The History of Business Cards

Search:

The History of Business Cards

Every business person has a business card. Well, any business person that has any hope of succeeding has a business card, at least. Business cards are a very valuable piece of a business’s marketing strategy. They are small, convenient, inexpensive, and powerful.

But as you design your next business card printing project, have you ever thought about the history of those powerful little cards? Believe it or not, they have been around for a long, long time. They are basically a mix between old fashioned trade cards and visiting cards.

Visiting cards (or calling cards) were first seen in the 1400’s in China. They were common in Europe after the Middle Ages. There, they were used to introduce visitors to their hosts. They became such an entrenched part of the European culture that there were many rules and traditions surrounding them. Improperly using a visiting card was cause for ridicule and even punishment.

Most wealthy Europeans would adorn their visiting cards with their family coat of arms and other decorations. They were, in effect, the first advertisements, though they were used as a personal badge rather than a corporate tool. These visiting cards were truly essential parts of any leading man or woman’s life.

Trade cards were first used in the 1600’s in England. These were truly early forms of ads, as they were used to direct customers to stores. This was literal, though, because England did not have a system for numbering addresses at the time. Trade cards were used to tell people how to get to a particular place.

As trade cards became more popular, businesses began to add different design features to them. They began to look more and more like modern advertisements, with many aspects that would distinguish the company from its competitors. These cards even began taking on the looks of pieces of art, with color and other artistic elements.

In time, people began to combine elements of visiting cards and trade cards into what we now know as business cards. For a long time in America, business cards were very bland and professional looking, which made them appear much like traditional visiting cards. Now, however, business cards are becoming more and more artistic, with more advertising formulas tied into their design.

In today’s world, business cards are both informational pieces for business people, and advertising tools for companies. They are used both to give contact information to customers and associates, and to entice customers to visit a particular store. In many ways, they continue to serve the same roles that they have played for centuries, while adding some modern touches. I don’t think we will begin calling the visiting cards anytime soon, though.

Article Source: http://articlenexus.com

For comments and inquiries about the article visit: Business Card Printing

Please Rate this Article

Not yet Rated

Click the XML Icon Above to Receive Site Promotion Articles Via RSS!

Additional Articles From - Home | Internet | Site Promotion

Credit Score 101 - By : globalbpo1
Just want you to know a little about SEO - By : Shashi Sharma
Profiting Online With Articles. - By : Shashi Sharma
An Honest Review of the Amazing Secret Magic Code - By : Robin R.
Eight eBay Selling Tips - By : kaptaatul
Create Your Own Information Product - By : kaptaatul
Best Brief History Of Search Engines - By : kaptaatul
Best Bigger Box - By : kaptaatul
Best Beginner’s Guide to Different eBay Auction Types - By : kaptaatul
Eight Easy Steps To Increase Your Opt-In Rate - By : kaptaatul

STOP Paying for Your Ads! FREE Pay Per Click!

$8,132.26 Per Month on Craigslist

CraigsList Blackhat System

Everything you need for your website and home business.
	Adsense Site Builder
	Adsense Analyzer Software
	Clip Art
	Domain Names
	Header Graphics
	Make Money Online
	Photo Art
	Resell Products & Free Stuff
	SEO Software
	Web Hosting $4.95/mo
	Website Templates
	Web Site Promotion Tools
AdvancedWebsiteTools.com

	Print This Article
	Add To Favorites
	Email to Friends
	Ezine Ready

Submit Articles
Member Login
Top Authors
Most Popular Articles
Submission Guidelines
Ezine Notifications
Article RSS Feeds

(Your 160x160 ad here)
Only $50 a month-click here

Link Exchange
Blog by WordPress
Privacy Policy
Terms of Service
About Us
Contact Us
Banner Advertisements

Have you Victimized by a Business or the Government? File your consumer complaints or business complaints at BusinessReporter.net!

Structured Settlement?
Free information to help you learn more about structured settlements, your rights, and how to select the best company for you.

Affordable Discount Dental Plans
Choose from over 30 top-quality national and regional discount dental plans. Save 10% to 60% on most dental procedures

Remove Bad Credit
Legally Erase Bad Credit and Improve Your Credit Rating
with Self Help Credit Repair
Do It Yourself Credit Repair

Classic Autos
Replica Kit Cars

Staffing Resources
Online Recruiting

Links

Electronic Bargins

Hair Loss Remedies

Steiff Bears, Antique Bears

Model Railroading | Model Trains

McCain Sucks

Free Diabetic Supplies

Antique Radios | Ham Radios