It’s time to bring your networking out of the 15th century and into the 21st.
And when we say the 15th century, we mean it. The practice of exchanging business cards dates all the way back to the 1400s.
The problem is that business cards as we know them, no longer match the needs of modern, ambitious businesses.
Companies today must be more sustainable, cost-effective, efficient, and bold if they’re going to outcompete others in their industry.
That’s not to say you should abandon business cards completely—they’re a reliable way to exchange contact information and establish brand authority.
What you need to do is find the perfect alternative. The good news is that there are plenty of options.
Whatever the right choice is for your networking needs, this list of 25 business card alternatives has you covered.
If you’re anything like us, your first priority in finding a business card alternative is to make it more sustainable and efficient—something you won’t run out of and can quickly update as details change.
For that reason, our top 3 business card alternatives are all digital, at least in part.
They are:
Let’s dive into the specifics.
QR code business cards are business cards that use a QR code to host and share contact information. They can be digital or physical. If digital, they’re probably hosted in an app on your phone. If physical, they can be printed onto hundreds of paper cards or onto a single, sturdier card you keep.
The QR code directs users to a URL that holds the person’s information such as their name, phone number, location, email, website, and social media handles.
You can create your own QR code with an online generator or you can use a business provider that generates the QR code for you.
QR code generators:
Business card providers with QR codes:
One of the benefits of having a QR code card is that you can update the card’s information online. But not all QR codes are created equal. Most come with security issues that can put a business’s information at risk.
The cost of a QR code business card is dependent on your provider. Generators are usually free but difficult to manage for multiple employees and then you need to account for printing costs.
Digital QR code providers vary. Let’s look at Haystack as an example:
Haystack costs about $4.95 per month for teams with each card charged on top of that at $27.50 per year.
For the digital cards, you can have your card as soon as you design, customize and download it. For physical cards, delivery can take up to 2 weeks.
Think of all the convenience a QR code digital business card gives you—then add great security features and the ability to host it in your phone’s Digital Wallet for easy access.
That’s Doorway in a nutshell. Unlike with other digital cards, when someone scans your Doorway card, their phone instantly creates a ‘new contact’ in their phone and stores your information. It’s the fastest and most efficient transfer of contact details out there.
This card is ideal for B2B companies who want to protect their and their employees’ data while expanding their reach and winning more deals.
The platform can integrate into your HR systems, making it effortless to add new cardholders or deactivate those that have left your organization. You can also upload CSV files for the bulk creation of cards.
You’ll never need to order or replace 1000s of expensive business cards again.
Doorway offers the first month free with all paid plans.
Plans fall into three tiers:
Delivery of your cards takes minutes. Employees receive a link via email that tells them to download their card to their Digital Wallet. From there you can manage and update cards automatically via the HR software integrations available.
Check us out here: https://www.doorway.io/.
Want the capabilities of a digital card in a physical one, without the need to print 1000s for each employee?
Introducing V1CE NFC (near-field communication) business cards.
V1CE business cards look and feel like credit cards. They fit easily into your wallet or your back pocket and rather than hand them out, you place the card near someone’s phone. This triggers the phone to open up a URL that hosts your professional details.
Each employee needs a card and each card requires an internet connection to work. They’re not the most sustainable option but they can be a good option for businesses that want physical cards without wreaking havoc on the environment.
You can get one V1CE card for $50. While they are expensive, you can secure discounts by ordering in bulk.
Once you’re done designing your V1CE card, it can take anywhere from 1-10 days to receive it.
Check them out here: https://v1ce.co/.
The paper business card has served us well for centuries. But as we focus more and more on reducing our carbon footprint and look toward sustainable alternatives to paper, the business card is one of the easier swaps we can make.
They’re also not cost-effective. At a networking event or conference, you might hand out 100s of cards in a single day. Those all need to be replaced so that you can continue to network in the future.
On average, a single business card costs $0.27. Imagine you’re a business of 400 people ordering 500 cards per person to start. That order costs up to $54,000.
Depending on order size, it can take you 2 days to 4 weeks of time from order to in-hand delivery.
While our first three business card alternatives focused on digital options, the other 22 will explore business card alternatives that help you stand out from the crowd.
These are great for brand awareness but are often less effective at sharing employee contact details.
This business card alternative helps you make a bold statement, especially if you’re in the food industry or can use food to play on your company name.
With edible ink, you can print business information onto cookies, pasta, bacon, and more. We just hope that your new contact remembers to make note of your contact details before eating them.
Here are two examples:
Pasta Boy Peter made business cards out of their lasagna noodles, by laser-etching their brand name and contact information, to promote their Italian cooking classes, while the Manly Man Company did the same on card-sized pieces of beef jerky,
Business cards that double as bottle openers are both memorable and useful. Unlike edible cards, they can be used time and time again. This prolongs your brand campaign and allows recipients to revisit your contact information at any point.
Companies like My Metal Business Card sell customized metal bottle opener cards with a sleek finish.
This alternative definitely isn’t for everyone and it loses points for its negative impact on the environment but party and decor brands could get creative with them.
This doesn’t work for companies that need multiple employees to share contact information because you would need to create balloons for everyone, but it can be a branding exercise that directs people to your store or website.
You could give each employee a branded keychain with a QR code printed on it or NFC technology inside. The other option is to turn it into a mass branding exercise and hand out keychains with general company information rather than employee details.
Companies like Popl make customized keychain digital business cards.
With a stamp business card, you can literally leave your mark. It might be limited in how much contact information you include but it can share your brand in a unique way.
The idea was developed by Mikey Burton in collaboration with Cranky Pressman.
You can create the design of your custom stamp and include your company name, logo, or even a scannable QR code.
Think of the Livestrong bands everyone used to wear. These silicon bands make a great alternative and freebie at events and conferences. You could put them in a bag full of marketing materials and print company information on them.
You could customize the color to your company logo and send people directly to your website or a landing page.
Here’s a provider we found called Impressions ID.
Believe it or not, there’s an ink that can transmit electronic energy. When printed onto a card, it can share the contact information with a phone.
You can see an example below from Touchbase Technologies.
That’s right, you can get your contact information printed onto a Lego figurine and distribute them to potential customers.
You’re limited on space so if you want to share a lot of information it would be best to print a QR code on them.
Trees make paper, everyone knows this. But did you know paper could make trees?
Plantable business cards are a great business card alternative that helps you make Earth a greener place.
We have Botanical Paperworks to thank for this invention.
A USB business card is a great way to share your contact information.
You could print a QR code on a custom, blank USB and hand them out to people as you network. We recommend using Vistaprint because their service is widely available.
This is a great option for restaurants and drinks companies. You can place your business’s details on them with a custom and creative design that makes your brand memorable.
Thirsty’s is a UK company that makes custom ‘beer mats’ for companies.
Emphasize your company’s product or service by printing your contact details on a tool that is relevant to your industry.
If you make cheese you could hand out mini cheese graters to your customers with your business information on them. Or if you sell bikes you could have your business card double as a bike toolkit. We’ll leave the creative thinking to you.
For those who prefer the tactile experience of physically handing out a business card, cotton business cards are a sustainable choice.
MOO creates premium quality business cards from cotton fabric.
If you’re in the food industry, you could print your logo and business details on spice packets. Just keep in mind, they’ll be thrown away once used.
Coins are impractical business card alternatives but they’re certainly memorable.
You can even have them inscribed with a QR code that links back to a webpage with all your contact information on it.
Here’s where you can go if this is the business card alternative for you.
Using stickers for business cards is a fun and eye-catching way to promote your business or brand.
They can be easily customized with your branding and contact information and placed on items that you hand out at conferences and events.
Check out Stickers and That to find out more.
Fun and functional, the fortune cookie holds a small slip of paper that you can print business information on.
Using bookmarks as business cards is a creative and unique way to promote your brand every time your prospect or customer uses it.
You can make them on Zazzle and because they’re larger you can include all of your contact information and a QR code that takes people to custom landing pages. Use them at your next networking event as a way to stand out.
With the use of 3D printing technology, businesses can create highly customized and intricate designs that potential customers will remember. Depending on the design you go for, it can give a sense of luxury to your potential customers.
Branded matchboxes can be used as business cards if you print the right information on them. Whenever someone goes to light a match they’ll be reminded of you and your brand.
Check them out here.
This one is for the luxury brands among us. If you’re a high-end menswear brand you could use pocket squares as a way to further your company’s name.
Here’s a UK brand making this a reality: Contrado
You can make your business card functional by printing your information on post-it notes.
Here’s an example:
With 25 business card alternatives to choose from you may be struggling to decide. Eliminate analysis paralysis by considering why you want a business card alternative in the first place.
Are you looking for a creative way to establish your brand? Then consider one of the alternatives that focus on getting your name out there such as coasters, edible business cards, or stickers.
Are you a large enterprise looking for a way to effectively and sustainably share employee details so that they can close more deals? Then you’ll want a digital business card like Doorway.
You’ll also want to consider how much budget you have to spend and how quickly you need them.
Landed on Doorway as your go-to business card alternative? You can get in touch here.
March 17, 2023
With more emphasis on sustainability, personalization, and creativity nowadays, it's no wonder business people are looking for new ways to stand out from the crowd while networking.
And although business cards remain the networking staple, it doesn’t mean you can’t explore new ways to leave a lasting impression on potential clients and partners.
So, if you are wondering what kind of business card alternatives are currently in, you’re in the right place.
In today’s article, we’ll show you innovative business card alternatives that will leave a lasting impression on your clients and leads.
So let's dive in!
Business card alternatives serve as promotional products because they don’t only provide your contact info but also represent a way to represent your business.
Furthermore, the best business card alternatives combine the visual aspect with functionality.
Bottle openers are one of the most popular types of business cards, especially if they are magnetic, so they can be put on the fridge.
In addition to adding practical value, they act as a constant reminder whenever we use them or see them on our fridge.
Being the same size as business cards, keychains make for a functional business card.
Your contacts can use them immediately and always be reminded of your business, which makes keychains an effective way to raise brand awareness.
You can definitely exploit your industry when it comes to business cards. What do we mean by that?
You can get creative and have business cards relevant to your products and services.
For example, your business card can include hairpins if you are a hairdresser.
Or, if you are into sewing supplies, you can add them to your business card, too.
The options are limitless, and they depend on your creativity and industry.
Another functional and practical solution regarding business card alternatives comes in the form of USB business cards.
You can use the USB business card in two ways:
The flash drive
can contain your business info, company presentation, etc., or
It
can be emptyand serve more as a promotional tool-every time your contact plugs it in, they will be reminded of you.
Personally, I think the latter option is better because your contact will use it more often for their personal and business needs, whereas they might only plug it in once to check your company info.
So, the more they use it, the more they see your company’s logo.
Yup, you’ve heard us right-edible business cards.
We can’t deny their level of creativity and the fact they are definitely original.
However, they might not be the best solution in the long run.
The main problem with edible business cards is that they get eaten. What a surprise, right?
Therefore, a much better or more practical solution is incorporating your detail and info on the packaging, such as tea bags or chocolate wrappers.
And although these business cards have their limitations, they can be useful in the food and beverage industry because you are actually offering a sample of your services.
Business cards don’t have to be all formal and rigid.
On the contrary, if it fits into your brand image, you can add an element of gamification and fun to your business cards.
Enter puzzle business cards!
You can have a simple maze, wordsearch, or a mini puzzle to pique interest.
However, don’t forget that you should keep it simple. Nobody is going to spend hours trying to crack your riddle.
The above 6 business card alternatives offer an out-of-the-box way of presenting yourself and your company or services to prospects.
However, although they are original and practical, they might not always be the best solution:
They can get
really expensiveif you visit events often and distribute them in large numbers.
They have
a limited physical spaceto include all the relevant info.
So how to stand out at a networking event while staying on the budget and providing more info than fits a regular business card?
Say hello to digital business cards!
Digital business cards have revolutionized the way of networking:
🔥 They are cost-effective because you don’t have to reprint them but update them if necessary.
🔥 They enable you to store not only your contact info but all the relevant links to your social media accounts, websites, photos, etc.
🔥 They are easy to share and exchange and offer multiple sharing options such as tapping and scanning.
🔥 They can go beyond a “plain” business card and offer powerful analytics tools and CRM integrations.
And the good thing is that they also have creative business card alternatives, such as stickers, keychains, wristbands, etc.
Stickers are an innovative way to share your contact info without a hassle.
Being small and handy, you can place them on any device to send your info to your new contact.
Many digital business card providers offer the sticker option, Tapni being one of them.
So, for example, Tapni offers 13 different color stickers and a customizable one, where you can include your logo or some other visual.
The only restriction is that the sticker doesn’t adhere nicely to leather or silicone.
But if you use silicone mobile phone cases, you can place the sticker underneath the case, and problem solved.
Regarding sticker placement:
For
Androids and iPhones, place the sticker on the bottom of your phone so it doesn’t set off your phone's reader constantly.
For
Galaxies/Notes, place the sticker at the top of your phone next to your camera.
Thus, you can connect with new prospects with a single tap wherever you go.
Having keychains as business cards is a practical solution since we use them in everyday life: from apartment to office keys.
So, what better reminder of you or your business than having keychains with your logo and contact info?
Moreover, you can include the QR code on the keychain and the NFC tag for seamless information sharing.
Wristbands acting as business cards have become increasingly popular.
Not only do they allow you to share contact cards, websites, social media, etc., to smartphones with a tap, but they are also a nice accessory.
As you can see, with apps like Tapni, you can put your creativity to the test and raise a bar when it comes to digital business card options.
Besides creating digital card solutions, Tapni offers great features for teams and businesses that surpass a mere digital business card creation.
With Tapni, you can:
💣Understand networking activities better by using Tapni’s actionable tools. For example, you can measure ROI at events, reward top performers, etc.
💣Automate lead generation and automatically send new contacts to your CRM thanks to Tapni’s native integrations.
This way, it is you who is in charge of making the next move instead of waiting for a new contact to reach out.
💣 Manage your team better with all the profiles in one central place.
On top of everything, sharing and exchanging your business card is hassle-free if you use Tapni.
You can scan a QR code on the card or within an app, or tap on the phone.
Pretty straightforward, right?
Try Tapni today so you can stand out from the crowd with its innovative ideas and solutions.
Out of 27 million business cards printed on a daily basis, a staggering 88% end up in a trash can. This is one of the reasons why digital business cards have become immensely popular.
Yes, digital business cards are a good idea because they offer a convenient way to exchange contact information. They are easily updated and can store more info than traditional cards. Furthermore, they can come with robust features for teams and businesses.
Paper business cards can be easily lost or misplaced. Furthermore, they can also get wrinkled or damaged making them not as durable as other types of business cards. And if you need to update your info, you need to print new cards every time.