Business cards are still relevant in networking and building brand recognition. It’s been over 100 years since they were deemed essential and they remain so to this day.
Business Card Printing From Midwest Custom Print
First, a little bit of the history of business cards. They were first used only by royalty dating back to the 14th century in China. They were called calling or visiting cards then and used to announce visit purposes. This practice was later adopted by European businesses with trade cards. Standard business cards’ history in the United States really began in 1922, when they were deemed essential in etiquette. 103 years later, business cards remain one of Midwest Custom Print’s most ordered custom print products for local entrepreneurs and businesses in Chicago.
It’s not just us though, about 10 billion business cards are printed every year according to recent statistics. This means that potential clients, customers, and partners are all likely to expect that you and your business have a card for that personal touch that makes products and services trustworthy. The best part about business card printing is that it’s one of the most affordable products in custom printing. Midwest Custom Print isn’t just your local Chicago print shop for the best custom business card, but also a cost-effective marketing strategy and brand networking.
Effective Business Cards Today
Business cards didn’t diminish in use with the wide digitalization of marketing and networking. If anything, they actually evolved for continued use. The best and most professional business cards make great first impressions with the following format being used today:
- Legible typography – Business cards are one of the few custom print products where designs aren’t the main priority. Name, business, or brand, as well as contact information by work phone and email, are included with plenty of white or blank space in between.
- Clean design and branding – The only iconography on a business card should be the business or company’s branding to avoid any client confusion. Minimal design elements like basic shapes and natural elements can be included. The design must also be business card size.
- Clearly printed QR codes – The main example of how business cards have adapted to cyberspace is printing QR codes that often lead back to the company website, social media, or work portfolio –anything that could be accessed online. This gives potential clients a direct look at your products and services.
- Remember the back of the card – The backside of a business card is often overlooked. This space can be used for additional writing room for personal messages as some card printing materials are designed for. If you were looking to get creative with a full-color design or branding, business card designs can really shine here. A double-sided business card shows that thought was put into it.
Getting The Best Label Printing Results
There is a bit more to consider when it comes to your business card material than the cost. Different materials mean different uses and presentations when networking. Midwest Custom Print offers the following high-quality material options for business card orders:
- Glossy business cards – First impressions literally shine with gloss cover stock business cards, which makes them a great choice for business owners to exchange as many cards as they can. Compared to a regular printed business card, a glossy one also presents more value to a brand or name.
- Matte finish business cards –
- – Matte paper stock will also be a go-to for business cards because it makes great writing surfaces for messages on the fly with the presentable bold finish on what is printed.
- Velvet business cards – The most premium option, velvet business cards are all about the soft texture you feel in your fingers when you pick them up, making for an unforgettable first impression of a brand or business. These cards communicate quality and class when it comes to a product or service.
Show Proper Networking Etiquette With Business Cards From Chicago Printing Services
If you or your business has not invested in business cards yet, now is the time to do so with Midwest Custom Print. Choose from a variety of card sizes with orders up to 10000 cards and three different materials. Our in-house design team in Chicago and graphic design resource tool can assist you in optimizing your custom designs and typography to digitally print the best results for your order of original business cards. Visit our website or call us for a free quote today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Business Cards
How Many Business Cards Should I Order?
According to professionals, it’s smart to have anywhere from 500 to 1000 business cards on hand. If networking is part of your business, then an order of more than 1000 is recommended.
What Are The Best Business Card Dimensions?
The most commonly ordered, and average, size of business cards is 3.5” x 2”. This is a business card size that fits nicely in wallets and pockets. Smaller cards are available for a more compact result while bigger cards are often slimmer.
How Long Does it Take My Order of Business Cards to Print And Ship?
Midwest Custom Print’s turnaround time on orders is anywhere from three to five business days, depending on the custom product. Rush shipping and same-day printing are also available.
