Business Cards by the Numbers

From the cities of the United States to the markets of India, business cards are a global staple for networking in over 180 countries. Traditionally, these cards are used to exchange contact details, a practice that remains relevant despite our ever-expanding social networks. In fact, a 2020 study revealed that in the United States alone, approximately 10 billion business cards are printed every year (source).

However, this staggering number hides a trend that is revolutionizing the way we connect – the rise of digital business cards.

The Digital Business Card Revolution

A digital business card serves essentially the same purpose as a traditional paper business card. Known as digital cards, smart cards, or electronic cards, these cards operate as mobile applications or landing pages. One standout in this space is TAP Card, available for iOS and Android devices, and accessible via browsers for those who prefer managing cards on a computer.

Digital business cards are poised to dominate as the most effective networking tool in the modern workplace, and here’s why they matter:

• Accessibility Anywhere, Anytime: Unlike their paper predecessors, digital business cards can be exchanged asynchronously with anyone, anywhere in the world. Whether you’re at a local cafe or attending a virtual conference halfway across the globe, as long as you have a smartphone or access to a computer, you can effortlessly create, send, and receive digital cards.

• Enhanced Information Sharing: Traditional business cards are limited by their physical size, but digital cards offer virtually unlimited space for information. Include contact information, links to your social media profiles, YouTube videos, and PDF documents on a single digital card. This interactive richness not only enhances your professional image but also engages recipients far beyond the capabilities of a paper card.

• Cost-Effective and Environmentally Friendly: Imagine a typo on your business card or a promotion that changes your contact details. With traditional cards, this would mean a reprinting headache. Digital cards, however, allow real-time updates at no extra cost, saving both time and money. Moreover, by reducing reliance on paper, digital cards contribute significantly to environmental conservation, sparing millions of trees cut down annually for paper business cards.

• High Return on Investment (ROI): Beyond the environmental and cost benefits, digital business cards can boost your networking effectiveness. TAP Card users report a substantial increase in follow-ups and direct traffic to websites and social media platforms, maximizing the ROI compared to traditional networking methods.

How to Get Started with TAP Card

While several digital business card apps are available, TAP Card stands out for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features trusted by millions, from individuals to global enterprises. Signing up for a FREE TAP Card is quick, straightforward, and free. Whether you prefer the mobile app or the web platform, you gain instant access to a suite of tools including email and text templates, virtual backgrounds, and more. All subscribers get access to a FREE smart contact manager designed to streamline your professional connections.

Want a more customized, branded experience? TAP Card offers affordable subscription plans tailored for individuals and businesses alike. These plans unlock additional features such as branded QR codes, scannable NFC cards, team-wide digital business cards, and more.

What Sets TAP Card Apart?

Creating your digital business card with TAP Card is as easy as downloading the app or signing up online. You can choose a simple, FREE card or upgrade to access additional features:

• Personalize Your Card: Enter your information such as name, title, company, and optionally, a photo or video to enhance personalization. You can add logos, social media handles, payment app details, and other pertinent information to your FREE card.

• Upgrade and Customize Your Design: Explore TAP Card’s customization options to tailor the look and feel of your card. Whether you prefer a minimalist design or something more vibrant, you can adjust the layout to reflect your personal brand. Or select from our curated template collection to turn your digital card into a mobile responsive, full-featured digital landing page.

• Share Your Card: TAP Card offers multiple ways to share your digital business card with others:
  • QR Code: Ideal for in-person networking, simply display your QR code for others to scan using their smartphone’s camera.
  • Email, Text, or Messaging Apps: Send your card digitally via email, text message, WhatsApp, or any other messaging platform.
  • Social Media: Share your card on platforms like LinkedIn or Facebook to broaden your professional network.
  • NFC (Near Field Communication): For in-person sharing, TAP Card allows you to easily share your digital card with NFC-enabled devices.

Business cards, both traditional and digital, remain indispensable tools for professional networking. As long as relationships are key to business success, business cards – whether physical or digital – will continue to evolve and adapt to meet the needs of modern professionals.

Still Have Questions?

While traditional paper business cards have their place, digital business cards represent the future of networking. TAP Card offers a convenient, eco-friendly solution for professionals looking to make lasting connections in today’s interconnected world. Check out our other articles for more advice on specific industries and use cases.