Can We Talk Business Card Design?

Calling cards, business cards or contact cards: No matter what you call them, we all need one.  And these days they are not just for business purposes, as many people are also integrating them in to their social marketing strategy.

Business cards may not come to mind very often, but they do have an interesting story of all their own.

The History of Business Cards

Business cards have a history dating as far back as the 15th century in China. First referred to as a “visiting card” or a “calling card,” these cards were a social convention that was bound by strict etiquette rules.

The visiting card so widely revered in China was introduced to Europe in the 17th century, and soon after evolved into what was called the “trade card.” Both cards were in use simultaneously, but trade cards directed potential new clients to a merchant’s location and usually contained a map and directions (critical during a time when the convention of street numbering as we know it did not exist). These early cards were printed by woodcut or letterpress, and were generally either monotones or contained a small amount of tint.

Gradually, the visiting card tradition vanished entirely while trade cards (known today as the business card) went on to become a business mainstay. Now, with the introduction of new materials for the cards such as plastic and magnetic backed cards, and the wide spread use of color, the business card industry has moved into the modern era.

Business Card Design: A Reflection of You

Business cards have evolved in innumerable ways since the days they were used as miniature city maps. Today they not only share key information such as your industry, business name and contact information, they can serve as your initial point of branding with new customers or clients. Your business card can reflect your personality, taste or sense of humor. They can communicate your creative passions or project your professionalism. Each of these characteristics – and more – can be expressed through design, putting a “human face” on your business that lasts well beyond first impressions made at a trade show, networking luncheon or chance meeting.

Business card design can range from a simple name, phone number and email address in 10 pt. font to anything your imagination can dream up. (Business cards with built-in USB drives or cards you can eat? Some people are doing it! ) Is it time to revamp your business card design to reflect the mission and personality of your work?

Greenerprinter Specializes in High-Quality Business Cards

Since the early days of woodcut or letterpress trade cards, printing companies have played a vital role in the creation of business cards. What puts Greenerprinter ahead of the pack? Just a few of the things you can expect when you order business cards through Greenerprinter include:

• Professional appearance - Each card is printed on FSC certified 100 percent recycled, 50 percent post-consumer paper waste 16pt Matte Cover. This paper is thick and substantial, giving your business a professional appearance. For an elegant look you can also request rounded corners. Or, for a really organic and sturdy look, select our 100 percent recycled, 50 percent post-consumer waste 20 point “Kraft” Board.
• High quality and consistent quality – The seeds of Greenerprinter were planted in 1988 by Mario Assadi, a life-long leader in the print industry. Over the years, Assadi has built up a team of top-notch professionals that are dedicated to producing the highest quality print materials possible. See for yourself: printing using recycled content paper and vegetable-based inks no longer means you have to compromise on quality.
• Environmentally-sensitive products – Sustainability is an ever-evolving process, and we will continue to hold ourselves to high standards and provide a more environmentally responsible product to our clients. Read more about our ongoing efforts toward sustainability in our sustainability policy.
• Eye-catching designs - Upload a design of your own creation, or choose a predesigned template from our business card page. To integrate your cards with your social media strategy, include a QR code and don’t forget to list your Twitter and Facebook user names!
• Price – High-quality business cards do not have to be expensive. Greenerprinter’s pricing is competitive: starting at just $29.50 for 250 cards.