Digital business cards may be defined as electrified versions of traditional paper business cards. Thus, digital business cards generally give your name, job title, contacts such as phone number and email address, and links to professional social media profiles such as LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram; perhaps attaching a profile picture or the company logo.
What probably makes digital business card so alluring is their convenience because you can store them on your phone, tablet, and computer and have them shared simply with a few taps or a click to an email, text message, or social media account. No further questions about running out of cards or even carrying around that huge stack of paper.
Why Should You Update Your Digital Business Card?
There are quite a few reasons uwhy pdating a digital business card can be important:
A sure fact: If any of your contact information changes, whether it be a new job, phone number, or email address, you would have to ensure that the new details get updated on your digital card to avoid misunderstandings and lost opportunities.
Professionalism: A digital business card is generally the first representation of you with contacts. Having bad information or a profile picture that doesn’t resemble you really hurts your professional image. Keeping your card fresh shows that you’re on top of things and detail-oriented.
Consistency across platforms: If one has more than a single professional profile online, like LinkedIn, Twitter, or a website, the update of a digital card ensures all their contact points have the latest information. That way, it is easier for people to find you and reach out with updated information.
Leverage New Opportunities: As you build up new skills, switch roles, or extend your professional network, an update of your digital business card lets you show these changes. You can add new qualifications, job titles, or new business ventures to reflect your growth.
Update Your Digital Business Card
Now that we understand why it’s important to keep your digital business card updated, let’s go through the steps to update it.
Step 1: Select a Provider for Your Digital Business Card
The first step towards updating your digital business card is choosing a provider, in case you already haven’t. Multiple apps and platforms are now available for creating and managing digital business cards. A few popular ones include:
- HiHello
- CamCard
- Adobe Spark
- Inigo
- Blinq
Should you have already created a digital business card via any of these platforms, you can go ahead and skip to the next step.
Step 2: Access Your Digital Card
Once you have chosen the provider or application, access your already-issued digital business card. It might vary depending on the site, but it is usually done via the following means:
Open the mobile application or website where your digital card was made.
Log in with your credentials.
Find your existing card within your profile or dashboard.
You can also download the app to your phone, as it may be easier to make updates that way.
Step 3: Edit Your Information
After you have accessed your digital business card, it is time to make the changes. Most digital business cards have an interface that works easily to update details. Some common fields to update are:
Step 4: Save and Share Your Updated Card
Once you’ve made the necessary updates, save your changes. Most platforms will allow you to do this by clicking a “save” or “update” button that will make sure your changes are stored. You can then share your updated card once again through a method of your choosing: email, text message, or QR code.
It is worth sharing the updated card with those who may not have received your latest contact information; you can do this via email signature, on social media sites, or even at networking events.
What Information Should You Update?
Well, you can update everything on a digital business card, although some pieces of information are more common than others. Here’s the breakdown of the most important information to keep updated:
Name and Title
Every time you switch jobs, get a promotion, or are given a new title, the job title will be different. You need to have it updated as soon as possible to ensure that your card represents the latest job position you are holding. The name should also not be overlooked because this is the most basic information.
Phone Number and Email Address
If you’ve changed your phone number or email address, you must update these fields to ensure people can still reach you. Having incorrect contact information on your digital card can lead to missed opportunities and confusion.
Social Media Links
Your social media profiles are an integral part of your digital business card. They show where people can connect with you outside of your formal contact information. If you have new accounts or updated handles for any of your social media, it’s important to refresh these links.
Profile Picture or Logo
The very first thing that is opened and inscribed on the digital business card of a person is his/her profile picture or business logo. You optimally change that image when you recently change your looks or if your company has changed branding into something new. It’s also a cool thing to change pictures that do not represent who you are currently anymore.
How Often Should You Update Your Digital Business Card?
How often one updates his or her business card depends on various factors, such as changing your career, personal details, or branding. Here are a few guidelines:
Job Change: In case of a change in job or company, one must update his or her card as soon as possible.
Skill Updation: Acquiring new skills, certifications, or qualifications shall be a reason to make changes in it, adding new accomplishments.
Updated Contact Details: Change your phone number or email address, and update your card straight away.
Company Identity Changes: As there is a company rebranding, replacing the logo or any company information about it with a digital card is mandatory.
Common Mistakes and Ways to Avoid Them While Updating Digital Business Cards
Updating a digital business card is very simple, but the following list contains a few common mistakes to avoid:
Forgetting to Update Contact Information: Failing to change your phone number, email, or other important detail is one of the most common mistakes. Make sure you double-check everything on the new card before handing it out.
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Overloading Your Card with Information: While it is very important to provide the necessary information, don’t over-inform your contacts. Just put the essence and keep your card simple and professional.
Using Dead Links: Ensure that your social media links and websites are up-to-date. It’s also good to double-check the links before sharing your card to avoid sending people to the wrong destination.
Best Practices in Crafting a Digital Business Card
To best utilize your digital business card, you will want to make sure that you follow these best practices:
KISS: K-I-S-S: Keep It Simple, Stupid. Don’t include everything about you. Focus largely on essential information like your name, job title, contact details, and social media.
Be Consistent: Your digital business card should have consistent information as well in all your online profiles, as well as any other business contact details. All-important consistency for a business secret at maintaining a professional image all across platforms.
Use a Quality Photo/Logo: Whether it’s your personal photograph or your company logo, it must be distinct and well organized. imprecise or inappropriate photos can create wrong impression picture.
Include Social Media Links: The inclusion of links to your professional social media accounts can enrich the profile of an individual. But ensures it is appropriate and not terrible to be considered a professional one.
Add a Call to Action: You may want to consider having a call-to-action in your digital business card piece. Something like, “Let’s connect on LinkedIn!” or “Visit my website for more information.” This helps people know what to do next after they have received your card.
Frequently asked questions about digital business cards and updates
These frequently asked questions try to clear up the confusion surrounding digital business card updates.
1. How can I tell if my digital business card is current?
The way to check your card for updates is to have a look at all information available on it. Look for every old-looking phone number or email. Also, check for a job title, and if anything has changed this month in your professional life or personal contact details, then its time to refresh your card.
2. Can I have multiple job titles or roles on my digital business card?
Yes, indeed. Most of the digital business card applications allow you to include these roles or job titles, especially if you are a freelancer or if you have more than one charge. Just make sure to keep the card sensible and intelligible.3. How can I update my digital card but without having the previous version deleted?
Most digital business card applications internally save their previous version or create new versions of the card while keeping old ones intact. So if that is important to you, do find out from the app provider on how they deal with card history.
4. Can I update my digital card in real-time?
Definitely, that is one of the advantages of having a digital business card-your ability to update information instantly. Once you modify your card, anyone with the link or QR code to your card will see the changes immediately. This makes it easier to update the network about your latest contacts.
5. How do I customize the design of my digital business card?
There is one thing that many, if not most, digital business card applications offer-you can customize the different colors, fonts, and layouts. Some even allow your own backgrounds or designs; thus, your card relates to your personal or brand style.
Conclusion
In a fast-paced world, it’s now more relevant than ever to keep up updating your digital business card. This way, contacts can get the latest, most accurate information, making it easier for you to keep in touch and be professional. Updating your digital business card is not difficult: all you have to do is ensure that you are on the right platform with reviewing the information regularly and also ensure that you keep changing the details like contact information, job titles, social links, and photos whenever your career and personal brand makes changes.
You can use this guide to create a sleek and current digital card that makes an excellent first impression on every person you meet. Always remember to share your latest card-whether through email, text, or social media. It is so important to your network! Next time you change your phone number get promoted or take a grand step in your career, change your digital business card at once. Your professional image will thank you.
