Business Cards-History

Business Cards evolved from a fusion of traditional Trade Cards and Visiting Cards.

Visiting Cards, also known as Calling Cards, first appeared in China in the 15th century, and in Europe in the 17th century. The footmen of Aristocrats and of Royalty would deliver these first European Visiting Cards to the servants of their prospective hosts solemnly introducing their arrival.

Visiting Cards became an indispensable tool of etiquette, with sophisticated rules governing their use.
Visiting cards included refined engraved ornaments and fantastic Coats of Arms.

Trade cards first became popular at the beginning of the 17th century in London. These functioned as advertising and also as maps, directing the public to merchants' stores, as no formal street address numbering system existed at the time

Trade Cards slowly evolved into todays Business Cards. Businesses used their cards as marks of distinction and thus introduced the first modifications in their design. Later, as the growing demand for the cards boosted the development of color printing more sophisticated card designs appeared, making the cards works of art.

Business Cards are a valuable promotional tool. No businessperson could live without the convenience of having a Business Card to hand to prospective clients or customers. But most Business Cards miss the mark…the mark of distinction. In fact I’ve seen a lot of Business Cards that should never be handed out.
Business Cards are critical to your business AND your image.

Make sure your Business Cards represent YOU!

• Contact Information is Correct
• Include Aspects of Striking Visual Design or a Unique Business Logo
• Look and Feel Are Important. Use Good Paper Stock (14pt. Recommended)
• Have a Website and Include the Domain Name Prominently
• People Want Information. Use both sides.
• Stimulate the Eye. Initiate Action.
• Create a Mini Billboard and Leave it Everywhere!
• Avoid “free” online Cards and Homemade Computer Generated Cards

It’s important to tailor your cards to the impression you’re trying to make. A Business Card is an integral part of any good marketing plan. For its size and cost, it is probably the most powerful and effective tool to convey your information and your image!

It's especially important that your Business Card be one that is memorable and makes a favorable impression.