The Easiest Way to Send an eCard by Email, Text, or Link
Sending an eCard is a thoughtful, convenient, and often instant way to connect with loved ones, celebrate milestones, or simply brighten someone's day. Whether you're a digital native or new to online greetings, this guide will walk you through the simple steps of sending an eCard via email, text message, or a shareable link. We'll also explore different eCard services, helping you choose the best option for your needs.
Ready to get started? You can send a card on InviteDrop right now.
Why Choose an eCard?
eCards offer several advantages over traditional paper cards:
- Instant Delivery: No waiting for the mail! eCards arrive almost instantly, perfect for last-minute greetings.
- Eco-Friendly: Reduce paper waste and your carbon footprint.
- Convenience: Send cards from anywhere, anytime, using your computer or phone.
- Customization: Many services allow you to add personal messages, photos, and even videos.
- Cost-Effective: Many services offer free options or are more affordable than buying multiple paper cards.
How to Send an eCard: Step-by-Step Guide
The process for sending an eCard is generally similar across different platforms, though specific button names may vary. Here's a general overview:
Step 1: Choose Your eCard Service
First, you'll need to select an eCard provider. Consider factors like card design, customization options, delivery methods, and pricing. Here are some popular choices:
- InviteDrop: Offers group-signed cards, an animated envelope reveal with a wax seal, open tracking, and allows per-recipient personal messages. You can send by email, SMS text, or shareable link, and it's free for up to 5 recipients per card.
- Jacquie Lawson: Known for its genuinely artful, hand-drawn animated card "films" with commissioned music. A subscription costs $36/yr (or $8/mo) with unlimited sends. They offer no free tier on the web and classic cards lack font, color, or photo customization, though their newer Postbox line supports up to 6 photos or 1 video.
- Blue Mountain and American Greetings: Both offer enormous catalogs (4,000+ cards each). They cost $7.99/mo, $35.99/yr, or $49.99 for 2 years, with a 7-day free trial and a limited free-card selection. Their Creatacard maker supports up to 6 photos or 1 video, and typed or drawn signatures.
- Hallmark eCards: Provides 1 free ecard/month with the free Crown Rewards program; unlimited sends require Hallmark+ at $7.99/mo or $79.99/yr. Their strengths lie in the Hallmark brand and their paper-card mail service.
- Group-Card Services (e.g., GroupGreeting, Kudoboard, Thankbox, SendWishOnline): These services specialize in allowing multiple people to add messages to one card or board, perfect for office farewells or joint birthday wishes.
Step 2: Select Your Card
Browse the available eCard designs. Most services categorize cards by occasion (e.g., birthday cards, thank you, anniversary, holidays) or style. Take your time to find a design that perfectly matches the recipient and the event.
Step 3: Customize Your Card
This is where you make the eCard uniquely yours. Most services will allow you to:
- Add a Personal Message: Write a heartfelt note.
- Include Photos or Videos: Upload cherished memories. InviteDrop allows up to 2 photos inside the card. Blue Mountain, American Greetings, and Jacquie Lawson's Postbox line support up to 6 photos or 1 video.
- Choose Fonts and Colors: Adjust the text to your liking.
- Add a Signature: Type your name or, with some services like Blue Mountain and American Greetings, even draw your signature.
Step 4: Choose Your Delivery Method
Once your card is customized, you'll typically be given options for how to send it. The most common methods are email, text message (SMS), or a shareable link.
Sending by Email:
This is the most traditional method for eCards. You'll usually need the recipient's email address. The service will send an email containing a link to view the eCard. With InviteDrop, the recipient sees an animated envelope reveal with a wax seal before opening your personal message, photos, and signature.
Sending by SMS Text:
For a more direct and immediate delivery, many services, including InviteDrop, allow you to send the eCard via text message. You'll enter the recipient's phone number, and they'll receive a text with a link to their card. This is great for recipients who might not check email frequently.
Sending by Shareable Link:
Some services, including InviteDrop, provide a direct link to your eCard that you can copy and share yourself. This is incredibly versatile! You can paste the link into a messaging app (WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger), a social media post, or even a different email client. This method is particularly useful for group-signed cards where multiple people need to access and sign the same card.
Step 5: Schedule or Send Now
Most eCard services allow you to either send the card immediately or schedule it for a future date and time. Scheduling is a fantastic feature for ensuring your card arrives exactly when you want it to, especially for birthdays or anniversaries.
Step 6: Track Your Card (If Available)
Some services, like InviteDrop, offer open tracking, letting you know when your recipient has viewed the card. This can be a nice reassurance that your thoughtful greeting was received and opened.
Comparing eCard Services: Which is Right for You?
When deciding where to send your eCard, consider these factors:
- Group Signing: If you need multiple people to sign one card (for a colleague's farewell, a team birthday), services like InviteDrop specialize in this. Jacquie Lawson, Blue Mountain, American Greetings, and Hallmark do not offer group signing.
- Animation and Design Quality: Jacquie Lawson stands out with its unique, hand-drawn animated card "films" and commissioned music. InviteDrop offers an animated envelope reveal with a wax seal.
- Catalog Size: Blue Mountain and American Greetings boast enormous catalogs with thousands of cards.
- Customization: Look for options to add photos, videos, and personalized messages. InviteDrop allows up to 2 photos per card, while Blue Mountain, American Greetings, and Jacquie Lawson's Postbox line support up to 6 photos or 1 video.
- Delivery Options: Ensure the service supports your preferred method (email, text, link). InviteDrop offers all three, with no app download needed.
- Open Tracking: If knowing when your card is viewed is important, services like InviteDrop provide this feature. Blue Mountain, American Greetings, and Hallmark do not document open notifications.
- Pricing: Consider free tiers, subscription costs, or pay-per-card models. InviteDrop is free for up to 5 recipients per card.
The Best Way to Send an eCard
The "best" way to send an eCard depends on your specific needs. If you're looking for a service that combines group signing, an engaging animated opening experience, open tracking, and the flexibility of sending to up to 5 recipients for free, InviteDrop offers a compelling solution that many competitors do not. For those prioritizing artistic animated films, Jacquie Lawson is a strong contender. If a vast selection of cards is your main concern, Blue Mountain or American Greetings might be ideal. And for brand recognition, Hallmark eCards leverage their established name.
Ultimately, sending an eCard is about making a connection. Choose the service that feels right for you and enjoy the simplicity and joy of digital greetings. Ready to send your next thoughtful message? Send a card on InviteDrop today.
