too heavy to carry in big stacks, their extra weight will remind the recipient that you’re serious about what you do, offering extra credibility that some entrepreneurs feel they may lack when starting out. You’ll never have to worry about being overlooked again if you hand out metal cards.
Wood: Sustainable and Beautiful
Wooden business cards combine some of the best parts of plastic and metal cards. They’re lightweight, unlike metal, and have a unique texture that sets them apart from paper and plastic. You can find them in almost any beautiful wood, from a light birch to a distinct walnut. Since these different wood types can be regrown, this is one of the most sustainable and unique card materials you’ll find, and you’ll still be able to give it a unique design since it’s almost as durable as metal.
The only problems with wooden business cards are that they can be porous depending on the wood you choose, meaning they stain easily. They can also be brittle, depending on wood type and thickness. Despite these potential issues, wood cards are beautiful and distinctive.
The three best materials for your business cards are plastic, metal, and wood because they are more durable than paper and offer you the opportunity to create unique, memorable designs. Choosing one of these materials will set you apart from the crowd and make you an unforgettable entrepreneur.
