You can do almost anything via the internet or technology. The digital world aims to make everything convenient. Convenience extends to businesses, either small-time or big-time. Almost everything has its digital counterparts, even cards. So here are notable details and a list of benefits of digital business cards. Scroll down to read more!
What is a Digital Business Card?
A typical or common business card is a small piece made from hard paper or cardboard with details printed on it. The details consist of the following:
- The company name
- The company’s logo
- Contact number and company email
- Building Address
Now with that in mind, put the characteristics of a physical card but make it digitally. By any means available, some have a digitized version of their physical copy, while some even use QR codes to generate the details once it is scanned. Both physical business cards and digital ones aim to connect people by sharing them with potential customers, partners, workers, and even clients. There are also some notable benefits that a digital business card offers; scroll down to know which ones they are.
1. It is Environment Friendly
One main thing you could benefit from having a better-designed business card is the fact that you are helping nature heal. It might not sound big as you read it but think about it. There are a lot of big companies or even fellow business people who are used to producing business cards to promote their name. But if you look closer, cards are very harmful to the environment. A piece so little could cause major negative effects on our environment. Since papers are one of the biggest waste companies throw out, it’s a huge help if you switch to digital ones. Deforestation can be lessened or, in the best case, stopped if digital business cards and other paper-related materials are minimized. Something To Remember: 50% of business waste is made up of paper. And when a paper decomposes, it releases methane gas that can exceed the effects more dangerous than carbon dioxide.
2. You Can Make it Interactive.
Creativity is the defining limit when it comes to designing business cards. Some companies make it interactive with the people or even consumers. Since even shopping is more of a digital world now, it’s pretty addicting.There’s also the right approach to making your business card a successfully interactive type. Some tips include:
- Making your name standout
- Using simple color themes
- Adding a professional photo or company logo
- Inserting the correct and authentic website of the company
- Including contact details and social media links
The design itself can tell a lot about the company. You aren’t taken seriously if it looks tacky and all over the place. Or worse, you might be mistaken for a spam message. After all, first impressions are important, especially in promoting your business. Most virtual business cards are also used on social media websites like Facebook and Instagram as cover photos or profile pictures for more exposure. Although it’s not the ideal way to use it, it’s still effective.
Email Type of Business Cards
Email types usually consist of a message containing a link to your business cards. When the link is clicked, that will now direct it to your contact details and social media platforms. It just depends on the template and design that you are aiming for.
Be Careful of Scam Links.
However, some people take advantage of this type of business card. There are questionable pages that offer convincing emails that claim to attach a link to their business cards. Be careful in clicking links you aren’t sure of, as it might lead to hacking and viruses.
3. Digital Cards Are Easily Edited for Mistakes or Updates
Even if designs go through 1 or 2 stages of checking, sometimes the mistakes in printing and transporting files themselves are unavoidable. Rechecking and editing take a lot of time because of each company’s long process.
But in terms of digital cards, editing is much more efficient because it doesn’t need to undergo the process of reprinting. The raw file doesn’t need to be transported from one computer to another. In terms of measurements, you won’t even have to worry about the perfect fit for the cardboard you will use. Anything you put digitally will have its quality preserved unless you saved it in the wrong format.
You Have More Room For Creativity
Your business cards can be customized in a lot of ways. You could edit a few special editions to give your company a unique impression. It could be like a design meant for the Halloween season, Christmas, and even summer. You can also level up your desired designs by adding Media like short clips, GIFs, and even short animations. It doesn’t always have to be a constant design (depending on the type of business, of course). But you are free to explore design alternatives that could keep the audience’s retention to your company more.
4. The Cost is Significantly Cheaper
In connection to the first benefit, digital card versions do not require a physical copy. You are now saving money from printing services and paper or cardboard used. Instead, you can redirect the money to pay your digital artist (who designed your business cards) well. Even if you save a significant amount of money by not printing, don’t forget to acknowledge the talented people behind those amazing digital business cards. Plus, exposure can also be free from pure manual post-sharing. Or you also have the option to pay for your ads to enhance your business’s reach. This is another alternative to save more money, as paid digital ads are proven to cost less than traditional ones.
5. It is a Great Time Saver
Since you’re helping nature and saving money simultaneously, you need to consider how long it takes for physical cards to be produced. The printing time plus the page doesn’t go well. Combine that with the time allotted for cutting and delivery.
Now, compare it to the digital version. There’s still an allotted time for editing, but once it’s done and polished, all you need to do is click a button that will publish your card.
Conclusion
Since technology is expanding, and so does the internet, many people have to keep up with the growing industry. That includes various types of companies that either sell products or their services. It’s a good move to take advantage of the growing digital age, benefiting both consumers and producers.
There might be growing risks, especially with all the hacks and data privacy issues, but that doesn’t mean it’s not solvable. Just be sure to generate the correct information, too, as false news can be disseminated easily. Don’t forget to make your company or business secure, as many people steal content from others.
The digital world is open to many people and opportunities. Just be a smart and responsible person, even in the technological world.
References:
https://blinq.me/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-a-digital-business-card#:~:text=A%20Digital%20Business%20card%20(also,with%20anyone%2C%20wherever%20they%20go.
https://www.hihello.me/blog/what-is-a-virtual-business-card
https://www.makeuseof.com/why-you-need-digital-business-card/
https://primecodeeg.com/blog/11-benefits-of-using-a-digital-business-card
https://blog.clickcardapp.com/en/business/7-advantages-of-having-a-digital-business-card
Additional references:
https://www.cleantechloops.com/business-cards-environment/#:~:text=Environmental%20Impacts%20of%20Business%20Cards&text=Paper%20comprises%2050%25%20of%20business,a%20greenhouse%20gas%20than%20CO2.(scientific effects of paper)
https://www.forbes.com/sites/daviddoty/2019/10/29/its-all-about-pricing-digital-is-winning-simply-because-its-a-cheaper-way-for-advertisers-to-reach-consumers-a-101-course/?sh=520e54653275 (digital vs traditional ads pricing)
https://brightly.eco/environmental-impact-of-greeting-cards/
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