Digital business cards provide an instant and contactless way to share contact information, making them the perfect networking tools to use at trade shows. In this article, learn exactly how digital business cards are key to networking successfully during trade show events.
Creating a digital business card is as easy as making a profile on social media. For instance, with Uniqode, you just need to log in to the dashboard, select a suitable layout, fill in the details you want to display, and your card is ready to share along with a QR Code.
Now let’s say, at some point, you need to update your business card’s contact information—whether the update is a new phone number, email, or website URL. If you use paper business cards, the only way to reflect the updates is by spending money on reprinting. This is in direct contrast to what digital business cards offer.
Because of the dynamic nature of digital business cards, you can update them at the back end as often as necessary—with the updates displayed in real-time. This eliminates the need for expensive card-reprinting efforts.
At trade shows, attendees typically come across dozens of businesses like yours offering unique products or services. In such a scenario, it’s essential to make sure that you leave a lasting impression on your potential clients.
Unlike physical business cards with a limited space of 3.5” x 2.0,” you can have all your details in one place on a digital business card. This virtual real estate helps you convey a comprehensive picture of your business. For instance, in addition to your contact details, your card can showcase website links, social handles, links to marketing material, and more.
Providing attendees access to all your information in one place makes it easier for them to better understand your business, allowing you to make a lasting impact.
Surveys have found that 82% of customers want businesses to offer a contactless experience, which holds true for networking as well.
During trade shows, you can easily share your digital business card contact-free with the attendees and prospects you meet. This is possible because your recipient can save your digital business card as an Apple Wallet/Google Wallet pass.
Measuring networking ROI from attending trade shows can be a daunting task if you’re using paper business cards. This is because they do not have the ability to provide actionable insights into their effectiveness in generating leads or fostering connections.
By contrast, digital business cards offer card-scan tracking and analytics. This capability allows you to capture crucial engagement metrics, which you can use to make data-driven decisions, optimize your networking strategy, and achieve better results.
The average annual cost to print paper business cards in the US is $194 per employee. This average spend is only meant to give you a perspective—expenses can go much higher depending on your card’s complexity and material.
To be able to carry more cards, you need to spend more on printing. Unfortunately, much of this money is wasted as 63% of recipients would only throw paper business cards in the trash.
Digital business cards are paperless, which means they are significantly more cost-effective. Switching to e-business cards instantly reduces the massive paper printing and reprinting costs associated with your business card use.
Trade shows and events present ideal moments to capture warm leads for your business. The good news is that you can conduct real-time lead collection via your digital business card during these events.
This feature lets you capture your card recipient’s contact details as soon as you share your digital business card. Your recipient simply completes and submits a contact form present in your card. The details they share will automatically be recorded in your virtual address book (on your digital business card provider’s dashboard).
Through this address book, you can view and manage all the leads you collect using your card. You can also export these leads list directly to Salesforce or 700+ other CRM platforms via Zapier.
Networking at trade shows can be overwhelming, with countless brands vying for the same attention. In this crowded environment, digital business cards can help your brand stand out.
You can make your networking more engaging and memorable since digital business cards are highly interactive. Your recipients can access the contact detail they need in real-time—whether it’s a social icon, landing page URL, or phone number—via a single tap or click.
Almost 10 billion business cards are printed annually across the globe. However, 8 billion of these business cards end up in the trash within a week. As the world becomes increasingly conscious of the impact of waste on the environment, businesses have started adopting sustainable practices.
Trade shows can generate significant waste, and paper business cards can contribute to this problem. The good news is that you can eliminate paper business cards entirely and network more sustainably with a digital business card.
Digital business cards provide an eco-friendly and sustainable option for networking and exchanging contact information. Since these cards are paperless, they significantly reduce your business’s carbon footprint. By switching to digital business cards, you also demonstrate your commitment to sustainability, attracting like-minded clients.
