This little piece of print has had quite a journey in recent years:

2019
I had a big stash of business cards in my desk. They all looked the same, and I couldn’t recycle them because they were coated in plastic.

2020-21
The pandemic era: do not touch. Let’s connect online. And later… Who are you again.

2026
It’s genuinely great to be handed a card. Many people don’t go to that effort anymore. I understand more about your offer, and I’ve got your details to hand – even while hybrid working.

How many business cards have you acquired recently?

Can something invented in China in the 15th century survive a global pandemic and multiple digital revolutions?

Not everyone maintains a supply of business cards now, yet that’s exactly what makes a good one stand out.

We remain big advocates. When someone hands you a card, you’re not just receiving contact details, it’s a tangible brand experience. It exists in a form that can be saved, shared, and rediscovered. For such a small item, the impact relative to the investment is huge.

Here are a few ideas for creative business cards that blend tradition with innovation.

A flexible call to action with a QR code – QR codes are firmly imbedded in our lives now! A link will give your contacts something tangible to do next, they take the recipient from a physical product to any type of online journey. A good QR code should link to something purposeful, like a portfolio page, a booking link or free download. It also helps to include a clear call to action, so it feels like part of the experience, rather than an afterthought.

For Systematic’s own cards, we’ve used the free functionality of Linktree – a tool that ‘connects audiences to all of your content with just one link’. With over 18 million users worldwide, it’s a familiar experience for many people. The customisable landing page gives your contacts a menu of options, so they can follow up in the way that works for them. And behind the scenes, you can manage and track engagement in those links.

Integrated NFC chips that exude innovation – Near Field Communication (NFC) enables data to be shared with a smartphone in close proximity, a simple tap, no scanning required. This opens up the possibility of having just one durable business card that you present, rather than hand over. That said, the price of NFC-coded products is rapidly reducing, making it an option even for cards you’re happy to give away, especially for premium brands or businesses that are built on innovation.

Paper stocks that start conversations – The weight, texture and colour of your card stock subliminally communicate your brand values. Heavyweight boards intrinsically communicate quality, in stark contrast to cards that look like they’ve been ordered online without much consideration for their physical impact. Pulp boards can introduce texture to your cards, or kraft paper provides an organic, minimalist look. Different colour boards can also be glued together for colour and a weight of card that is certainly stand-out. Whatever ideas you have in mind, we can share samples before production – so you can feel the difference.

Not the original shape – For many years, business cards came in a standard size – and most still do. Even choosing a portrait orientation over landscape immediately steps beyond the norm. But you can go further by making size and shape a deliberate part of the design. Square cards look creative, go mini, or maxi with folded cards to give you double the space for extra imagery and information. If you’re a divorce lawyer, maybe consider a perforation down the middle!

Sustainable print finishes – Creativity rules and there’s a whole world of print finishes that can elevate first impressions. For our own cards, we’ve used debossing and radius (rounded) corners for impact without compromising recyclability. Other finishes that can deliver high-impact results, even on short print runs include foils, and spot varnishes, typically used to accentuate key features of a design.

Designed to deliver – One final point, don’t let the artwork be an afterthought. A well-crafted, on-brand business card is one of the simplest ways to communicate professionalism and personality – and it benefits hugely from a professional dose of creativity. That’s’ where oodle’s oomph comes in.

There’s life in business cards yet

Business cards still matter, especially when you’ve made yours unforgettable.

Digital tools are fast, but physical moments are memorable. A business card is a way to extend that moment and to make sure you’re remembered long after the conversation ends.

We hope to hand one of our cards to you soon. In the meantime, if you’d like ideas or inspiration for your own, we’d be delighted to chat.