vCard QR Codes: A comprehensive guide on designing and leveraging vCards

Apoorva Hegde
Last Updated: December 23, 2019

Did you know that a staggering 27 million business cards are printed every day? Over time, these business cards get outdated and a whopping 88% of users throw them away?

Despite this, with every 2,000 business cards handed out, a business grows by 2.5%.

So, how does one avoid this? By switching to vCards.

A vCard QR Code can be used to exchange information, store contact information, or to import email programs such as Outlook or Gmail. This is rather beneficial as it eradicates the need to add too much information on the vCard, achieving a clutter-free, minimalistic look.

vCards are a step ahead of the traditional business cards.

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What is a vCard QR Code?
How to create a static vCard QR Code
Designing the vCard QR Code
Dynamic vCard QR Code
Why must businesses opt for vCard QR Codes?
Maximize the efficiency of vCard QR Codes
vCard Plus
Where should vCards be placed?
vCard QR Codes: Make the switch now

Sam Sargent, a member of BLAK, a private jet charter business implemented vCards which helped the business grow as it their potential clients and industry partners were able to view and save their information seamlessly.

An increased number of business owners are adopting either QR Codes on their business cards or replacing business cards with a vCard QR Code. The multi-functional vCard QR Codes have been widely successful

vCard QR Codes, or digital business cards not only minimizes the urge to throw them away but also creates a sense of suspense with its users.

What is a vCard QR Code?

vCards, or electronic business cards, are an easy way to process, store, and transfer contact details of businesses and individuals. You can also add links to your social media handles, email address, contact number, location of the company, the USP, company website, PDF to their portfolio that an ordinary business card cannot hold.

A vCard QR Code is essentially a QR Code that allows anyone to scan and view all of this as a neat landing page and save it to their smart device.

How to create a Static vCard QR Code

A vCard can be created within minutes by following these three simple steps –

Pick a reliable QR Code generator

Pick a sturdy QR Code generator like Beaconstac’s QR Code generator.

This is the first step to creating a high-caliber QR Code. Choosing a free QR Code generator is a good option if you have an event coming up and don’t intend to use the QR Code for a longer duration.

But, if you need a reliable vCard QR Code that you can make changes to and use it forever, a free service might not be the right idea. It can lead to broken links which is a bad experience for everyone involved.

Select vCard on the QR Code generator

After picking the right QR Code generator, click on vCard on the dashboard.

This feature will further provide the authority to enter all the critical details of the business – name, contact number, website, and email address.

A vCard with your photograph or the business’s logo can improve your brand awareness.

P.S. – Adding the logo will ask you to sign up for a free trial wherein you can customize your QR Code further and download the vCard QR Code for free with the logo.

Create an effective logo for your QR Codes using Placeit or Illustrator

Generate the vCard

Once the information is added, click on generate. Test the vCard before downloading in the desired format (PNG, SVG, or EPS).

Designing the vCard QR Code

Regardless of the advancement, one must remember the specifics to developing a vCard QR Code for an unerring scannability.

Here are a few things to keep in mind before designing a vCard –

Include relevant information

Add more details to the vCard by adding essential details of the business, such as first and last name, company name, email address, contact information, company’s website, and location, if necessary.

Tailor the final look of the QR Code

Add consistent color(s) to enhance the QR Code and to reinforce the company’s branding from the logo.

Include the company’s logo

To make a vCard look distinct, adding the company’s logo is imperative. Adding the logo not only helps customers and peers identify the brand, but it also avoids them from clickbait.

The logo can be added either from the image gallery or can be uploaded via the dashboard.

Size of the vCard

Business cards are not as big as brochures or flyers. A typical business card is approximately 3.5 x 2.1 inches. Having established that, it is only wise to include a QR Code that complements the size of the card and is scannable.

Minimum size of the QR Code = 2 x 2 cm

Breathing space

Be mindful of the breathing space on the QR Code. A QR Code cannot be scanned if the breathing space isn’t appropriate or if the frame is petite.

Make sure to place the QR Code in the center if there is no text on the card. If choosing to include name and contact information on the card, keep the QR Code as the main element by following the rule of thirds.

Error correction level of the QR Code

QR Codes are typically equipped with an error correction feature that makes them readable even if the code is slightly damaged. There are four levels of error corrections – L, M, Q, and H. Each of these levels can withstand its level of error, with L being the lowest, and H being the highest.

Hence, level L is perfect for a vCard QR Code as it makes the code less dense and easier to read.

Add a powerful CTA

Although QR Codes are enticing, adding a CTA is always helpful. A call-to-action lets users know what exactly they are scanning.

Want to create your first multi-lingual QR Code?

Dynamic vCard QR Code

With a static vCard QR Code, the data once entered cannot be edited, whereas a dynamic vCard QR Code can be modified as many times as the need arises.

What is a dynamic vCard QR Code?

Upon scanning, a dynamic vCard QR Code takes its scanners to a URL with all the contact details such as name, company’s name, website, location, and a link to social media channels.

A dynamic vCard QR Code allows adding as much as details as one needs. This is rather beneficial as it eradicates the need to add too much information on the vCard, making it look neat and crisp.

David Hooper, founder of 23 Hours Agency has leveraged dynamic vCards to get more subscribers to his podcast that directs them to a mobile-friendly landing page and the one-on-one CTR has greatly improved.

Read why QR Codes on CBD labeling in Indiana, Utah, and Oregon is important

Why must businesses opt for vCard QR Codes?

why should businesses opt for vCard QR Codes

A QR Code essentially siloes the offline world with the digital world. QR Codes are getting popular by the day for a reason: they are easy to scan and easy to process and store information with just a single click.

Including QR Codes on business cards not only enhances the value of it but also piques customers’ attention, ultimately encouraging them to scan it. The value of the business card exceeds the inclusion of a QR Code.

In addition to this, a vCard business card is a much more comfortable and quicker process to store, translate and take action of the printed information on the business card.

By scanning a vCard QR Code, customers can store the contact information such as email addresses, mobile numbers, websites, and location of the company into their mobile phones with one single click.

By leveraging a dynamic vCard QR Code, one can edit the vital information of the business as needed without creating a new vCard each time.

Source

ReBIT adopted vCard QR Codes to spread information about their business and found this method to be the easiest.

Maximize the efficiency of vCard QR Codes

A lot of people use vCard QR Codes without actually realizing its full potential or how to exercise its maximum power. Businesses leverage vCard business cards but do not know how to make use of their real power.

Maximize the efficiency of leveraging vCard to market businesses –

Mode of advertisement

A company can use a vCard QR Code to run its commercial, just like a marketing advertisement. Rather than including only an email address or phone number, add a short video explaining the nitty-gritty of the business on YouTube or maybe an independently made introduction video.

Link social media channels

Attach the associated social media channels to the vCard QR Code. Link the vCard QR Code to the Facebook page, Twitter channel, or even an Image Gallery. A vCard QR Code can also be attached to the respective LinkedIn page.

This not only boosts customer engagement but also ensures a higher ROI.

Easy to track and analyze

A lot of people throw away business cards, which ultimately negates the whole purpose of having one. With a vCard QR Code, as soon as one scans it and saves or bookmarks the information, it can be tracked and analyzed to make necessary changes to ensure a successful customer engagement.

However, this can only be done with dynamic vCard QR Codes.

Attract job seekers

A vCard QR Code can be a great medium to attract potential job seekers.

Place a QR Code on the official LinkedIn page or the website, and encourage job seekers to scan it to forward their resumes. This can be managed quite easily rather than going through the traditional method.

For jobseekers, include a QR Code on the resume that links to any portfolio or work, or maybe any references.

Ergo, make the vCard QR Code aesthetically appealing by including a logo and pictorials to help people scan it more.

vCard Plus: Dynamic vCards

vCard Plus is primarily a dynamic business card, but a step ahead of Static vCard QR Codes. With every vCard Plus, a mobile-optimized web page is linked that shows vital information such as profile picture, mobile number, job title, social media, email address, and more. A vCard Plus can be designed to one’s wish with custom colors and images to impress clients further.

A vCard Plus can not only be shared on physical business cards but can also be leveraged for email signatures, websites, or even social media accounts. This can be viewed via smartphones, tablets, and desktops.

Daniel Balaze, a dentist based out of California believes that adding QR Codes to business cards creates a special value. His business, Balaze & Gregg Dentistry has placed QR Codes on his business cards which points to his URL with his contact information, which can then be redirected to informative posts related to dentistry.

You may want to read: 50 QR Code statistics for 2020 that you should know

How to create a vCard Plus QR Code

A dynamic vCard QR Code or vCard Plus can encompass a short URL, and the target content is never directly encoded. The short URL can redirect the user to their target content.

A vCard Plus QR Code can also be edited any number of times. That being said, here are the steps to creating a dynamic vCard QR Code –

Get started with a QR Code generator solution

Use Beaconstac’s QR Code solution and log into your account. To create a vCard Plus, click on the dynamic QR Code in the left panel and select vCard Plus.

get started with beaconstac QR Code solution

Fill out contact details

Fill in vital information such as name, phone number, address, website, or social media channels.

Customize the design

Add buttons, CTA, logo, or even embed Google Maps navigation to the business’s location.

Download vCard Plus

Click on download to generate the QR Code. Download it any preferred resolution and print it in your desired format.

Edit the contents of vCard Plus

Changing the contents of vCard Plus is a no-brainer.

Click on the created vCard Plus QR Code from the list.
Make the necessary changes, and save it.
Voila! The QR Code is now updated with new vCard information.

Designing vCard Plus

Creating a vCard Plus is as easy as designing a simple vCard. Just remember to include the following features to make it stand out and function dynamically –

Profile picture
Full name
Designation
Company name
Company website or URL
Email address(es)
Phone number(s)
Social media links – LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook or Instagram
Background – Image or color gradient
Company logo

Make sure to use the same color as the company to be in sync with its branding and to leave enough blank space to enhance the overall look of the vCard Plus QR Code.

You may want to read: Top tips for marketing your small business on Instagram

vCard Plus: The need for it

When a vCard QR Code exists, why must one need vCard Plus?

Having a mobile-friendly landing page for networking and adding new business contacts is crucial for any kind of business. Here are the top five advantages of having vCard Plus –

Dazzle your network

With the added feature of having a dedicated website for every QR Code, performance meets technique, and sharing contacts has never been easier.

Grow your contacts

Users and clients can add your information directly to their contact list with a single tap. Say goodbye to errors and tedious tapping.

Revise content frequently

Changed contact number and the location of the company? With vCard Plus, update information effortlessly in minutes and avoid losing customers.

Add more details

Stand out from the crowd and include all the information your business needs than a typical business card. Do not forget to attach a profile picture, URL, and social media accounts.

Share incessantly

A vCard Plus has an added advantage – a dedicated link. Leverage this advantage to the maximum and share the link everywhere (email signatures, print media, websites)

Survey your audience

Inspect where, when, and how many people have scanned your vCard Plus. All the analytics are stored in real-time.

Use a single QR Code at various locations for every purpose to gauge where your audience base is.

The ultimate guide to printing QR Codes

Where should vCards be placed?

A vCard and vCard Plus can be placed in many different ways.

Business cards

Print your vCard and vCard Plus on business cards to not only stand out but also making it easier for clients and users to store your contact information with a single tap.

Websites

Add a vCard QR Code that directs the user to your landing page, website, contact information, and social media platforms to get connected rather seamlessly.

Email signatures

Include the QR Code to email signatures. The vCard Plus is wholly integrated with Gmail and Outlook and works smoothly on all devices.

Want to know how QR Codes can help in building an email list to make it more engaging?

Resume

Want to stand out amongst other candidates whilst applying for jobs? Add a vCard or vCard Plus next to your contact details on the resume. This is one of the most natural methods to get the recruiter to add you to their contact list.

vCard QR Codes: Make the switch now

Businesses of all sizes are seeking out new marketing techniques to stand out from their competitors. The age-old method of distributing business cards to extend the company’s customer base is long gone. In addition to this, printing a detailed and extravagant business card can cost anywhere between $199 – $999.

A vCard QR Code is not only cheaper, but is a sure-shot way of transferring contacts to potential clients, grow the business, and to reach out to a larger group of marketers and distributors.

Countries like the US are already standardizing the use of vCards instead of typical business cards as they are efficient, seamless, and easy to use.

With vCard QR Codes, the possibilities are endless.

Ready to create your first vCard for your business? Get on to Beaconstac’s free QR Code generator or talk to a QR Code expert to learn more about it.