Business cards are one of the key tools that every business person has in their arsenal. It is a heavily personalized piece of paper which can have a tremendous impact on people who receive them. Every business person knows that first impressions can often be the last we ever get to make. So, having a small bundle of the spectacular business card with you at all times is not a bad idea at all.
The internet right now has a number of high-quality business card design tools on offer. Some are better than others in general, while some offer unique features to certain types of buyers. New trends keep coming up and going away and the market has high dynamism. However, things were not always so fluid. In fact, business cards have a very strict history behind them.
Contrary to what many people might think though, business cards are not a 20th or even a 19th-century invention. In fact, you could trace the first business cards right back to ancient China. However, in Europe, they made their appearance first in the 17th century. These were some very cultured times in the continent and so a rather sophisticated system of etiquette also evolved alongside the cards themselves.
As the decades passed between the 17th 18th, 19th, and finally the 20th century, business cards attained the status we recognize in them today. The etiquette changed as per the requirement of the times and the prevalent culture and in the 21st century, the industry witnessed its first steps into the digital age with the introduction of online business card design tools.
Now, in terms of sheer variety, the business cards market has literally exploded. There are so many types of designs and print aesthetics now that unless you are an industry pro or an avid business card aficionado, you will have not the idea of the galaxy of options that exist.
At the same time, the industry is no stagnant nor saturated. In fact, it is moving forward at a blistering pace as newer print technologies, aesthetics and industry specifications are constantly redefining the global industry landscape.
So, here are some of the most promising trends in this industry and a look into how they will shape its future.
Top Trends in the Business Cards Printing Industry to Look Out For
1. 3D Printing
This is one of the key changes that the industry is about to experience and it has the potential to revolutionize the global market. 3D printing has been in the works for a long time and when it arrives in the market, it is almost certain to lead to a paradigm shift. We all know how much trends dominate the market and in those terms, 3D printing is going to be the hottest one so far in this century. The technology is already out there and being used by elite businesses through cutting-edge business card design tool software. However, with the gradual introduction of technology to the broader market, more people will be able to use it. As such, 3D printing is a cash crop just waiting to be harvested.
2. Digitally Dynamic Cards
The business cards of the future will not simply be classy pieces of paper with the names of their owners on it. Rather, they will be communication tools within themselves. For example, through the implementation of a smart chip, the card could provide directions to a doctor’s clinic or any other business establishment. Further, it can be used for tracking the health of patients by the doctors as well. There is literally no limit to the number of uses business cards can be put to. The only limitation is the technology which is certain to arrive quicker than we can expect.
3. High-end Customization
There is already more customization in the business card printing industry than people can know what to do with. But the march of progress is likely to introduce even more customization along with the advancements in technology. While this is in the not-so-near future, business cards could be fully dynamized as well. They could be embedded with a chip and paper-thin interface that has all the essential functionalities that you would need to contact the person concerned. Naturally, this also adds a degree of aesthetic value and the opportunity to present cards to every different person in a unique way. For the moment, however, we can expect cards to become even more sophisticated and adopt a versatile approach to suit the needs of every person who purchases them.
Conclusion
No matter what kind of evolution takes places in the business card printing industry, quality business card designer tools are going to remain at the center of them all. If you are looking to enter this market or want to make further progress with your market penetration, consider investing a good design tool that not only gives clients plenty of options to choose from but also great user experience. This essential but elusive combination is sure to take your business confidently into the future.
