How Has Business Card Evolved Over the Years?

Old business methods have undergone massive changes over the years. No wonder the method of using business cards has also transformed from traditional paper-made cards to smart digitized business cards.

It took over 500 years for paper-made visiting cards to finally assume the shape of digitized cards now being used worldwide.

You’ll be amazed to know that in China, people used physical paper cards way back in the 15th century for the first time. These cards were in small sizes bearing the details of the cardholder.

How Business Cards Have Transformed Since the 15th Century

In the next 200 years, the ‘trade cards’ evolved in several European countries, including the UK. These cards had the ‘trade’ details of the trader on one side and a map of the location on the other side with the address. It helps people reach the exact place for business deals.

By the time the 18th century came, the ‘trade’ card culture had begun to grow in different parts of the world, including the US. Then, gradually, woodcut and letterpress printing processes started getting used.

The advent of the Industrial Revolution in England greatly boosted the visiting card process. It took the entire business card printing process by storm.

Soon, it started spreading to other European nations like wildfire, and thus ‘visiting’ card business practice also flourished.

Due to the industrial boom following the Industrial Revolution, trade and commerce also boomed in Europe and all other parts of the world.

At that juncture, the business owners needed to introduce their products and services to others, including the probable customers. So they started making use of ‘visiting’ cards, and soon they became part and parcel of daily business activity.

Business Cards in the 20th Century

At the beginning of the 20th century, Die-Cut cards started gaining popularity among the business community in Europe, Australia, Canada, and the US.

This was the time when business people laid special emphasis on the ‘look’ of the cards. Subsequently, such cards were printed in unique designs. In addition, some cards could be folded (having larger sizes) as well to show more details.

The dawn of the 21st century saw the emergence of many innovatively designed cards that began to be called, by and large, ‘business cards’ rather than the ‘visiting card.’ Moreover, besides paper, people started using other non-paper materials, including plastic and cards in digitized format.

The Popularity of Digitized Business Cards

As you are now living in a digitized world with high-tech being its integral part, the popularity of digitized cards can’t be ignored.

It is a hassle-free solution to your physical copy of the ‘business’ card that you have to carry every time in your pocket.

Also, don’t forget that presenting a digitized custom business card is quite an innovative way to publicize your company. It impresses the person who receives the card and also captivates their attention.

Here are the top benefits of using digitized business cards at a glance

• No recurring cost of printing and reprinting.
• You can show or share your smart business card with anyone through your mobile phone.
• It looks smarter than paper-printed cards.
• A large number of business cards are thrown away when the person you have given the card finds it not of use. With the digitized smart card, this is not there as it is permanently stored in your mobile handset.

In Conclusion

The digitized version of the business card currently holds the key to a smooth and smart way of showcasing your profession, company, and what you do. As a result, it helps enhance your professional network and grow your business.

Thus, the ‘business’ card culture has turned high-tech, digitized, and smarter over the years. But the bottom line of its benefits is the fact that it saves you from physically carrying it in your pocket and incurring recurring costs in printing and reprinting them.

Besides, such cards may be spoiled forever due to heavy rains. But your smart digitized business card may not get damaged because you integrate them into your smartphone. Water, rain, or snowfall cannot damage them. As you carry your handset, you carry your business card. It’s as simple as that!

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