Spectrum and The Evolution of Business Cards

Business cards used to be cards that mentioned basic contact information, company name and logo. White space, neatness and how the information was organized were the defining qualities of what made business cards stand out. Since the rise of websites, blogs, social media and mobile websites/apps it made sense that the business card go out of style. Instead of doing that it reinvented itself into a better, flexible version of itself. Business card information stayed the same. Companies still mention name, address, phone number and fax. As technology became dominant company websites and email address were the first to be added. It was a new way to grab new customers into your company. Social media didn't become popular until MySpace burst onto the scene. The fall of MySpace and the rise of Facebook and Twitter made companies take notice. Companies joined the sites to gain new customers, and those networks were added to company sites, email signatures and business cards. The loss of "http://www." made it easier to add more sites without sacrifice. Smartphones and cell phone users rose to the occasion as well which prompted QR codes to be added to business cards too. Business card information has also strayed from its professional appeal to include cards that promote products, services, sales, side jobs, upcoming events and more. Business card design exploded. White space used to be the standard of business cards. However, the same white space on every card make it hard to stand out. Everyone's card had the same feel. Today's business cards show white if it relates to the company in question. The use of color made business cards pop at the seams. It gives cards personality and flair to match the professional appeal of your business. The best colors are the company colors. It's getting to the point where making your own business cards aren't acceptable like it used to be. It makes the design look cheap and tacky. Graphic design services are the only acceptable place to design and print business cards. Since businesses have so much to say the opportunity of using both sides of the card flourished. Color your business card and your logo by using every inch of the 2 x 3.5 inch card. The new standard is using one side for contact information and the other side for the logo and company name. Business cards is going a step farther; it may double as a coupon, space to write on, sticker, bookmark, event ticket, lottery ticket, kaleidoscope design, scratch and sniff, and more. Creativity made business card design thrive. Business card printing methods are more strategic. Because color is coming into play, the paper it's printed on matters to the company and the recipient. Don't print on flimsy paper that tears, fades or bleeds ink. Glossy paper, thick paper and cardstock are becoming the new paper for business cards. The shape of business cards don't have to be completely square. It can be rectangular or have rounded edges. Letterheads and engraving are also trending in this evolution. The business card rose from the ashes of defeat to become a force. Technology is making people forget what business cards feel like. Everything is handled digitally, and we are slowly forgetting what holding and touching something in your hand is like. The business card evolved from the main way to communicate into the link between online and the real world. The value of a business card has never been higher. Contact us for more information on how we can take your business card to the next level.