The digital age has changed the way we communicate with customers. As business owners, we now rely heavily on the internet and email for day-to-day operations. We can even talk directly to our customers via chat. Why then do you still need corporate stationery?
You cannot underestimate the impact of well-designed business stationery. For one, it tells clients that you are a legitimate and trustworthy company. Customised stationery and easily identifiable signage all contribute to your corporate visual identity.
What is corporate stationery?
Corporate stationery is not just your official letterhead. It includes all printed documents that bear your business name, logo, slogan, and other details. Every bit of paper used for communicating with associates and customers is considered business stationery. That means custom letterhead, envelopes, compliment slips, invoices, business cards, shipping labels, brochures, calendars, and presentation folders.
When designing custom stationery for your company, the first thing you need to do is define your brand. Certain colours and fonts can be used to convey power or creativity. Make sure every single piece of printed communication reflects your chosen theme. Business stationery and marketing materials in coordinated looks make it easy to identify your brand in a saturated market.
Why is corporate stationery essential?
Let’s say you are talking to two prospective suppliers to handle a multimillion-dollar contract for your company. Each sales rep hands you a business card. The first one is made of flimsy paper that bends easily, has a black-and-white logo, and the name of the sales rep is typewritten. The second card is smooth and heavy, the logo is in colour, the printing is raised, and the name of the sales rep is engraved. Which company makes a more lasting impression on you?
Your business stationery is the face of your company. It is the fastest way to make a good impression whenever you are meeting with a prospective client. Whenever your sales team sends a quote, drops off a business card, or completes a shipping invoice, the appearance of that piece of paper sends a subtle but effective message about your company. Well-designed corporate stationery presents your company in a positive light every time you send out a note from your office.
- Professional appearance
One of the main objectives of creating customised business stationery is to make your company look credible and professional. The fact that you spend money on having a design house create and print your corporate stationery speaks a lot about your long-term investment in your business.
Printing your corporate stationery on high-quality paper with a consistent theme demonstrates professionalism. If your invoice is generic or your business card has too much clutter, this shows that you do not pay attention to the smallest details. On the other hand, if you put so much thought and care into your corporate stationery, then clients can expect the same thought and care when it comes to your products and services.
- Establish trust and authority
Anything appearing on your business letterhead makes it official, and thus conveys authority and accountability.
Trust is vital in attracting and maintaining clients, and when you communicate using your business stationery, potential and existing customers understand that you are speaking for the company.
Every message you send out that bears your brand, name, and logo is a representation of your company. This is apparent to every recipient as soon as they receive something written on your business stationery.
If you promise something on your company letterhead, then you have the responsibility to deliver what the letter states.
- Networking
Trade fairs, expos, and business conferences offer plenty of opportunities to meet potential clients and other companies. Your corporate stationery – specifically business cards – is the first thing people will notice. Do not miss this chance to make a good impression!
Business cards are not only part of your introduction. When you give people your card, they usually keep it in the office for future reference. You want your business card to stand out among a stack of generic-looking cards so you’ll be the first call when a client requires your service.
- Branding
Corporate stationery provides you with an opportunity to put your best foot forward when it comes to brand image. The design of your logo, the font of your company name, and your choice of colours all play an essential part in building your brand identity.
When recipients open your letters, they immediately see images that identify your business. That is why your brand visuals should be unique, memorable, easy to recognise, and printed on high-quality paper. Your fonts and colours should be consistent – letterheads, business cards, notepads, business proposals, and all other documents must be in sync.
- Marketing
Well-designed corporate stationery can also help boost your marketing efforts – whether you want to make a strong first impression or reinforce your brand.
Brochures, flyers, newsletters, catalogues, postcards, and sales pitches are quite direct and in-your-face. Businesses stationery, on the other hand, can accomplish the same marketing objective but in a more subtle, non-intrusive manner.
We all love freebies, especially if they are useful and do not merely accumulate dust. Giving away corporate stationery is a creative way to advertise your business. You can customise your folders, notepads, envelopes, pens, pencils, markers, calendars, roller stands, and compliment slips with your brand identity as an unconventional advertising method.
Tips on customising your corporate stationery
Be unique
In a market where competition is cutthroat, you need a brand that stands out. Show your customers what sets you apart and why they should choose you. One way to do this is by creating an eye-catching logo that reflects what your business stands for. Check out the logos of your competitors and make sure that yours is easily recognisable. Your logo should be able to turn heads and build your reputation effectively.
Be clear
Everything you put on your corporate stationery must be clear, coherent, and cohesive. When choosing fonts, colours, and taglines, make sure that your potential clients understand your message.
Jennings Print can help design your corporate stationery according to your business needs. We’ll work with you in integrating appropriate colours, images, and patterns into all your print materials.
If you have no idea where to start, our in-house graphic designers can give your brand a new look. Each piece of business stationery and marketing material will reflect your message and style.
Let Jennings Print help your printing needs
Contact Jennings Print today and ask about our professionally made brochures, flyers, booklets, catalogues, business cards, and corporate stationery. We also provide graphic design and branding services for posters, pull-up banners, vehicle signage, window decal, docket books, and other promotional materials.