Business cards are one of the most basic, although powerful marketing tools currently used in business today. They effectively serve a number of purposes, allowing a person to convey simple concepts such as a name, phone number, and an address to the more complex such as a full-blown business proposition. The nature of the business card however is fundamentally flawed... as society has dictated they are an acceptable business standard, it has also dictated their size. Most are 3.5" x 2" in size which means there's not a lot of real estate to convey your message. Further, the size of the card makes it easy for one to place it in a pocket, wallet, or purse, the majority of which are never to be seen or thought about again.

Think of a business card as a tiny billboard advertising YOU. Chances are you only have a few seconds to quickly convey your message to the recipient, with the hope that in the event they need to access the information on your card they can remember where they put it, or heaven forbid choose not to throw it away.

So how does one go about creating a more memorable (thus more effective) business card? Enter raised print. Raised print cards are printed using a method called thermography. Thermography is a process which works by applying a fine plastic powder to wet ink directly after printing, and then super-heating the powder at temperatures in excess of 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. The result is a business card with ink that can be physically felt.

So what exactly are the advantages of printing your business cards with raised ink? Psychologists agree that when an experience is entered into memory, the more senses that are active during experience can effectively strengthen it. This equates to the ability to recall the memory quicker, and more vividly. When using a raised print card, the recipient of the card is forced to FEEL it. This sense of touch isn't truly activated with flat full-color cards. This powerful albeit slight psychological edge can make the difference between a sale and another missed opportunity.

Additionally, raised print cards are often looked at as "traditional" and "classy". Because of certain restrictions during the printing process, raised print cards typically turn out to be less "busy" than their full color counter-parts. Simple, effective, and to the point are all the hallmarks of a strong business card.

Raised print cards are also cost effective and can be less expensive than full-color cards. If you're looking for a classy and cost effective alternative to the dull full-color cards commonly used, stand out with raised print business cards.