Many business cards will get looked at once and never looked at again. Unless they really stand out or the person with your card is actively seeking service from a professional, they will likely go to waste. In the days of Google and LinkedIn, people search business and find out all abut them online, making business cards may seem like relic of the past. To help keep the business card relevant and a good marketing tool, one company,
intelliPaper, thought of a clever way to incorporate business cards into the world of the internet.
swivelCard
The swivelCard is a business card with a built-in USB stick. The card is made from a thick piece of paper that, after a simple folding procedure, turns into a USB device and can be inserted into any USB port. The beauty of them is that it helps keep business cards relevant in today's world and in-fact actually makes them more useful than ever before.
The USB is pre-programmed to directly launch the professional's website upon being inserted into a computer. This means that it is easier than ever for a potential customer to find out information they need to know and decide if the service they provide is right for them. For those who don't have a computer handy, the cards also incorporate QR codes, so that the customer can find out information they need to know using their phone.
Why is this effective?
By incorporating a USB, the business card has evolved from being a simple and quick form of instant advertising into an easy hub for information. Here is how these new business cards are a more effective means of advertising:
- More information: With a direct link to the company's website, the business card itself carries more information to the customer.
- Classic style: As the USB is incorporated into the design, the business card can still act as a business card. You can still make them look sleek and stylish with a clever visual design.
- Stand out: They are a very new piece of technology and therefore using one will make you different and stand out from the crowd.
- Able to be used by anyone: Nearly everyone has access to a computer nowadays and even those who don't most likely have a phone they can use to scan the QR code. Failing all this, the cards can still have regular contact information on them – they are universal.
The future
Eventually, the company that has made the swivelCard is looking to create an online portal where a business can register their swiverCards and the attached website. Through this portal they hope to be able to remotely change the website at the request of the business. This means that if the business wants to change what web-page they show to a potential customer they can do so without having to print out a fresh batch of cards - they can change the website to a recent project or more relevant change whenever they want to, long after they print the cards and even hand them out.
This is just one example of how printed advertising is changing and evolving with the times. The increased usage of technology means that physical media needs to do something different to stay relevant but it doesn't mean that it still won't work and doesn't do it's job - combining the two helps enhance both sides of advertising to create something more unique.
For any printing needs you may have or to find out about the services we provide, feel free to contact us on 01603 488001 or drop us an email at websales@col-print.co.uk.
Image courtesy of intelliPaper and
Kickstarter