Technology has changed everything in today’s world, from shopping and banking to socializing and even celebrating. In that respect, how we send good wishes or connect with one another on special occasions has also changed. The day when sending a greeting card meant going to the market, choosing the appropriate card, and posting it seems to be fading away. From a simple ‘thinking-of-you’ message to a birthday wish or a holiday greeting, all these could be done at the click of a few buttons today. Enter the world of eCards free, customizeable, instant ways to spread joy.
This will give you all the necessary information regarding eCards—from their history and benefits to the various occasions that they can be used for and how to create and send them. By the end of the article, you will be able to send the perfect eCard whatever the occasion may be.
The Evolution of Greeting Cards
From Paper to Pixels
The practice of sending greeting cards can be evidence-traced in ancient China and Egypt, where people used to share messages of goodwill and celebration on paper. However, it wasn’t until the 19th century that they became popular as a method of communication, only after advances in printing techniques had been made.
Well, with time marching forward and technology moving ahead, the greeting card industry did not lag behind either. The late 20th-century internet revolution gave way to eCards, greatly facilitating the sending of greetings without time, distance, and postage constraints.
Rise of eCards
The advent of the Internet in the mid-1990s marked the beginning of creating and transmitting eCards, better known as electronic cards. It provided for quick and efficient ways to transmit personalized messages that oftentimes feature animated graphics and music to any email address. Companies like Blue Mountain Arts and American Greetings led this digital transformation.
With countless websites offering a vast array of free options for every occasion, today eCards are more in vogue than ever. Some of the reasons that have made eCards a sure choice for millions across the world are convenience, speed, and environmental benefits.
Why Choose Free eCards?
Convenience and Speed
One of the most popular advantages associated with eCards is the fact that they are highly convenient. Literally, with a few mouse clicks, you can select a card, personalize it, and send it to the recipient. Be it a last-minute birthday wish or a holiday greeting to someone halfway across the globe, eCards ensure that your message reaches in an instant.
Cost-Effective
Traditional greeting cards can be very expensive, especially when you add the cost of postage. Free eCards eliminate these costs entirely, thus enabling one to send a message that shows he or she cares without having to spend even a single dime. This, therefore, makes them an excellent option for those on a very frugal budget or for sending several cards during the holiday seasons.
Eco-Friendly:
They are an eco-friendly alternative to conventional paper cards. Sending eCards reduces demand for paper products, minimizes wastes, and lowers carbon footprint. This is a very small gesture but with a lot of meaning attached to it for sustaining anything being celebrated and making life’s moments special.
Customization Options
Most of the eCard sites can offer options for a great deal of customization, which will help you personalize your message. Starting from choosing the design and color scheme to the addition of your text, photos, and even music, eCards allow personalization which traditional cards cannot usually offer.
International Coverage
With eCards, geographical barriers do not exist. You can send good wishes across the globe to friends and family without worrying about postage charges for another country or how long it will take to be delivered. This global reach is especially valuable when one has loved ones living abroad.
Occasions for Sending eCards
It is, therefore, the most versatile feature of e-carding that can be used for almost any occasion to remain in touch with people and spread smiles. Some of the most famous occasions of sending eCards include:
Birthdays
Birthdays are probably one of the most common occasions that eCards are sent for. Whether you send a card to your best friend or to your third cousin, twice removed, eCards make it fast, easy, and convenient to send birthday wishes. Many eCard sites will host themed cards for various age groups so that your greeting is appropriate and timely for the recipient.
Holidays
From Christmas and New Year’s to Thanksgiving and even Halloween, holidays are all about celebrating and staying connected. eCards give you the ability to fire off festive greetings to all of your contacts in mere moments. With literally thousands of unique designs and themes at your fingertips, there’s sure to be an eCard available for every holiday.
Anniversaries
From anniversaries to work anniversaries, the eCards fit perfectly in the special dates of your life. You can select from the available designs on most eCard platforms, whether you want to send a romantic eCard to your spouse or a congratulatory note to your colleague.
Thanks
Thanking people is a very good virtue for long-lasting relationships, and eCards make saying “thank you” easy. For whatever matter one may be thanking someone—such as a gift, favor, or even just for being there—an eCard will let them know about your feelings immediately.
Get Well Soon
An eCard entitled “Get Well Soon” will be greatly uplifting and in a very nice way of letting someone you care for know that you are thinking of them if they are not feeling their best. From humor to heartfelt, there’s the perfect eCard to brighten up any day.
Sorry
At times, apologizing can become too difficult. An eCard will be ideal for one to say Sorry in a very considerate and truthful manner. Most eCard platforms carry designs that allow one to say sorry. You can pick out appropriate words to make up for your wrong actions.
Congratulations
From graduations and promotions, to new babies and weddings, there’s so much in life that’s definitely worth celebrating. With eCards, you can send your congratulations for any reason with all speed. In fact, customizable options will give you the perfect message to go with the achievement.
Just Because
Sometimes there is no reason to have to send out an eCard. Maybe you’d like to put a little sunshine into the life of a loved one by sharing a funny meme or just wanting to let them know you’re thinking of them. eCards can really help you out in doing something spontaneous and thoughtful.
How to Create and Send an eCard
Making and sending an eCard is not a laborious task. It can be done within a few minutes. The steps are very easy to follow. Here is a step-by-step guide to get you started:
-
Choose a Platform
Websites and apps offer free eCards to users. Some of the popular ones include the following:
Blue Mountain: It offers very high-quality design and is customizable.
American Greetings: It hosts many cards for all kinds of occasions.
123Greetings: This is a very popular option for free eCards, and it has also got extensive categories.
Punchbowl: This site not only offers digital cards but also the sending of paper cards.
-
Pick an Event
After you have chosen your platform, scroll down through the various categories of occasions you’re sending your eCard for. Almost all platforms have categories for birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, and more to choose from in picking out your card.
-
Customize Your Card
After selecting a card, it will prompt you to personalize it. You can add your text, change the font color, upload photos, select music or animation, and some even add a signature or draw right on the card.
-
Add the Recipient’s Information
You will then be asked to provide the recipient’s name and email address. Some platforms even schedule the delivery of the eCard for you to choose when the eCard is delivered.
-
Send Your eCard
Once you’re happy with the eCard, press “Send.” This will send the card to the recipient’s email address with a link to it. Some sites allow sharing options through social media or messaging apps.
-
Follow Up
After sending the eCard, a personal note or a call may be appropriate, more so if the eCard was sent for some important occasion. This touch says it all: you really do care, and that makes all the difference in your gesture.
Tips for Choosing the Perfect eCard
Know Your Audience
Pick an eCard keeping the recipient’s personality and preference in mind. A funny card will go great for a close friend; more formal design for any colleague or acquaintance.
Think About the Occasion
Not all occasions are created equal, and thus different eCards suit different occasions. For example, an anniversary card is more of a loveydovey nature and therefore would feature flowers, soft music, and all the other usual love gestures. A birthday card created for a child would be bright with colors and animations that are more playful in their nature.
Personalize Your Message
While many eCards come with pre-written messages, taking the time to add your own words makes the card feel more personal and meaningful. Even a very brief, sincere message can make a big difference in making the recipient realize you truly care about them.
Choose the Right Platform
Not all eCard platforms are created equal. Some of them offer more options for personalization, while others may be better at really nice design selections in regards to specific occasions. Take your time looking around a few of them to see which one will work best for you.
Seek out Animations and Sound
Many of the eCards feature animations and sound effects that can add even more humor to a message. Of course, if you’re sending a card to someone who might be viewing it at an office or other quiet environment, you should probably choose a card with no sound — or at least warn this person in advance.
Timing is Everything
If you’re sending an eCard to someone for a time-oriented event—say, a birthday or holiday—make sure to mail it with enough lead time so that the recipient will get a chance to enjoy it. Many sites now have the ability to schedule a delivery date for your eCard, and that’s a really helpful way to make sure it arrives on the right day.