Custom Printed Business Cards

 It is the age of virtual reality, remote working, and digital services. This makes many think that business cards are no longer helpful. Is this true? Not yet. Business cards are still a popular way of communication about a business, its product or service, and contact information. Business cards are still an effective marketing tool for small businesses. They are also still used widely for networking with other business professionals. Pegboard is a California-based company located in Bakersfield and has helped more than 10,000 happy customers. They provide custom printing, branded merchandise, apparel and products, and print and mail solutions. This article by Pegboard discusses how business cards are designed today and why they are still business-promoting tools.

Many believe that digital tools will never replace business cards. Business cards offer a personal connection and human factor that digital tools lack. A business card must be designed with a lot of thought, whether choosing a template or having it custom printed. Below are some points to consider when a business is choosing a business card.

1. Basic Details

It is easy to get cluttered with new technology, digital marketing platforms, and the influence of the latest design possibilities. But the basic information a business card must carry remains the same.

• Company Name and Logo
• Company Tagline or Slogan if Applicable
• Employee Name and Functional Job Title (Especially for small businesses, rather than a generic title, a functional job title may be better for clarity).
• Contact Information – the business number (can be a mobile number too), and business email of the employee.
• Company website, a few relevant social media handles
• Company website

2. Material

The material chosen for the card makes the first impression. Business cards usually follow a standard size and shape because they make them easily accessible. The material used for the card is something that some innovation can go into. Transparent and semitransparent plastic material is an option, but it is expensive and is not an environment-friendly choice. Good quality cardstock and paper are still popular. Business cards made from recycled paper can reflect a company’s commitment to the environment.

3. Consistent Style

The business card must be designed with the target audience in mind. If possible, the colors and images used should be associated with the industry or service of the business. The card should reflect the brand identity in its color scheme, typography, and logo. The look and feel must be similar across all platforms to make a brand or business identity apparent. For example, custom lanyards, business cards, and business stationery can all have the same logo and color scheme.

4. White Space

Business cards must be clear and concise, never cluttered. The card should have only essential information. Both sides of the card can be used. The space helps the tip stand out and makes it possible for the receiver to make a note on it. This will be more helpful in ensuring they have relevant information in a manner they relate to.

5. Technology

Technology can be used to enhance a  business card. For instance, a QR code can redirect clients to a website, a social media handle, or an app. This allows a minimalistic, stylish business card to be custom printed. NFC (Near Field Communication) technology uses microchips in business cards to enable clients to access a website or app by placing their phone so tablets close to the business card.

Creative and Useful

Sometimes creative design can help cards stand out and create a visual recall of the business. It might be due to colors, images, or shapes that link it to service or product. Some business cards can have a tactile design. Laser-cut options or die-cut processes can be used to make exciting effects that keep business cards in the hands of potential clients longer. Business cards can even be designed to function as phone holders or paper clip organizers, or bottle openers.

Business cards are still a popular marketing tool. They are simple, easy to access, budget-friendly, and add an impression of professional legitimacy. They can easily be custom printed after a suitable design is chosen. Pegboard was launched in 1964 as a company that aided in-office accounting. Later as technology evolved, they started offering services like laser checks, business forms, and printing solutions. Today Pegboard is a company offering custom printing, print, mail, and branding services to clients near California, Central Valley, and Central Coast. They can be contacted on (661) 327-5861 for customized promotion through branded merchandise, apparel, and products.

Company Gifts Suitable for Hybrid Workforce

 A hybrid working style offers employees more flexibility, cutting down on time spent commuting and reducing the negative impact on the environment by reducing the need for transportation. After the pandemic, even workplaces that didn’t offer this option are now open to the idea of hybrid offices. Of course, some jobs and sectors always need employees to be physically present, and some can always choose to be remote working. But for those who can, a hybrid workplace can offer the best of both worlds.

This has opened up possibilities for promotional products that convey a company’s consideration for employees or clients. Whether a small group of employees or a few clients are chosen for appreciation, the company gift can be more individualized, and the budget can be higher. Pegboard offers custom printing, mailing, and branding services to clients in California’s Central Valley and Central Coast. They help small and midsize businesses design company gifts that show their appreciation for customers and employees.

Company Gifts That Are Useful In Hybrid Workplaces

1. A Transition Kit for Home and Office

Employees who now have no dedicated office desks or computers travel with their office essentials to the office when needed. Helpful items for these employees could be backpacks for their laptops, pouches for required items, folders or files, etc. These can be branded merchandise with a custom print of the business’s logo or name. Customized company stationery, including custom pens and pencils, can also be included.

2. Headsets and Webcam

A good headset is a handy gift for employees who make many phone calls. Noise-canceling headphones with a good microphone are an excellent choice. These ensure that employees and customers or business associates have better quality phone calls. This helps for a better customer experience and employee satisfaction. If the business requires video calls with customers, a webcam that offers better clarity and color than a built-in model can also be helpful.

3. Custom Packaged Food Gifts

Custom packaged food items are great gifts for small businesses. Though preferences and allergies are essential if a business wants to send snacks or food as a company gift, food gifts can convey care and appreciation. These gifts can be a box of artisanal chocolates or doughnuts from a favorite local place. Custom packaging or custom labels can make it beautiful and give the recipient a feeling of being unique.

4. Gifts That Encourage Healthy Lifestyles

Employees and clients are an essential part of a business, and their health is also necessary. A custom package of healthy snacks can be a great gift. This can be linked to a team challenge, like a minimum number of steps a day. There can be branded apparel or accessories given as gifts for this challenge. Exercise-related gifts like yoga mats, fitness trackers, handheld weights, elastic bands, etc., can be given. 

5. Houseplants

Houseplants can make good gifts. Planters that are quirky or in colors that reflect the company can be custom printed with the company logo or employee names. Adding a bit of green in homes or offices has its benefits.

Company gifts need not be given only on holidays. They can be provided for work anniversaries, to welcome a new employee, or even as tokens of appreciation for a job well done. The above gifts are suitable for employees working from home or office. Pegboard helps small and medium businesses with custom printing, mailing, and branding services to small and medium enterprises. The company is located in Bakersfield, California. They can be contacted on (661) 327-5861 for custom printing and branding needs in California’s Central Valley and Central Coast.

Advantages of Promotional Products for Small Businesses

 With the development of the internet and other technological advancements, marketing and advertising techniques have changed. Though the methods vary, the aim is still the same. Reports say that American businesses spend $20 billion on promotional products.

Promotional products are items that have a company’s logo, name, or slogan and are given free to customers, employees, and business associates. Some examples of these items include t-shirts, pens or stationary, water bottles, tote bags, umbrellas, etc. Anything can be a promotional product. In combination with other forms of advertising, custom printed promotional products can be highly effective. Pegboard is a company that provides custom printing, mailing, branding, and promotional solutions to small and medium-sized businesses in California’s Central Valley and Central Coast. Here they list the benefits that small businesses can get from promotional products.

Getting Brand Exposure

A small business can have a quality product or an exceptional service. Yet they need more people to know about their company even to be considered. Promotional products help get the company’s name out to large numbers of people. The business can generate interest and awareness by custom printing of logos or company names on promotional products or custom packaging of products or gifts. A well-thought-out quality product can be used for months and ensures customer engagement and brand recall.

Creating a Perception

Promotional products create a perception of a stable, successful business. The product need not be an expensive one. Sometimes even a custom pen or stationery can make a big difference.

Cost-Effective Advertising

Compared to print or television advertising, promotional products are a relatively cheap advertising method. The cost per impression is a significant measure ratio used to determine how much the business has gained from custom printed items. The amount of money spent on that advertising campaign is decided by the number of times the advertising is seen. Since most products are used for months, if not years, and chosen for frequent use, promotional products are considered to provide a good return on investment.

Brand Loyalty

Promotional products can help cement relationships that create loyal customers. For example, a birthing suite might give custom printed onesies or custom t-shirts for new parents with cute captions and the company name. These will be part of memories that will be treasured and create a bond with the service provider. In this particular example, this might be shared with family and friends via pictures and videos, which may also be shared on social media.

Integrated Marketing

Promotional products can be part of a broader marketing mix. Think of trade shows or social media giveaways on the business’s social media or through an influencer. Direct mailing of personalized greeting cards with the company’s logo or name or goodie bags in custom packaging are all good marketing techniques. Promoting a product or service through various channels is more effective for the brand.

Tangible Presence

Promotional products have a tangible presence that can provide visual and tactile stimuli. There can be fidget toys for adults with custom printing of the company name. Simple objects like a coffee mug or a frisbee can be used. Shopping bags, totes, or custom t-shirts are all valuable gifts visible in the community when used.

Ideal for Business Networks

If the company offers business-to-business services,  it can be helpful to use promotional products that they would use in their offices. For example, a cleaning company or a junk removal company might provide services to the office of a building constructor. Giving the client a custom printed desktop calendar or accessories with the company name can generate new business from their clients while reinforcing the relationship with the primary customer.

Inspiration and Recognition of Employees

Having apparel or other items with a custom print of the company name they are working for has a positive effect on employees. The feelings of being included and acknowledged can be motivating. Simple gifts like a custom hat or custom lanyards that are mandatory are budget-friendly choices. There can also be awards and customized certificates for high performers.

Promotional products are a means of economical and impactful advertising. Small businesses can also have a significant impact by using custom printing and packaging services. Pegboard is a company with a rich history of service to small and midsize companies. Pegboard provides custom printing and related branding services to customers across California’s Central Valley and Central Coast. They can be contacted by telephone at (661) 327-5861 or via email at info@pegboard64.com.