Digital business cards are electronic versions of business cards that can be shared via QR code, email, or text message. They store your contact information in a virtual contact file (.vcf). You can share your digital business card through your Apple or Google Wallet, email signature, or social media.
On top of that, AI-generated digital business cards can offer more personalized options for the recipients.
In this article, we’ll break down what your options are so you can be best prepared for your upcoming in-person events!
What made me look into digital Business Cards
As the world returns to normal, we have seen many more in-person events everywhere. I wrote about Microsoft Envision The Tour: Discover How AI Can Help You Create New Business Opportunities in September 2023. In the same month, we welcomed HubSpot’s INBOUND in Boston, one of the most popular marketing events worldwide, and Startup Boston, also known as Boston Tech Week.
Excited as I was, I also felt out of touch with in-person events after not going to any one of them since the start of the pandemic. Technology has changed, and so has the way we network with each other. I had to investigate and share my learnings with you.
Benefits of digital business cards
Creating digital business cards is a useful way to share contact information, especially in a world that’s becoming increasingly paperless and contactless.
In an environment where you’ll cross paths with thousands, it’s better to have digital and alternative-to-paper business cards ready. It keeps things simple, saves you money, makes travel easier too.
How to create digital business cards in 2023
Option 1 (Recommended). Digital Business Card Software and Accessories!
Here are some digital business card software options:
Popl
Popl is your smart contact management platform that instantly saves and organizes your new contacts. Popl even offers digital business card accessories to allow you to carry cards (similar to credit cards), QR codes, stickers for your smartphones, and more. I like the different design templates available including website, social icons, and different ways to connect.
I also love this physical digital card I can hold up for anyone to scan. It’s so convenient and saves so much time at networking events.
Beaconstac Digital Business Cards
Beaconstac’s QR codes are safe and offer security features such as custom domain, SSL, and URL. You can quickly and easily update your profile details at any time.
Linq
With the Linq app and our smart products, you can share professional, customized pages with a tap. What I also like about Linq is their accessories – cards, bands, and detailed analytics you can see and measure.
This Linq physical digital business card is also very cool! It works in very similar ways compared to Popl. I do like Linq’s many color features so people on my team can each have a different color.
HiHello
HiHello is the top-rated digital business card and address book. Create a business card and share it with anyone—no app is required to receive a card. In short, these cards can be shared with anyone, and the recipient doesn’t need to have the app to receive a card. Users can also scan paper cards and manage their contacts using HiHello.
Know.ee
Knowee is a digital business card platform that allows users to create or upload their business card. Users can share their business cards through a hyperlink or QR code. Knowee cards are compatible with any device. When a user brings their card close to a mobile with NFC activated, the other person will instantly see the card.
Knowee cards are persistent, meaning that once a card is given, it can’t be changed. If a user needs to make changes, they can create a new card and share it again.
Option 2. Mobile Apps
Several apps specifically designed for digital business cards are available. Examples include Haystack, L-Card Pro, and Switchit. Simply download an app, follow its guidelines for creating a card, and share your card electronically.
Haystack
Haystack is a digital business card app that allows users to create and share branded business cards. Haystack cards have a unique QR code and URL that can be shared with anyone. Once a prospect saves a Haystack card, their name will appear when they call the cardholder.
L-Card Pro
L-Card Pro is designed to help users connect, market, and communicate more effectively. It provides a safe, contactless way to exchange contact details and marketing collateral.
Switchit
Switchit’s digital business cards can be shared with customers via text, email, QR codes, and social media platforms. The cards can also include video content to help market a brand, product, or service.
Option 3. Online Design Platforms
There are many online platforms where you can create digital business cards.
- Canva: Offers templates for business cards that you can customize.
- Vistaprint: Apart from physical cards, they offer digital business card designs.
- Moo: Known for their quality print cards, they also offer a digital option.
- Adobe Express. This app offers professionally designed templates or you can create your own card from scratch.
Steps to create digital business cards
- Choose a platform and sign up.
- Select a template or design from scratch.
- Add your information including name, job title, contact information, and any other relevant details.
- Customize the design with your brand colors, logo, and other elements.
- Save or export your card in the desired format (e.g., PDF, PNG, JPEG) on your mobile phone and put it in a “favorite” folder for easy reference.
Sometimes digital business cards with QR codes are all you need! Personally, I find them quite effective and easy to use. Anyone with a smartphone can scan your QR code with an app, or simply with their camera app.
Speaking of QR codes, our favorite app is QR Tiger, which allows you to create static and dynamic QR codes.
But if you want to explore what AI can do to create digital business, then keep reading!
Benefits of creating digital business cards with AI
Utilizing AI can make your digital business card more interactive, automated, and personalized.
For example, you can have a QR code on your digital business card that, when scanned, launches a chatbot. This bot can provide more details about you, answer FAQs, or even set up meetings. Tools like ManyChat or MobileMonkey can be integrated to create such experiences.
ManyChat
MobileMonkey
Another easily accessible, well-reviewed app is called AI Business Card Generator. This app is available for iPhone and iPad.
Is AI necessary to create digital business cards? Not really. But it does offer advanced features that may be useful to some teams and companies. At a personal level, AI business cards with features such as chatbot may be an overkill. Use your own judgment and experiment!
What you should know about privacy related to AI business cards
Finally, always respect privacy norms. If your AI-driven card collects or uses any data from the recipient, ensure you have clear permission and that you’re compliant with data protection regulations.
Conclusion: How to choose a digital business card solution
When it comes to choosing the right digital business card solution, you should always consider how you will use it, and who you use it with. This has to do with the events you are attending. If you aren’t sure who are attending, it’s best to have a few options of your digital business card ready.
For example, I prefer:
- A digital business card with a QR code saved as an image on my phone
- Options of QR codes that take my connection to my email, phone number, and LinkedIn directly
- A static image of my digital business card as some people prefer I airdrop it to them
I’m learning so much from attending events and writing this post! People have different preferences and experiences when it comes to networking.
Now what have you used in the past to speed up the connection and sharing of digital business cards? Please be sure to let me know in the comments below.
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How to Create Digital Business Cards for Networking Events (2023)