Think business cards are outdated and limited to in-person meetings? Think again. In the US, 27 million business cards are printed and circulated across various industries daily, including e-commerce sellers. Truth is that business cards are not just for networking. From package inserts to promoting discounts, these humble cards help build your brand, encourage customer loyalty, drive repeat sales, and bridge the gap between offline moments and your online store.

Curious how they work? Find out the different ways e-commerce sellers give business cards a fresh purpose and how they make an impact online in this article by UPrinting.

1. Thank-You Cards

Tucking a thank you card in packages is a small, kind gesture that can go a long way and make your customers feel valued. When you add a personal touch to every order, it reinforces your brand’s personality, encourages positive reviews and repeat sales, and strengthens loyalty. Plus, it also creates an unforgettable unboxing experience for customers.

2. Business Card With a Coupon or Discount Code

Everyone loves a good deal, and including a coupon or discount code in business cards is a smart way to keep your store top of mind and encourage repeat business. This also helps widen your reach, especially when customers share with their friends that you’re offering exclusive deals. Additionally, using different promo codes makes tracking ROI a breeze. Talk about a win-win!

3. Referral Program Cards

Word-of-mouth referrals are a powerful and effective way to instantly turn your happy customers into brand ambassadors. Offer incentives or a freebie whenever someone spreads the word about your store. This way, you can help bring in new customers and reward existing ones for their loyalty — without spending big on advertising.

4. Testimonial-Focused Business Cards

Let first-time buyers know why customers choose your store by featuring a short review or star rating on your business card. This approach builds instant credibility, adds a layer of authenticity, and highlights what sets you and your product apart from the competition.

5. Business Card as a Mini Loyalty Card

Loyalty cards are not only meant for coffee shops. Turn the back of your business card into a punch card and convert occasional buyers to loyal customers. Offer a small incentive like a freebie or discount with every purchase that includes a stamp or punch to boost customer retention and long-term revenue.

6. Social Media Handle Cards

Boost your social media followers and add your handles or QR code on business cards. This way, customers can easily tag you and connect with you online. When you grow your followers, it creates more opportunities to engage, build shareable user-generated content, and drive traffic to your store. You can also give them a sneak peek at various updates, product launches, or special offers.

7. Product Care Tip Card

If you’re an e-commerce seller offering products that require care, including special instructions and easy-to-follow tips on your business card, adds value to your products. This also establishes trust, reduces returns or complaints, and reminds customers of your brand every time they read it.

8. Business Card With Custom Illustration or Product Art

Feature an image of your best-selling product or a custom illustration in your business card to capture the attention of impulse buyers and visual learners. Aside from encouraging repeat orders, adding illustrations or photos can help strengthen your brand’s visual identity. They can even use your cards as collectibles or use them as desk decor, keeping your brand visible and top-of-mind.

9. Minimalist Luxe Card for Premium Branding

Sometimes less can mean so much more. A business card with a premium finish and minimalist design is perfect for luxury brands that want to keep their identity a mystery. Business cards with this kind of aesthetic can spark curiosity among customers and drive them to visit your online store to learn more about your brand and offerings.

10. Eco-Friendly Kraft Card

Business cards made of eco-friendly materials not only reflect your commitment to sustainability, but it also positions your brand as socially responsible. In fact, statistics show that business cards made of recycled materials are kept 25% longer by recipients, making them a great choice if you’re looking to appeal to eco-conscious buyers.

According to a report by Business Research Insights, an organization that provides expert analysis and data-based market intelligence, the most effective business card designs have personalized elements, minimalist yet eye-catching visuals, and creative touches that showcase the brand’s identity and message. With that in mind, here are some tips you can follow if you’re printing business cards for your store:

Tips for Printing Business Cards for E-Commerce Use

• Choose the right material/finish – Select durable cardstock so that your business cards are sturdy and won’t easily wrinkle. Remember also to choose a finish that matches your design needs. For example, matte is ideal if you want to write personalized notes, and glossy is for vibrant colors and images.
• Don’t overcrowd your design – Avoid clutter and ensure that your message and contact information are clear and readable. Use colors, fonts, and styles that are consistent with your brand for a professional look.
• Use both sides wisely – Maximize visibility by putting important contact information on the front, and other details that will help customers engage on the back.
• Include a clear call-to-action (CTA) – Let customers know what they should do next, whether it’s following your social media accounts, redeeming a discount, leaving a review, or visiting your website.
• Consider size and shape – Your business cards should be easy to hand out and can fit in most wallets or pockets. You can never go wrong with standard shapes, but if you want to stand out, choose a unique business card shape to be remembered.
• Add QR codes – Business cards with digital features like QR codes lead to 30% more engagement because they create an interactive experience for customers and provide quick and convenient access to online stores, social media, and even special offers.
• Print in bulk to save – Order in bulk so that you can get discounts. This helps you save on shipping costs and prevents you from reordering too soon.

Need more tips on designing an effective business card? Check out our Guide to Designing the Perfect Business Card article.

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