The 5+ Best Business Card Alternatives In 2023: From Boring To Digital

Are you still handing out boring old business cards that get trashed or lost within minutes? In today's business world, using traditional cards seems like a waste of money and resources when the alternatives are much better.

This post will look at some of the best alternative business card options in 2023 and why they will replace traditional marketing efforts sooner rather than later.

Here Are The Top Business Card Alternatives

Whether the end goal is sustainable energy or completely helping the environment, many innovative companies are creating great alternatives to traditional business cards. Some of the best options include:

1. Digital Business Cards

With digital business cards becoming more affordable, they are quickly becoming one of the most popular alternatives to traditional business cards. These cards can be easily customized to include your contact information and other important details and can be accessed from any mobile device or computer.

Their eco-friendly, and businesses like yours can easily share your digital card with people you run into. This is easily the top business card alternative, and you can match the brand assets to your personal brand colors.

2. Edible Business Cards

If you're looking for a unique way to make a lasting impression on potential clients and business contacts, edible business cards may be the way to go.

That's right. Instead of the traditional paper business card, why not hand out cards made of chocolate, candy, or fruit? Not only will this help you stand out from the crowd, but it's also a delicious way to promote your company. Of course, there are a few things to keep in mind when designing digestible business cards.

Clever Business Cards sells edible marketing tools.

For one, you'll want to ensure that the card is tasty enough for people to want to eat it. And secondly, you'll want to ensure that the card information is still legible - no one wants to eat a chocolate-covered mess of text. But if you keep these things in mind, edible business cards can be a fun and effective way to promote your business.

3. NFC business cards

There's no question that business cards are a necessary marketing tool. They're essential for networking and building relationships but also incredibly easy to lose.

NFC business cards are the perfect solution for people tired of constantly misplacing their cards. NFC stands for near-field communication, allowing two devices to communicate with each other with a single tap. You need an NFC-enabled smartphone and an NFC tag embedded in a physical card.

When you tap the card against your phone, the NFC tag will instantly send your contact information to the phone. You can also program the tag to do other things, like open your website or social media profile. NFC business cards are more convenient than traditional business cards and are less likely to get lost in the shuffle.

4. Functional Business Cards

As paper business cards become less relevant. Today, people are looking for business cards that serve a purpose beyond paper cards with your name and contact information. Here are some creative and functional business card alternatives that will definitely make you stand out from the competition:

1. Pens: Pens are always useful, and giving away a nice pen with your contact information is a great way to ensure that people will keep your card handy.
2. USB drives: USB drives are practically indispensable these days, and offering one pre-loaded with your company's information or marketing materials is a great way to make a lasting impression.
3. Seeds: This is a great option for businesses in the green industry. Give away eco-friendly seeds packaged in paper made from recycled materials, with your contact information printed on the back.
4. Magnets: are always handy to have around, and they're a great way to ensure your contact information stays front and center on your customers' refrigerators.
5. Portable phone chargers: They are always appreciated and are a great way to ensure that people can always get in touch with you when needed.

5. USB business cards

Giving your client or friend a USB business card with your contact information is a great way to show them that you value their business and want to ensure they have everything they need.

USB cards are a great way to market your product or service, as you can include visually appealing images or marketing materials for potential customers.

6. Landing Pages

One of the smart business card alternatives can be a landing page or sales funnel that you can send to people who request your business information. You can guide companies or clients in the right direction by sending them to a landing page with your business name, location, and contact information.

This can be an effective way to promote your business and track people who are interested in what you have to offer.

7. Video Business Cards

Another innovative option is video business cards, which allow you to create a dynamic introduction highlighting your skills, experience, and capabilities. This can be more personal and much better than a paper business card since they watch the video.

Do we still need business cards?

In a world where we can send a text, email, or direct message with just a few clicks, do business cards have a place anymore?

For some people, business cards are a relic of the past. However, this is not the case for everyone. There are still many situations in which business cards can come in handy. 

For example, if you meet someone at a networking event and want to stay in touch, exchanging a digital business card is the best way to ensure that you have each other's contact information.

Conclusion

As a person who loves to network, I think the idea of ditching your traditional business card for a digital alternative sounds great.

However, I think it's important to recognize that there are situations in which paper business cards are still more useful than digital alternatives.

Ultimately, whether you choose to stick with traditional business cards or opt for another NFC card with a QR code depends on your individual needs and preferences.