The Do's And Don'ts Of Digital Business Cards

By Author: Sean Farrow
Total Articles: 42
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A paper business card is what you must be handing over to a recipient, but it is time that you change to something new and exciting that is not just eco-friendly but can be updated whenever you feel, without worrying about any additional costs. This is the digital business card.
 
It is all about technology today and why should the business card be left behind? Its digital counterpart is way more effective and versatile. With the rise of smartphones, apps, digital connectivity and networking, the digital business card offers numerous advantages in terms of interactive nature, flexibility and easy sharing options.
 
This article aims at the do’s and don’ts of a digital business card that makes it all the more effective for you and the recipient. You will also gain knowledge about brand consistency and the future trends of digital business cards. You can be an entrepreneur, a freelancer or a professional looking forward to expanding your network, all you need is a digital business card. This will not just help you socialise but create a positive image to remember for long.
 
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... So, What are Digital Business Cards?
To start with - it is a way of exchanging your credentials like name, location, services and anything additional you would like to share with the recipient - but in a digital format. Instead of carrying a ton of paper boards, you will be carrying your identity on your smartphone. This will save you space yet be able to share details through an app or a web link.
 
What are the Advantages that You Can Enjoy?
Before you start using a digital format, you need to be aware of the advantages that you will enjoy. First and foremost, it has to be the eco-friendly nature. With the use of digital business cards in Australia, you will be working towards reducing paper waste and clutters. It is also a more convenient option as all information is stored in a simple format in your phone itself. You can share it with simple clicks. You can also incorporate interactive elements like clickable links and videos which is impossible with paper cards.
 
Elements Required to Design an Effective Digital Business Card
The design needs to be simple yet effective with a professional outlook. A clean layout with simple understandable fonts and contrasting colours is all that will make your idea a hit. It is never a good idea to cluster the card with excessive information. You might be tempted to incorporate everything positive about yourself and your business but it will just make a mess. Even adding loads of graphics will bring down the intensity of the matter.
 
After the design, it is the screen sizes that matter. Your information will not reach the respective recipient if they are not able to view it on their smartphones or tabs. This brings you to responsive or optimised business cards. Your information should open itself on different devices with different screen sizes without any issues. Hence, testing the project on different devices like phones, laptops and iPads is a must before rolling out. You definitely don’t want your clients to zoom out just to read out the details.
 
 Interactive elements like clickable links and sharing social media information make your digital print all the more interesting. You can include every digital identity that you own like your website, portfolio and social media accounts. Through these links, your client will be able to connect with you and your service in a better way. They will be able to view your past work and go through customer reviews making you all the more credible. As the entire process is digital, you can easily include clickable icons of your social media.
 
The Don’ts of Sharing Your Information
Always make sure you share your details through proper channels and with the permission of the recipients. You can share through social media, emails and messages which are great options. Avoid spamming people or sending your details to random people. Make sure your details gain the value it is worth.
 
It is also advisable to ask permission before sending out your details. Be polite and courteous while sending it and avoid poking them every now and then for follow-up. Remember, your digital business card in Australia is a great tool but only when it is used in the best way possible. Through this, you can build a good network when you respect other’s boundaries.
 
Following Up with Your Connections
Once you have successfully exchanged your details, you need to be in touch with your connections for better working. You need to have a list that states the names and details of your connections. This way you can keep a tap on everyone you have met and exchange details. For follow-ups, be personalised. Refer to conversations you previously had. This shows that you value your connections and remember them.
 
As the imprint of digital business cards is increasing every day, it has become important that you incorporate it into your life. However, before starting to use it in your day-to-day life, you need to know the do’s and don’ts of it for effective usage.
 
About the Author: This contribution has been made by Sean Farrow who has written a number of articles on Digital Business Card Australia and provides fruitful information.