Best Digital Business Cards · Reviewed! By Advise.so

Best Digital Business Cards

What is a Digital Business Card & Why Did I get One?

After years of fumbling with paper business cards and constantly running out at the worst moments, I finally made the switch to digital. I spent way too much time researching all the options (so you don't have to), and honestly, I wish I'd done this sooner. Here's everything you need to know:

The Best Digital Business Card is Popl

Why Digital Cards Are Game-Changing:

*Never run out of cards again - Your digital card is always with you

*Update your info instantly - New phone, email, or job title? One update, done

*Share however you want - Email, text, QR code, or just tap phones (NFC)

*Include literally everything - Portfolio, social links, demo videos, booking links, whatever

*Actually track networking - See who saved your info (on some platforms)

*Way more professional - Shows you're tech-savvy and environmentally conscious

*Better for the planet - No more boxes of outdated cards heading to landfills

*Save money long-term - No more reordering cards every few months

Types of Digital Cards:

1. NFC Cards (My personal favorite)

* Work like Apple Pay - just tap phones together

* Most premium option but most impressive

* Great for in-person networking

* Usually include QR backup

2. QR Code Based

* Super reliable and widely compatible

* Can be printed on anything

* Great for both digital and physical marketing

* Perfect for events or presentations

3. Digital-Only Solutions

* Usually app or web-based

* Most affordable option

* Great for primarily online networking

* Easy to get started immediately

Popular Cards I've Researched:

>>> Popl - My top choice overall <<< Super polished, great app, works with everything. Their metal card gets a lot of "wow" reactions. (This is what I personally use)

Runner ups:

HiHello - Good free option to start with

V1CE - Premium feel, great for executives

Dot - Nice design, popular with tech crowd

Beaconstac - Good for teams/enterprises

Linq - Solid all-rounder with good features

Why I Chose Popl:

After trying a few options, I settled on Popl because:

1. Their cards work with literally any phone

2. The app is actually good (rare in this space!)

3. Clean design that looks professional

4. Great analytics for networking

5. Has both NFC and QR backup

6. Reasonable price point

Pro Tips From My Experience:

1. Get a card with both NFC and QR code backup - Technology isn't perfect, always have a backup

2. Add a professional photo - Makes you much more memorable

3. Include your calendar link - Game-changer for easy meeting scheduling

4. Keep a few paper cards as backup - Some old-school folks still prefer them

5. Customize your card for different situations - I have one for networking and one for clients

6. Use a custom landing page - Makes it feel more premium

7. Add your social proof - Awards, certifications, major clients, etc.

How much is Popl?

Basic digital cards start around $20-30. Premium ones (like metal NFC cards) run $50-100. Sounds like a lot compared to paper cards, but consider:

* No reordering needed

* No running out at events

* Updates are free

* Looks way more professional

* Better conversion rate on connections

My Results From Using Digital Business Cards

* 3x more people actually following up after meetings

* Saved about $200/year on paper cards

* Got several comments about being "innovative"

* Way easier to maintain multiple versions for different purposes

Common Questions I Get:

"What if someone doesn't have a smartphone?"

→ QR codes work on any phone with a camera, plus you can email/text your card

"Isn't it complicated?"

→ Honestly easier than carrying cards. Tap or scan, done.

"What about battery death?"

→ QR code backup solves this. Plus, when's the last time you were networking with a dead phone?

TL;DR: Digital business cards are the future of networking. They're more convenient, flexible, and eco-friendly than paper ones. Popl is solid if you're looking for premium.

8 comments