Are business cards dead?
Not quite… Kim looks into why they still matter for freelancers.
Do you still carry business cards? Some say they’re relics of the past, long since replaced by LinkedIn QR codes, scannable chips and digital contact sharing. But if you’ve ever been caught at an event without one, you’ll know the sinking feeling when someone asks, “Do you have a card?”
For freelancers starting out, deciding whether to invest in cards can feel like a small but symbolic step. You might be wondering: should I wait until I’ve got my branding nailed? Should I bother when I can just connect on LinkedIn? Or are they actually still useful?
From my own experience (and from plenty of conversations with others), I’d say business cards are far from obsolete. They’ve just evolved in how and when we use them.
The tactile power of a card
There’s something about a physical card that scanning your LinkedIn QR code can’t quite replicate. The look, the feel, even the shape can spark a reaction. A smooth matte finish, curved edges, or a striking image can leave a lasting impression.
I’ll be honest, I don’t like my current GoGinger cards because they’re shiny, and you can’t write on them, but I do love the curved edges. The Free Spirits cards, while they have sharp square corners, have a soft touch finish – they feel a little bit oooh, a little bit posher. It just goes to show how much the small details, the sensory details matter.
Think of it less as a piece of card with your contact details and more as a mini billboard in someone’s hand. It’s a prompt that jogs their memory weeks later when they find it tucked in a notebook or pulled from the bottom of a conference bag.
Why expos and events keep them alive
At events like World of Learning, Learning Technologies, or local networking meetups, cards come into their own. Stands often run competitions where the entry mechanism is literally “drop your business card in the bowl.” No card, no entry.
This year at World of Learning, we’ll be running one of those very competitions – a chance to win a year’s free membership. It’s simple, it’s fun, it gives the mailing list a boost, and it means physical cards are still incredibly relevant.
Digital vs physical – should you have both?
Digital business cards are clever. Tap a phone, scan a chip, or flash a QR code and someone instantly has your details. They’re great for speed and for cutting down on printing.
But there’s a drawback. As Paul Service pointed out in one of my LinkedIn posts:
When you meet someone in passing, their name can fade from memory if all you did was tap a phone. A physical card sits there as a reminder. It doesn’t vanish into your contact list with 200 others.
For freelancers, the sweet spot is often both: a digital card for quick exchanges, and a small stack of physical cards for events and situations where you want to leave a tangible impression.
But what if you’re just starting out?
A lot of new freelancers hesitate here. You might not have a brand, a logo, or even a business name yet. So is it worth ordering cards now?
Here’s my take: you don’t need to wait for perfection. Cards don’t have to be glossy or expensive. You can design something clean and simple in Canva and get a run of 100 printed for less than the cost of a takeaway.
That small batch will carry you through your first few expos or networking events. And if your business evolves, you can update them later. Better to have something than nothing. As Hari Patience-Davies put it:
Better to have and not need than need and not have.
People often over-estimate how many they should order and take to an event. I usually take around 100 cards to an expo, and I always come back with plenty left. Remember, not everyone you meet will want a card. Some will prefer LinkedIn. Some will take a photo of your badge instead. And that’s fine. But you want to have enough that you never get caught short when someone does ask.
The conversation starter effect
One of the comments on LinkedIn made a brilliant point: cards don’t need to be plain. They can be conversation starters.
Inna Stevens shared how her team chose a metaphorical image from their website for their cards, and it sparked more conversations than she expected. That’s the beauty of treating your card as part of your brand story, not just your contact info.
Even a quirky design can become your icebreaker. Think about how you want people to feel when they hold your card – curious, impressed, intrigued? A little creativity goes a long way.
Andy Candler used to have the back of his business card as a space for people to write notes, now I think that’s a cracking idea – just make sure you don’t get a glossy finish on it.
Tips for freelancers considering business cards
If you’re weighing it up, here are a few practical pointers:
- Start simple. Don’t wait for the perfect brand guidelines. A clean design with your name, email, and website is enough.
- Avoid shiny finishes. They look slick, but you can’t write on them. A matte finish is more practical.
- Consider curved edges or a different shape. They stand out, and give it the oooh factor.
- Include a QR code. Bridge the gap between physical and digital – let people scan straight to your website or LinkedIn.
- Print small batches. Don’t commit to 1000. Go with 100–200 and update as your business evolves.
- Carry them sparingly. Keep a few in your wallet or bag, and the rest for expos. Nothing worse than rifling through your bag mid-conversation.
- Make notes. When you get someone else’s card, jot down where you met or what you discussed – it helps with follow-up later.
So, are they worth it?
In 2025, yes – business cards still earn their place in your toolkit. They’re not the only tool, but they’re one of the simplest.
For self-employed folk, they signal that you’re serious about your business, even if you’re just starting out. They make you memorable. And at events, they’re often the difference between being entered into a prize draw or being forgotten five minutes later.
So if you’ve been putting it off, don’t overthink it. Order that first batch, even if it’s just 100 cards. Take them to your next expo, hand them out, and remember to drop one in our bowl at World of Learning for a shot at a year’s free membership (you can find us on stand H90).
