Paper business cards have existed for four centuries now, but in recent years, the popularity of digital business card is growing significantly. In the years to come, some companies may eliminate physical business cards entirely and only issue digital business cards.
Name cards are essential for all types of businesses. It not only shares your contact information but also helps to build awareness. A digital name card is an electronic form of a paper name card. It is also known as a “contactless” name card, which allows you to share your contact information without having to meet your client.
Advantages of a digital name card
- Eco-friendly
Research has shown that 88% of business cards handed out will be thrown out in less than a week. Imagine the number of trees being cut down and paper name cards wasted. Therefore, if we switch from paper business cards to digital ones, it will reduce deforestation and allow us to live in an environment with better air quality. - More information stored
A significant advantage of a digital business card is that you can store as much information you want in one space. Unlike paper name cards, there is no limitation of space. Thus, you can include all your information like location, phone number, website URL, etc.
Furthermore, a variety of media attachments can be included in the name card. When media attachments like videos, sign up forms, and surveys are featured in the name card, it will enhance the engagement and allow your client to have a better impression of your work. - Ease of sharing
Digital name cards offer a more modern approach to networking. You can easily share your name card via text message, social media, and any other forms of communication platforms. Please switch to a digital name card now and share your name card with others without meeting them. - Easy to update
Whenever you need to update the information on a paper name card, you will have to print a new batch of name cards. Reprinting and redesigning new name cards takes time and may also be costly for small businesses.
On the other hand, digital name cards allow you to update the information as and when you need to. For instance, whenever there is a new promotional video from your business, you can add it into your name card straight away. There is no need for you to print a new set of name cards and it helps to save time and cost too. - Save to contacts conveniently
With a digital name card, you will never need to key in and save contact information manually anymore. On a digital name card, there will be a “save to contacts” button that allows you to conveniently save contact information without having to type in the information on the name card.
How can I make a digital name card?
- Digital Name Card Application
You can create a digital name card for yourself by using digital name card applications in the market that allows you to customize your business card. These applications usually have a user-friendly interface, and you can create simple business cards without the knowledge of coding or programming. - Use HTML/CSS (Coding)
Alternatively, if you want your own unique design that will represent your brand better, you can use HTML and CSS to code out your name card.
Is using an application or HTML/CSS better?
Let us weigh the pros and cons of using an application and using HTML/CSS to code the digital name card.
- Customization
The method you choose to create your digital name card will determine how highly customizable your digital name card will be. Customization is one of the most significant differences between using an application and coding.
If you want your digital name card to have its unique design that represents your company’s brand and image, then finding a vendor that makes digital name cards by coding is the way to go. You can request the vendor to add in banners for upcoming launches, include your Paynow/PayLah! QR code for ease of transaction and any other information that is required.
However, if you are not particular about the design of the digital name card and only needs to share your contact information conveniently, then using an application for digital name card is good enough. - Cost
Making a digital name card by coding is cheaper than using an application. Applications require users to pay a fixed pay monthly fees to upgrade their account so that they can have more customizable features like adding multiple phone numbers and web addresses into the name card, create custom theme colors, etc.
However, there will be no recurring fees if you look for a vendor to design and make your digital name card through coding. Recurring cost is only necessary if you need them to change certain information. Also, you will not need to incur an extra fee like an application when you want additional information other than that necessary information to be added into your digital name card.
After weighing the pros and cons of the two methods of creating a digital name card, I think that using HTML/CSS will be the most ideal if you want to create a digital name card. It is not only more customizable but also less costly and usually do not require recurring fees.