How to Order Photo Greeting Cards Online

By Leanne Tremblay

Busy people (like all Moms, Dads and friends of all ages...), pay attention!

Ordering photo greeting cards online can save you tons of that stuff you have so little of...time!

You know by now that you can order just about anything online, and greeting cards, birthday cards, announcements and invitations are no exception.

But why would you, when you can just dash down to the nearest drugstore and grab a last minute card?

Well, because you can customize and send a photo card directly to someone for around $3!

Most store-bought cards costs significantly more than that.

As you can see from this example, a personalized photo greeting makes a great keepsake too. This 5x7 mosaic style card featuring nine photos would look great in a frame and be enjoyed every day.

Click here to start designing your own photo card AND
get 25 free prints just for trying Shutterfly

Step By Step

Here are ten friendly steps to help you get started ordering photo cards online (warning, once you start, you'll be hooked):

1. Decide which online photo merchant you want to use (such as Shutterfly, Kodak Gallery or Snapfish). We've had great success with Shutterfly and recommend them, but we've also ordered from the other two with great results. BUT if it's BABY cards you're after, make sure you check out the designs at Tiny Prints (mostly flat cards, but some great square folded styles too). Click here for more on baby photo announcement cards.
   
2. Create an account with them (if you don't have one already). Registration is free. ALL the photo printing sites offer free prints when you register. Click here for free print info.
   
3. Select the card style. Be clear about flat and folded cards. Flat cards are often identified as "photo cards" or "announcements". Folded cards are usually labeled "greeting cards". Other fun folded cards include accordion folds, all-in-one cards (where no envelope is required), and poster cards (where the card folds out into a 11x17 poster. The online photo service with the best UNIQUE card designs is Photoworks. We've also ordered from them and recommend heartily. Click here for more unique cards.
   
4. Using the online tools, design the front of the card. Upload and choose photos for the front, backgrounds, colors, and fonts, depending on the card style. Designing your card is really a snap. Just drag and drop photos into place.
   
5. Design the inside of the card. Compose your message, select the font size, etc.
   
6. You may have the option to select a matte or satin finish for the card stock.
   
7.  ALWAYS double-check the spelling and grammar for your card. Use the spell-check tool if available.
   
8. ALWAYS preview your card and review both the inside and outside carefully. You will be prompted to verify that you have previewed the card before you can place the order.
   
9. Select your mail options. You can either have the card mailed to you, or you can send the card directly to one or more recipients.
   
10. Add you card to your shopping cart and place your order. Simple as that!