The Power of Business Cards for Auto Dealerships: How They Can Help You Close More Deals
Auto dealerships are always looking for ways to stand out from the competition and close more deals. One powerful tool that is often overlooked is the humble business card. At the same time, although it may seem like a small detail, a well-designed business card can significantly impact potential customers.
Key Take Aways
- Business cards are a powerful tool for auto dealerships to exchange contact information and convey important information about their dealership.
- Well-designed business cards can make a lasting impression on potential customers and reinforce branding.
- New technologies like QR codes and NFC offer exciting new possibilities to enhance marketing efforts and engage customers meaningfully.
- Incorporating QR codes and NFC into business cards and other marketing materials can give customers more information and create a more engaging experience.
- Using business cards can build stronger customer relationships and drive more sales.
A Brief History
Business cards have been around for centuries, and their origins can be traced back to 15th century China, where aristocrats and royalty used them to announce their arrival to a location.^[1]123 In Europe, during the 17th century, business cards were used to announce the impending arrival of prosperous or aristocratic people to their local town or even their home.^[5] Business cards were shaped and sized similarly to playing cards, becoming a staple of the elite by the middle of the century.^[5]
Over time, business cards have been known by many names, including visiting cards, Meiji, calling cards, trade cards, and name cards.^[3] The earliest business cards were made using wood-cut and letterpress techniques.^[4] During the 18th century, copperplate engraving became the standard practice.^[4] Cards tended to be single-color prints until the advent of lithographic printing in the 19th century, which made it possible to use several colors.^[4] In the late 20th century, technological advances drove style changes, and today a professional business card often includes one or more aspects of striking visual design.^[1]
Benefits of Business Cards
First and foremost, business cards are a convenient way to exchange contact information. When you meet someone at a networking event or on a test drive, handing them a business card is professional and ensures they have your contact information readily available. This can lead to follow-up calls and emails and, ultimately, more sales.
But business cards can also convey important information about your dealership. By including your logo, tagline, and other key branding elements on your business card, you can reinforce your dealership’s identity and make a lasting impression on potential customers. You can even use the back of your business card to highlight your most popular models or special promotions.
Another benefit of business cards is that they are easy to distribute. You can leave them on the counter at your dealership, hand them out at community events, or include them in direct mail campaigns. By making your business cards readily available to potential customers, you increase the chances that they will remember your dealership and consider you when it’s time to purchase.
So if you’re looking for a simple yet effective way to close more deals, take notice of the power of business cards. With a well-designed business card, you can make a professional impression, reinforce your branding, and make it easy for potential customers to contact you.
Introduction of Technology
In addition to traditional business cards, new technologies like QR codes and NFC (Near Field Communication) have opened up new possibilities for auto dealerships to enhance their marketing efforts and improve customer engagement.
QR codes are two-dimensional barcodes that can be scanned using a smartphone camera. By including a QR code on your business card or other marketing materials, you can direct potential customers to your website, social media pages, or other digital content. For example, you could include a QR code on your business card that leads to a landing page with a special offer or discount for first-time customers.
NFC is a wireless communication technology that allows devices to exchange data when they are nearby. NFC tags can be embedded in physical objects like business cards, and when a customer taps their smartphone on the tag, they can be directed to a specific website or digital content. For example, you could include an NFC tag on your business card that leads to a virtual dealership tour or a video showcasing your most popular models.
QR codes and NFC offer auto dealerships a powerful new way to engage customers and enhance their marketing efforts. By incorporating these technologies into your business cards and other marketing materials, you can provide customers with more information, create a more engaging experience, and, ultimately, close more deals.
Conclusion
Business cards remain a powerful tool for auto dealerships to close more deals and strengthen their branding. By including new technologies like QR codes and NFC, dealerships can enhance their marketing efforts and engage with customers more meaningfully. Whether you’re handing out traditional business cards or using innovative new technologies, the key is to make a lasting impression on potential customers and make it easy for them to contact you. Automobile dealerships can build stronger customer relationships and drive more sales using business cards effectively.
Sources:
- “The History of the Business Card: How Cards Have Adapted and … – Medium”, https://www.hihello.me/blog/the-history-of-the-business-card. ↩
- “A Brief History of the Business Card | Jukebox Print,” https://www.jukeboxprint.com/blog/history-of-business-cards. ↩
- “A Brief History of Business Cards – DesignFloat,” https://www.designfloat.com/history-business-cards/. ↩