Digital business cards are the future of networking. In 2023, 37% of small businesses and 23% of individuals have used a digital business card app, and the number of digital business card users are expected to increase drastically over the next few years.
Digital business cards are a great way to make a lasting impression on potential clients and employers. They are easy to share, store, and update, and they can be used to showcase your skills and accomplishments. With digital business cards, you can easily create a professional profile that stands out from the crowd. Plus, they are more cost-effective than traditional paper business cards. With the right digital business card, you can make a lasting impression and get ahead in your career.
What is a Digital Business Card?
Digital business cards are the modern way to share contact information with potential clients, colleagues, and business partners. In the digital age, physical business cards are becoming a thing of the past. Digital business cards are a convenient and efficient way to share your contact information with others. They are easy to create, share, and store, and they can be customized to fit your needs. With a digital business card, you can include your name, job title, company, website, email address, phone number, and social media links. You can also add a photo, logo, or other graphics to make your card stand out.
Pros of Digital Business Cards
There are many pros to using digital business cards over the traditional paper business card. Digital business cards are an eco-friendly alternative. They reduce the need for paper, which makes them sustainable and environmentally friendly. Aside from being environmentally conscious, they’re also very easy to share. These cards can be shared via email, social media, or even through a QR code, making it convenient for both the sender and receiver.
In terms of cost-effectiveness, digital business cards triumph over their traditional counterparts. There’s no need to continuously pay for new cards, which can lead to significant savings in the long run. Another advantage is that these cards are always accessible. As long as you have your digital device with you, you’ll have access to your digital business cards. This comes in handy in situations where carrying physical business cards isn’t practical.
Lastly, digital business cards are easy to update. If any of your contact information changes, you can simply update it on your digital card without having to go through the process of printing new ones. This not only saves time but also ensures your contacts always have your up-to-date information.
Cons of Digital Business Cards
Despite the numerous advantages, digital business cards do come with their own set of drawbacks. One of the main disadvantages is the lack of personal touch. Traditional business cards can be personalized with unique designs and textures. This level of personalization is often missing from digital cards, which might make them seem less personal or unique.
Another con is the dependence on technology. In situations where your phone battery dies or you’re in an area without internet, you won’t be able to access or share your digital business card. This could potentially lead to missed business opportunities.
Furthermore, not everyone is tech-savvy. Some people may prefer a physical card because they aren’t comfortable using technology or don’t have the necessary devices to receive digital cards.
Compatibility issues also pose a challenge for digital business cards. Not all digital cards will look the same on every device, which could potentially lead to formatting issues.
The choice between digital and traditional business cards depends on your specific needs, your target audience, and your personal preference. Each has its own set of pros and cons, and it’s important to consider these before making a decision on which one to use.
Comparing the Cost of Paper Business Cards vs. Digital Business Cards
Digital business cards typically only cost the amount of the app or platform used to create and distribute them, and many times, it is free. Some platforms offer free versions, while others may have a monthly or yearly subscription fee. However, once purchased or subscribed to, digital business cards do not require additional costs for each new card created, shared, or updated. This makes them a cost-effective solution, especially for businesses or individuals that frequently update their information or need to share their cards with numerous people.
On the other hand, the cost of paper business cards can vary significantly depending on several factors. The design complexity, paper quality, printing specifications, and quantity ordered all contribute to the final cost. A stack of 100 cards can cost anywhere from $10-50, translating to 0.10-0.50 cents per card. And this is just the initial cost. If you need to update your information, you’ll have to pay for a new batch of cards. Also, if you attend events or meetings frequently and hand out cards often, you’ll need to reorder more frequently, adding to the cost.
In terms of cost-effectiveness, digital business cards generally offer more value for money than traditional paper cards, primarily due to the absence of costs associated with printing and shipping. In fact, paper business cards are—at a minimum—26% more expensive than digital business cards. The average annual cost to print paper business cards can go as high as $194.
Therefore, in terms of purely monetary cost, digital business cards seem to be a more economical choice, particularly for those who often update their details or need to distribute their cards widely. However, the decision between digital and paper business cards should also factor in aspects like target audience, personal preference, and the nature of one’s business.
Top Websites to Create Digital Business Cards
There are many websites that offer digital business card services, so it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. Here are some of the top websites to create digital business cards in 2023.
Popl: Popl is a premier digital business card maker that offers an assortment of products. The platform allows you to share your contact information, social media profiles, and more with just a tap or scan. It’s an effective tool for networking, especially in a world where remote and digital interactions are becoming increasingly common.
HiHello: HiHello is another popular choice for digital business cards. It allows you to create and share your cards digitally, making it easier than ever to network and connect with others. With HiHello, you can customize your card to match your brand or personality, and easily update your information as needed.
Beaconstac: Beaconstac is a platform where you can quickly create digital business cards through their easy-to-use and intuitive platform. You can design your cards, add your contact details, and even track when and where your card was scanned.
Canva: Known for its design capabilities, Canva also offers a digital business card creation feature. This makes it perfect if you want to design both digital and physical business cards. Canva’s user-friendly interface and wide array of design options make it a great choice for those looking to get creative with their cards.
Blinq: Blinq’s digital business cards allow you to share your details with a QR code, providing an easy way to make a great first impression. The platform is easy to personalize and update, ensuring your contacts always have your most current information.
In conclusion, digital business cards are a great way to make a lasting impression and stand out from the competition. They are cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and offer a great return on investment.
