The power of print: how putting your ideas on the page can boost your street cred

by Startacus Admin

At printed.com, we spend our days working with small businesses and start-ups, anyone from freelance designers, local printers and kitchen industries, to help them get on their feet through the majestic medium of print. Make no bones about it; taking the time to make sure your business cards, flyers or signage are just right can really make the difference between getting that partnership or luring customers through your doors.

Yes, but do I really need it?

Think print is just for shops and street marketing? You couldn’t be more wrong! Even if you’re an internet business or online freelancer, having the perfect business card or tucking a neat postcard into your portfolio or posted orders can add an inspiring finishing touch or encourage a repeat job.

Consider this: your business is based on a brand, something you have worked hard to establish and maintain; on your website, shop floor, the integrity of your project work and in all the ideals you hold when it comes to business. You worked hard for it, so why not show it off a little? Let your brand leak out into everything you do…but not in a gross way.

Making sure that your business cards show the same standard of innovation, professionalism or design can go a long way to showing that you mean business. Likewise, if you’re gearing up for a big event, product launch or want to announce what’s new this season, taking the time to design and print a postcard mailer is a cool way to spread the word.

If you’re a printer or designer, having a finished sampler to show customers is a great showcase for your work. If you are a shop or café, use your business card as a loyalty card with space for stamps to encourage repeat visits and inspire loyalty. Another great idea is to print up some mini surveys on postcards to keep at the till; you’re customer fills it out before finishing up their transaction and are rewarded with a discount on their purchase and you get valuable information on your business and products. Wins all around!

Okay, you’ve sold me...how do I start?

Getting started isn’t as difficult as it may seem. If you haven’t already got a logo for your business or project, it’s worth the time and money to hire a designer to help you out. You’ll be able to chat with them about your ideas and create a final result that you’re going to want to plaster all over your website, business cards and flyers.

Once you have your logo and company colours established, you can start to get print funky with your brand. A set of business cards for yourself (and your team, if you have one) is a great place to start. Handing out something which is the very essence of what you stand for is going to make you and your business look strong. And that’s a very good thing indeed.

Getting yourself a set of personalised letterheads or office stationery is another great way to keep your brand strong and make sure that whatever you’re doing, from invoicing a client to contacting customers, your business is at the fore-front of your communication. Like I said, boasting about your brand should come second nature...it’s all great PR!

There are online print websites that will make it easy for you to upload your artwork and to choose paper types and finishes, like lamination, which can really set your work off and make sure it lasts a long time. Easier than taking candy from a baby, and far more hygienic.

So there you have it, in a nutshell. Far from being on the outs, print is a really strong way to establish your brand and to get your company or project name where everyone can see it. When it’s easy to do, it’s well worth the time and effort— happy printing!

• #print
• #
• #branding

Published on: 18th September 2013