The humble business card has been used as far back as the 17th century and remains a highly effective way for people to network and promote their business/services. If you are a professional, you should always carry high-quality business cards with you and you might be surprised at how useful these prove to be.

17th Century Calling Cards

You can trace the use of business cards back to the 17th century when they were used in Europe as a way for men to contact women – etiquette was strict and involved men leaving a calling card at the household before waiting for a reply. The quality of the card also could influence a person’s social standing with those with fancy calling cards climbing the social ladder.

Trade Cards

Business cards as we know them arrived later in the 18th century. Tradesmen would use text and images on one side of a card to promote the business and provide key information, such as the contact details, address and list of goods/services. Again, these cards could be used as a way to improve the reputation of a business and were used as a major promotional tool with elegant designs.

Modern-Day Business Cards

The importance of business cards has not faded over time, and they remain an important tool even in a time of social media and the internet. There is a personal touch with a business card, they are a physical reminder of the person, and they can be faster than looking someone up online. There is also a social etiquette in the business world to exchanging business cards that can help to build trust and develop valuable relationships – this can be key in today’s digital age. 

Business Card Design Options

It is clear that business card design is hugely important and says a lot about a brand. This is how you present your brand to the world, so it is vital that you use a design that highlights the brand’s personality and appeals to the target market. Often, simplicity is best when it comes to the business card design and the use of space. A chaotic, cluttered business card can be off-putting, but equally, you do not want to be dull. You can find a lot of inspiration online for clever, attractive and unique designs that could help you to make a great first impression.

Business cards have played a key role in life and business for over 400 years and remain a highly effective tool to use in today’s world. A high-quality business card can help you to make a good impression, attract customers to your business and build trust with others while allowing you to grow a large professional network that will always come in handy. 

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