Do I Really Need Business Cards in Today’s Digital World?
Do you actually need business cards anymore, or are they outdated in a world of phones, QR codes, and instant contact sharing?
Short answer: yes, business cards still matter—but probably not in the way you think they do.
The Modern Ways People Share Contact Information
Let’s start with the obvious. There are more ways than ever to share your contact information, especially in real estate.
You can:
Text your contact information directly to someone
Share a digital contact card
Use QR codes that link to your website, contact info, or home search
Use tap cards (NFC cards) where someone taps their phone and your info transfers instantly
And honestly, all of those are great options. Many agents never carry traditional business cards anymore, and for some people, that works just fine.
Electronic sharing is fast, clean, and convenient—especially for clients who prefer everything digital.
So Why Am I Still a Fan of Business Cards?
Even with all of that technology available, I still believe business cards have a place. And it comes down to real-world situations.
One of my favorite uses for a business card is after a showing—especially when the seller is still occupying the property.
Leaving a card behind is a simple but powerful gesture. It tells the homeowner:
Someone showed their home
Their time mattered
Their property was respected
And here’s why that matters more than you might think.
We once worked with a seller who kept every single business card from agents who brought buyers through their home. When their listing expired and their agent wasn’t able to sell it, they didn’t start from scratch.
They called the agents whose cards they had.
They interviewed them.
And that’s how they chose who to list with next.
We secured that listing because of a business card left behind after a showing.
That’s not outdated.
That’s strategic.
Other Smart Uses for Business Cards
There are plenty of other moments where having a physical card still makes sense.
For example:
Drawings, raffles, and local events
Leaving cards at coffee shops or restaurants (where permitted)
Casual conversations that turn into real estate questions
Networking situations where exchanging phones feels awkward
And yes—even kids.
When our kids were younger, they loved carrying business cards. They’d take them to daycare, proudly hand them out, and before we knew it, the entire daycare knew what we did for a living.
It sounds simple, but exposure matters.
It’s also smart to keep cards in:
Different cars
Your bag or briefcase
Your desk or showing kit
You never know who you’re going to meet or when the opportunity will come up.
Old School Still Exists—and That’s Okay
While a lot of people prefer electronic contact sharing, there are still plenty of old-school clients who expect a business card.
Some people still:
Save them
Keep them on their fridge
Put them in a drawer
Hand them to friends
And if someone asks for a card and you don’t have one, that moment is gone.
So, Do You Need Business Cards?
You don’t need thousands of them.
You don’t need anything fancy.
And you don’t need to rely on them as your only form of marketing.
But I do believe it’s smart to have a few business cards on you at any given time.
Use what makes the most sense for you.
Combine digital tools with physical ones.
And be prepared for real-life moments where technology isn’t the best option.
Because you truly never know when you’ll need one.
Final Thoughts
Business cards aren’t dead.
They’ve just become more intentional.
Used the right way, they’re still a simple, effective tool that can open doors—sometimes literally.
If you have questions about marketing, branding, or what tools actually work in today’s real estate world, we’re always happy to help.
Let’s Talk
If you want to talk through systems, tools, or strategies that make sense for your business—or you just want honest advice—give us a call or reach out anytime.
CrossView Realty
📞 904-503-0672
📧 info@crossviewrealty.com
