Business cards still seem irreplaceable, despite all the advancements in technology. Most company officials keep some cards in the pocket and hand out the cards when shaking hands with the potential client. We all have heard: “you only get one chance to make a first impression,”. You also need to know that 72% of people judge a company by the quality of the person’s business card.
Statistics indicate that 39% of people would choose not to do business with someone if they have a “cheap-looking” business card. Knowing a bit about this industry will help you look professional and have a better lasting reaction.
In this blog, we bring you to +15 years of experience in designing and printing business cards at All American Printing and Advertising. We have been doing this for big businesses attending trade shows in Las Vegas from all over the world.
A brief history of Business Card
Experts tend to agree that the first recorded use of the business card can be traced back to the 15th century in China. These cards were used by royalty and aristocrats to announce their arrival to their hosts. Wealthy business people and Traders used these primitive business cards to declare their intention to meet with others. These were basically small cards that people would carry around with them, describing how impressive/interesting/important they were.
Trade cards in Europe
In the 17th Century, addresses were not common in Europe. This was a challenge in major cities, as it made it difficult to find the business people needed. So, “trade cards” were invented to solve this problem. They contained information about the craftsman, his shop, and its location. They were printed on both sides. One side featured a map to where the business was located; Another side contained promotional information about the business. They were the size of a modern-day playing card and were engraved, embossed, and frequently included gold elements. They were used for all manner of social interactions – from business dealings to dating.
Trade Cards + Visiting Cards = Business Cards
The effects of the industrial revolution decreased formality in the world. The middle class increased, and printing technology developed, finally trade cards, and visiting cards merged into the forerunner to a modern business card. The “business card” became an essential item across both the United States and Europe. Some upper class created awkward cultural and social divides by resisting against this merger.
Modern time
During the 20th Century, business cards became the formal norm for corporate executives and small businesses; their titles and designs were often similar to power and prestige. By the 1980s, a whole culture arose around business cards; nobody could leave home without carrying their own personal or brand business cards. Business cards became absolutely essential both for famous people and all kinds of companies. Business card use became widespread in the USA in the 1890s, and the cards achieved their current level of popularity by the early 20th Century.
The front and back of the business card each convey their own message. The front is where you want to transfer your name, contact information, title, and the back is where you have space to give more information.
Today
As by the passage of time and evolving our world, the business card has remained relatively unchanged. Some might assume that business cards are becoming less important due to the rise of digital technology, but they certainly aren’t dead. According to recent statistics,10 billion business cards are printed every year in the USA.
Business cards have been through a lot of changes since their origins. However, they are still an essential part of the way business professionals interact with each other. Today’s business cards come in different shapes, sizes, and materials.
Why are business cards important even in the digital world?
As a business card is part of your introduction, they are essential for making a positive first impression. Business cards can also improve credibility, as they can create a sense of professionalism and legitimacy for your business.
Rules to consider for having an effective business card
If you want to build business relationships that get you further than the front door:
- Keep your card easy to read
- Service-appropriate
- Put all your relevant contact details
- Only Include what’s most important
- Make sure it is legible
- Get them printed professionally
Today business cards should hold the name of the cardholder, the company, your title, address, phone, email, and whatever you feel necessary to add.
The best colors for making business cards
Color is essential to your design because people keep colorful business cards ten times longer than standard black-and-white ones. Since black backgrounds or pops of red stands out the most, they could be a good choice based on your interest.
What material is used for business cards?
Business cards are printed most commonly on 14-point cardstock (thick), 16-point cardstock (thicker), and 100 lb. These are the three most common kinds of paper used to print business cards. 14/16 point cardstock is the most popular business card in different types of papers.
If your business card is colorful or contains a photo, a glossy finish may be the most attractive option. A classic matte finish might be the best option If your card has a lot of text and minimal color.
Standard sizes of a business card
3.5 x 2 inches are the standard dimensions of a business card. That’s the final card size. Bleed is added to most of the business card designs. The bleed area is a spare 1/8 inch space to include design elements. The 3.5 x 2-inch size is considered the best business card size, which makes the size similar to most credit cards. If you are willing to add an image to your business card, you need to change the size of an image to a business card size.
You can also order business card online
Thickness
The thickness of a business card is measured in “points,” each of which are equal to .001 inch. Two of the most usual sizes for business card stock are 14pt (.014 inches) and 16pt( .016 inches).
How to design your own business card?
You can design your own business card by using Microsoft word. Choose “File” on the application toolbar. Click “New” and select “Business Cards” from the template list. Choose the template closest to the look you want for your business card and click “Download.” Adjust the template text and type in your own details.
Which business card finishing are better; Matte or Glossy?
Definitely, Glossy business cards are of better quality and tend to be more protective than matte ones. Glossy provide better durability vs. matte. If you want to make colors pop, glossy business cards are great.
Even in the digital world that people carry smartphones or tablets, handing out paper business cards can improve your credibility and prestige. About 10 billion business cards are printed in the US annually, out of which %88 will be tossed within a week. Despite a large number of business cards being thrown away, a company’s sales increase 2.5% for every 2,000 business cards handed out. Therefore, the right design and quality printing job is pretty important. At All American Printing and Advertising, we design the most modern looking business cards for any businesses all over the US. For more information, click on the Get Quote button on the menu and let us know what you need.
