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Business cards are the medium for networking and making an impactful impression in the fast-developing world of today. A well-made business card represents that you care about your work and you’re professional. Whether you’re at formal event, a conference or just a casual meet-up, a business card makes it easier for people to remember you. Business cards also help break the ice. Having a nicely and well-designed business cards can make you apart in between of all professionals. But, as technology evolves, the debate over Paper vs Digital business cards has become a hot topic. Which one is better?
Paper vs Digital: Which Business card is better?
Business cards are the medium for networking and making an impactful impression in the fast-developing world of today. A well-made business card represents that you care about your work and you’re professional. Whether you’re at formal event, a conference or just a casual meet-up, a business card makes it easier for people to remember you. Business cards also help break the ice. Having a nicely and well-designed business cards can make you apart in between of all professionals. But, as technology evolves, the debate over Paper vs Digital business cards has become a hot topic. Which one is better?
The role of business cards in networking:
Business cards stand for your brand, professionalism, and trustworthiness and are more than just a piece of paper or an online link. A customized card makes it easy for new clients, partners, or employers to contact you and shows that you take your work seriously.
Digital cards are providing new means of communication, even if paper cards have been around for decades. Whether digital cards are the way of the future or if traditional paper cards are still relevant is now up for debate. This is why the discussion over Paper vs Digital Business Cards is more important than ever.
Paper Business Cards- We have all used the traditional paper business cards at some point and have been in use for a long time.
Advantages of Paper business cards:
- Professional and familiar: Giving someone paper business card feels personal touch and also when someone keep our card with them. Paper business cards are commonly used by peoples because they’re easy to carry, simple and straightforward.
- Non-Tech: You don’t need an app or a smart phone, to exchange your details or business cards. It is fast and simple, particularly in face-to-face meetings.
- Design Matters: Your card can differentiate itself with unique finishes, textures, or materials. The character of your brand can be expressed in a nicely designed paper card.
- Widely Accepted: Everyone knows how to use a paper business card. You don’t have to learn anything new to use it, so this is a convenient choice for everyone.
Disadvantages of Paper business cards:
But there are drawbacks to paper cards as well. Not everyone carry business cards all the time:
- Easy to Misplace or Lose: Paper cards are easily misplaced or lost in waste, drawer or in wallet.
- Not Eco-Friendly: Paper cards create waste, mainly when people throw them away just after one use.
- Limited Space: You can’t add everything you want to share, you only have a short space to present your contact details, company name, etc.
- No changes after print: You cannot make changes in your card, once your business card is printed and also you have to reprint your card if you want to update it.
Digital Business Cards- They are modern and it’s an easy way to share your contact information through it. It’s a smarter way to connect just by sharing QR or using your smartphone. Even you can send your details digitally without using a paper card for it. It has become more popular in fast tech- driven world, further discussing the topic on Paper vs Digital Business Cards.
Advantages of Digital business cards:
- Versatile: A digital business card allows you to show your work in an engaging way. You can include URL or links to your website, portfolio, or social media profiles. Also digital card allows you to make changes and update your details effortlessly to keep you up-to-date.
- Easy to Update: If you want to update your contact details or whatever on your business card, you can do it instantly at anytime without reprinting your card again and again.
- Eco-Friendly: They’re an eco-friendly option compared to paper cards. Digital cards reduce the need of paper which helps in protecting the environment.
- Always Accessible: They’re always accessible. When you scans and saves your contact details in the app or phone then you can contact to any of your saved connections whenever you need to.
But digital cards aren’t perfect. Everyone is not techie, so here are some disadvantages of digital business cards-
Disadvantages of Digital Business Cards:
- Technology Dependency: Some people are not this much advanced in technology even in today’s world as not everyone is techie. It might be difficult for some people to use or save digital business cards, particularly for older professionals.
- Battery and Connectivity Issues: It can be difficult to share your digital business card, if your phone dies or there is no internet connection.
- Less Personal: Some people feel that digital cards don’t have the same personal feel as the physical cards. They might not make as much of impact.
Points to choose between paper vs digital business cards:
1.Cost
Digital card- Very low cost because there is no printing charges, particularly when you need to update or change your details often.
Paper card- It needs to be printed once, but it might get expensive over time, especially if you have to reprint every time you change your details.
2.Flexibility
Digital card- You can share you card instantly through social media, email or QR codes, and you can update your information anytime, anywhere.
Paper card- They don’t have the same sharing features as digital business cards but they are great for in-person meeting.
3.Eco-Friendly
Digital Cards- No paper waste, that is why it is more environmentally friendly. It reduces the impact of printing on the environment.
Paper Cards- It adds to waste and uses resource like paper and ink. In general, it is less sustainable than a digital option, even if recycled materials is used.
4.Customization
Digital Cards- It is very adaptable. You can include your videos, social media links, interactive components and even your portfolio. Also, changes can be made without reprinting.
Paper Cards- It provides a classic, strong feel that can make an impactful impression, particularly in fields that value tradition. However, physical design had limitations which restrict customization, and once printed, it cannot be changed.
How about using both?
Many professionals have a digital version of their paper business card ready for online networking and also carry paper cards for face-to-face interactions.
The discussion of Paper vs Digital Business Cards shows that both have their pros and cons.
Digital cards are modern and easy to share, whereas paper cards are old and widely used.
You can decide which method of sharing business cards suits according to your business, industry, and the people you meet.
Whatever you choose, it should make easier for people to connect with you and it should reflects your brand or company.
Why OptiBiz is best among all digital business card platforms?
Accuracy- The OptiBiz is a great Digital business card app which ensures high accuracy in scanning business cards by using advanced OCR technology. It carefully extracts data so you don’t forget any important information to save.
In-App Chat- This feature lets you message your contacts directly within the app effortlessly.
Events- Get information about upcoming events, meetups and conferences.
Make team- You can add and organize team members using the team create feature. It makes sure that the right people are in the right roles. This feature helps improve communication and teamwork within the company.
Reminder- You can set the reminder to follow up again to your contacts after sharing cards.
Final Conclusion Paper Business cards vs Digital Business Cards
Many professionals have a digital version of their paper business card ready for online networking and also carry paper cards for face-to-face interactions.
The discussion of Paper vs Digital Business Cards shows that both have their pros and cons.
Digital cards are modern and easy to share, whereas paper cards are old and widely used.
You can decide which method of sharing business cards suits according to your business, industry, and the people you meet.
Whatever you choose, it should make easier for people to connect with you and it should reflects your brand or company.
Do people still use Paper Business Cards?
Yes. Paper business cards are still in use very much. They’re great for face-to-face meetings and give a personal & professional experience. A paper card might feel special and unique in a world where technology is everywhere. Also, not all people are technologically proficient, so using a paper card ensures that you can communicate with anyone.
Which option is more cost-effective, paper or digital business cards?
Digital business cards are most cost-effective for a long term, while paper business cards need reprinting timely, and digital cards have no printing costs and also eco-friendly.
Can I add links to my Digital Business Card?
Yes you can, it is one of the best things about digital cards is that you can add clickable links of your social media profile, website, and your portfolio. It makes easier for people to connect with you online. It will look more fascinating and dynamically good looking when you add links of your recent projects, videos, or blogs.
How can I create a unique paper business card?
You can make it by focusing on your paper card’s design. Use different fonts, colour code, or quality of the paper that match your company and make you stand out with a card that is creative and elegant. For a more modern look, you can use NFC technology and a QR code. A professional and dynamic card may leave a strong impression on others.
What should I choose between paper vs digital business cards?
Select according to your needs:
If you want to attend face-to-face meetings or events where people like to share thoughts and cards both then go for paper business cards.
If you want to quick exchanges of many business cards and wants to make it eco-friendly then go for digital business cards.
