Business cards have been essential for centuries, and that’s not changing anytime soon, but how you get them made is changing. From local printers to online services, office supply stores, home printing, and digital options, there are more ways than ever before to create your business cards. Keep reading to learn about each option and which one is right for you.
Where to Print Business Cards
If you're looking to print physical business cards, several options are available:
- Online printing services: Websites like Vistaprint, Moo, and GotPrint offer a wide range of designs and paper stocks.
- Local print shops: Many local businesses provide high-quality printing services with a personal touch.
- Office supply stores: Staples, Office Depot, and similar chains offer business card printing services, often with same-day pickup options.
- Home printing: For those who prefer a DIY approach, printing business cards at home is possible with the right equipment and materials.
Where is the best place to print business cards?
There’s no one right place to print business cards. It all depends on what’s most important to you. If you’re looking for a budget option, printing at home might be right for you, but you may be sacrificing that clean and professional look. For quick same-day services office supply stores are often the quickest solution, but they also may come with sacrifices. Office supply stores often have fewer customization options in favor of speed.
For a higher-quality business card, online printing services and local print shops are usually the best choices. If you want more control over the final product, local print shops often allow for a more hands-on approach, while online printing services offer extensive options and a high-quality finish, though printing and shipping times can be slower.
How to Print Business Cards at Home
Printing business cards at home can be cost-effective and allows for quick updates and complete control.
Here are a few quick steps to print business cards at home:
- Choose cardstock compatible with your printer (typically 80-110 lb weight). It’s important to note many printers can only handle lighter weight paper, so your homemade cards may not feel as substantial as professionally printed cards.
- Design your card using software like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or Canva.
- Print a test sheet on regular paper to check alignment.
- Load the cardstock and print your final design.
- Use pre-scored business card sheets for easier separation and cleaner lines, or use a paper cutter to create clean, straight lines.
Remember that home-printed cards may not have the same professional finish as those from commercial printers. Things like a glossy finish, crisp images, clean edges, and rounded corners won’t be easy or even possible for homemade cards, so consider what brand image you want to put forward before deciding on homemade cards.
Digital Business Cards: A Quick and Eco-Friendly Alternative
While traditional cards have their place, digital business cards offer several advantages:
- Immediate sharing: No need to wait for printing; create and share instantly.
- Easy updates: Change your information anytime without reprinting.
- Eco-friendly: Reduce paper waste and your carbon footprint.
- Enhanced content: Include links, social media profiles, and even video intros.
Digital business cards allow you to create a professional online presence in minutes. You can easily share your digital card via email, text, or QR code, and the best part? New connections can immediately save your contact into their phone, so they can’t lose your card.
Bridging the Gap: Printing QR Codes
For those who want the best of both worlds, consider printing QR codes that link to your digital business card. This approach allows you to:
- Create a minimalist physical card design that contains more information.
- Direct people to a more comprehensive digital card.
- Track scans and engagement with your digital card analytics.
You can print QR codes on traditional business cards, flyers, brochures, or even promotional items like t-shirts or mugs.
Whether you choose traditional printed cards, digital alternatives, or a hybrid approach with QR codes, the key is to present your professional information clearly and memorably. Digital business cards offer immediacy and flexibility, while printed cards provide a tangible reminder of your brand. Consider your networking style and business needs when deciding which option is best for you.
Need help deciding? Check out the battle of the business cards to learn the pros and cons of each business card type.
Remember, with HiHello's digital business cards, you can create a professional online presence in minutes and easily share your information for free. It's a modern, efficient way to network that complements or even replaces traditional printed cards.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where can I print business cards?
You can print business cards at various locations, including online printing services like Vistaprint and Moo, local print shops, and office supply stores such as Staples and Office Depot. Many of these options offer quick turnaround times and customizable designs.
Does Staples make business cards?
Yes, Staples offers business card printing services. You can choose from various templates and paper types, and many locations provide same-day printing options for your convenience.
How do I create a digital business card?
Creating a digital business card is simple with platforms like HiHello. Sign up for a free account, fill in your information, and you’re ready to share. You can customize your card with links to your social media, website, and other contact details, then share it via email or QR code.
Can I print a QR code for my digital business card?
Absolutely! You can generate a QR code that links to your digital business card and print it on your traditional business cards, flyers, or promotional materials. This allows people to access your digital card easily by scanning the code.
What are the benefits of digital business cards?
Digital business cards offer several advantages, including immediate sharing, easy updates, eco-friendliness, and the ability to include multimedia elements like links and videos. They are also convenient for networking, as you can share them via email, text, or social media.
How do I ensure my printed business cards look professional?
To ensure a professional look, choose high-quality cardstock, use a clean and simple design, and consider hiring a designer or using a reputable printing service. Always proofread your information to avoid errors before printing.
Can I use both printed and digital business cards?
Yes! Some professionals find that using both printed and digital business cards maximizes their networking potential. Printed cards are respected by older generations, while digital cards provide immediate access to your information and can be easily updated, and saved in new connection’s phones.
