Making Your Business Look Good
on Paper, One Sheet at a Time
You might remember a post from fellow Out of Office blogger Adam a little while back, where he mentioned that his mom used to run a daycare center out of her home. When she wanted to bring more business in to the center, she would ramp up her marketing efforts with brochures or postcards. Like many small business owners, Adam’s mom understood the importance of having her marketing materials professionally printed so they would create a good first impression with current and prospective customers. She also knew how important it was to keep her style consistent across everything she made, building her brand with each flyer she distributed or business card she handed out.
But one place small business owners often forget to play up their company’s brand and style is letterhead. Professional letterhead can be easily created with templates available online, in programs like Microsoft Publisher or with the FedEx Office Design & Print Center in-store or online. And contrary to what most letterhead today might indicate – it doesn’t need to be just plain white paper with a small logo at the top if that’s not the style of your business!
When selecting a letterhead design, keep a theme in mind that complements the style of your business, the look of your other marketing materials – and your services! For example, a florist could use letterhead that features a bold and beautiful flower pattern. A handyman might consider a design that incorporates measuring tape, paintbrushes or tools into the border. Or a graphic designer might highlight his or her artistic flair with a more edgy layout, like the one below.
Compelling visuals associated with the products or service your business provides can help grasp your reader’s attention at first glance – and remind them of exactly who you are and what you do. Then take it all one step further by adding your logo or a unique tagline that promotes your business. Of course, the most important component is your contact information! Provide your address, phone number, e-mail address and website so customers can quickly get in touch with you.
And now that you’re stocked with all-new letterhead, you can communicate in style!
Related FedEx Office Solutions: Design & Print Center
To see a FedEx Office team member work with a small business owner to find solutions to her company’s marketing and branding needs, check out this video.
Comments
Professional
Nothing looks less professional than business cards or letterhead that look "homemade." It's similar to the advice I got as a young professional -- dress like the job you want, not the job you have. Your materials should reflect your ideal -- you don't need everyone to know you're cranking out your genius in your kitchen office. :)
That is so true. I remember
That is so true. I remember trying to make some at home many moons ago after college and they turned out terrible. Let's just say I've never been good at cutting a straight line.
These are wonderful tips.
These are wonderful tips.
Thanks!
Thank you for the tips! I have a blog which I am trying to get out there. This really helped bring up some ideas. Thank you!
Glad to help! And good luck
Glad to help! And good luck with your blog.
Picking the Right Product
When you add up all the printing needs a business might have it can get expensive quick.
Letterhead, business cards, flyers, postcards etc. There isn't much room to make a mistake. It's important to know which style will reach out and grab your prospective client's attention.
Thanks for the great suggestions.
As soon as I get my new blog
As soon as I get my new blog design in place, I want to order a few items such as this. I'm overly excited about it. :)
Good luck with launching your
Good luck with launching your blog. I remember the excitement we felt when launching this one.
Awesome letterheads make a
Awesome letterheads make a great first impression, no matter what your business. Having professional marketing tools can sometimes make or break a business! Thanks for the great tips!
Simple is Beautiful
I've learned over the years that simple is beautiful too. It seems they don't make things look cluttered which is key to an eye-catching flyer or ad -- the more stuff, the less likely it'll be read. This design program you have does that -- sleek & simple.
Communication is key.
I use to have a home based business, and great marketing tools is an asset. You really have to stand out from the rest. Thanks for the tips.
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