Technology has changed professional networking more than ever before, and the digital business card is the way of the future.

The digital business card is an easy differentiator and a fantastic way to stand out in a crowded market space. Show prospective clients what you're about and who you are with a quick customized bio and link to your website. Or, let them know that they can find you on LinkedIn to learn more about how your services could help them.

However you choose to use them, digital business cards are a must in 2022, and we’ve selected our favorite - the one you need to get in 2022.

What Are Digital Business Cards?

Digital business cards are the digital equivalent of the old-school paper business cards people typically stuff in a drawer or their wallet and never look at again. But these digital business cards aren’t just the online version of the paper model.

Digital business cards are flexible in that you can include a wide range of information on your card, create different cards for different uses, and share them in multiple different ways.

How Do Digital Business Cards Work?

Most digital business card makers offer an app or a website to create their unique digital business cards. Using the software provided, the user decides which type of information they want to share, the layout or design of the card, and any corporate or personal branding they want to incorporate.

Using a simple step-by-step design process, the user creates the card and then chooses how to share the card with others. Most digital business card makers offer multiple ways to share the card -- via QR code, text-message link, email, or app-to-app transfer if both people have the same app.

Once the recipient receives the digital business card, they can save it on their smartphone or computer for easy access.

Benefits of Digital Business Cards

This digital alternative to traditional business cards is a cost-effective way to connect with others in your industry or community and be memorable. While developing these business card alternatives is relatively new, it’s easier to make an unforgettable first impression!

Using a contactless business card has many other benefits, as well.

Convenience

How often have you attended a business lunch and had to dig around your wallet or purse for a business card? Even if you find the card, it’s all bent up and makes a less-than-impressive impression.

A digital business card is convenient to share because it’s always with you, as long as you have your phone.

Affordability

A few years ago, there was a trend to have business cards printed on ultra-expensive paper in unique shapes and paper weights that looked great but cost a small fortune. Digital business cards are less expensive (sometimes even completely free), and you can create them in under an hour.

If you’re starting a new business or exploring new opportunities for your business, opting for a digital business card is an excellent cost-savings strategy.

Versatility

There’s pretty much only one thing to do with a traditional business card -- stick it in your wallet, desk drawer, or Rolodex (are these still a thing?). However, a digital business card is highly versatile for the recipient.

When someone texts you a digital business card, you can save it to your phone in a folder for easy access. Or, if you receive a digital business card via email, you can download that card and save it on your desktop for quick and easy reference.

How to Get a Digital Business Card in 2022

Once you’ve decided to create your digital business card, you can use one of several digital business card makers. Each platform has advantages and disadvantages, and it’s more about personal preference than functionality.

Some require downloading and using an app, some are free, and others require a fee depending on the number of features you want to include. Consider these digital business card options as you plan for your business and the upcoming year.

HiHello

HiHello is one of the most popular platforms for creating digital business cards. You can create cards on iOS or Android apps or the computer, and they are entirely free to create.

One of the most significant advantages of HiHello is that you can share your digital business card with anyone, and there is no app required to receive a card. HiHello also allows users to create multiple cards with different information to customize cards for professional use, personal use, etc.

It’s also flexible in the amount of information you can include on your digital business card. Beyond the standard name, email address, website, and phone number, you can also include your preferred pronouns, a photo, social media accounts, logos, etc.

HiHello is free but does offer paid tiers that include additional features like video, personalized links, CRM capabilities, and card analytics that can help you learn from your customers.

Dibiz

Dibiz requires users to create their digital business cards on a desktop computer, and the final business card is then texted to the user to save it on their mobile device. In addition, Dibiz offers a free plan that includes incorporating video and a custom link.

Users are also provided with templates to help with the design process. Dibiz’s paid plan adds several additional features such as unlimited images in a gallery, unlimited links, brand colors, and removing the Dibiz logo.

Once you have finished creating your digital business card, you can choose from any sharing methods available via your smart device to share your card with someone else. (If you’ve been searching for a digital business card for Whatsapp, Dibiz is an excellent option to consider.)

You can also copy the unique link to your DIBIZ card and share it just like any other web page.

Haystack - Best Digital Business Card of 2022

Haystack works very similar to HiHello in that you create your digital business card inside of their app. You can add your company or personal brand logo, photos, and links to your business card and customize it to reflect your brand or personality.

Sharing your digital business card is as easy as using the QR code or link and sending that via a text message or email message.

One of the most significant advantages of Haystack is its built-in business card scanner, free to use in all of the plans. If one of your contacts does not have the Haystack app, you can use your app to scan their paper business card, and you can save their contact details inside your Haystack app.

Final Thoughts

Digital business cards are changing the way business leaders network with one another and simplifying the art of networking. So make a great impression with this innovative, new way to represent yourself and consider this digital alternative to business cards.

Share your favorite benefit of using a Digital Business Card by using #DigitalCard on  TwitterFacebookLinkedIn, or Instagram.

About the Author, James Webster

James Webster, founder and Executive Chairman of ROK Financial has almost two decades of experience within the financial services industry. His passion for helping small business owners and his innovative way of thinking, has allowed him to run multiple successful businesses including National Business Capital & Services. Under the National name, the team was able to help secure over $1 Billion in financing for small businesses nationwide.