In the age of social media and digital communications, the old-fashioned printed business card survives, particularly among small businesses. With the increasing use of e-cards attached to emails and other electronic communication, the 3.5 x 2 inch cover stock business card seems alive and well; however, what may be changing is the way in which this traditional communication tool is used.

After reviewing hundreds of business cards collected over the past decade and observing scores of meetings and events during which printed business cards were exchanged, here are a few findings:

Business cards are used primarily as a social function, since the most common way people exchange cards is in person. The exchange becomes a setting in which people engage one another in search of connections and opportunities.

While business cards highlight contact information, such as name, title, company name, telephone number, and email address, they also are used to drive traffic to websites and social media platforms.

Decades ago, almost every business card included a brick and mortar address, but today it has become increasingly common for small businesses to omit a company address. The primary contact information used is telephone number and email address, followed by a website address.

Though some companies now use vertical orientation and nontraditional shapes for the business card, the 3.5 x 2 inch horizontal size still dominates. Vibrant colors, bleeds, and artwork abound.

Many companies are still missing opportunities of using the back of a business card to communicate information to customers.

Overall, the printed business card is hanging around for a while, especially for in-person communication.