Monday 1 August 2016

My Useful Guide: Professional Stationery

As simple as it is, business stationery is an effective marketing tool with great efficiency when implemented properly. 

Reinforcing branding and business mentality, the modest business card and letterhead has the potential to open doors.

The basic stationery essentials are covered by three main elements, the business card, the letterhead and the compliment slip. This stationery trio are a triple threat in your marketing arsenal. Providing an upfront view of your professionalism and defining a business ethos of quality and integrity.



Things to consider
Distributing smart business cards when networking, corresponding on letterheaded paper and adding notes to compliment slips all provide a lasting impression. Keep your stationery clean, concise and on brand. Stick to the important details; phone numbers, office, email and web addresses. Social media platforms and USPs could also prove valuable. Add your name and job title to your business card. Make sure your logo is in pride of place and that all components are consistent across all elements of stationery. 

Quality shouts professionalism
Choosing the right paper stock is crucial. Too thin and flimsy and your business potentially comes across as lacking in professionalism. A good paper stock for a business card would be a laminated 400gsm or 350gsm for a more natural stock. For a letterhead and compliment slip 115gsm. We love to be tactile, and being able to feel the quality of the stock will make all the difference and add that sense of confidence and credibility.

There is also the option to add effects such as coloured foils, embossing or die cuts to enhance your business cards - these come at a price but really stand out from the crowd. When it comes to a pile of business cards, eyes are attracted to the unusual, the bright, the bold…even the SHINEY! Just like magpies. Investing that little bit extra proves that you have confidence in the business and it might just give you the edge over the competition.

Your business stationery, especially your business card, is often the first insight into your brand a client will experience, so getting it right is important.

If you fancy a new set of business stationery update your business card, letterhead and compliment slip and make a lasting impression, please contact us for a quote. For inspiration visit our portfolio or read our latest case study on Chrysalis and their stationery rebrand.