When you are building a business identity it is very important to get your materials right. It may seem like something that can be done at the last minute, but an effective business card or letterhead, if designed well, can set you apart from your competitors. With letterhead examples to draw ideas from, you can get a professional-looking design for your own company.
DO keep your letterhead design simple
A cluttered letterhead doesn’t look professional and can confuse customers. Stick with the basics when you are designing your business stationery. If you do want to add additional information, like a tagline or slogan, think about how it will impact the overall effect of the design. Will it help to promote your brand, or will it become an annoyance that distracts attention away from your main message?
DO use the logo on every design
Your logo is your brand identity. It should appear prominently on all of your materials, not just business cards and letterheads. Look at what you are currently using to see if it’s effective. If you want to use a different logo, ask yourself whether it is still recognizable and understandable.
DO consider the layout and positioning of your company letterhead design elements
A well-balanced letterhead looks professional and gives customers the impression that you know what you are doing. Think about how you will be using your letterhead – will you need room for email signatures? If so, you will need to reduce the size of your logo, but remember that it must still be legible.
Use a letter head maker available on Venngage to help you with arranging your letterhead design elements.
DO use letterhead examples for inspiration
There are lots of different types of stationery available. Before you start designing anything yourself, take a look at what’s already out there and see what you like. By doing this, you can quickly get a feel for the best business letterhead examples, and then you can start creating a design that is unique to your company.
DO remember that a letterhead template can serve as a useful starting point
If you aren’t sure where to begin with your design, then using letterheads for inspiration is a good strategy. You don’t have to simply copy the layout – just take a look at what’s available and find some ideas that you think will work for you. When you have a few ideas in mind, start creating your letterhead examples.
DO use business letterhead examples that are clear and professional
Letterheads are intended to give customers the impression that your business is serious about what it does. If you want them to take you seriously, then be sure to choose design elements that communicate this message. A well-designed letterhead allows customers to see how skilled and confident you are and gives them a positive experience when they contact your business.
DON’T use too much text on your letter heading
The look of the paper itself should not distract customers away from your message. Keep in mind that most people will only see your letterhead when they are applying their address and name, and that is all. Keep it simple and stick to the essentials like logo, address, and telephone number.
DON’T skimp on postage
A poorly designed letterhead can be spotted at a glance. If you are writing to an important client, make sure that they will know it is from you by using better quality paper and more generous margins. This small detail will give your business a professional edge over others who have opted for cheaper options.
DON’T reinvent the wheel
If you are thinking about changing your logo, but are worried that it may be disruptive, don’t be. You can still use your existing logo – just look at what other companies have done to make their brand recognizable when they update theirs.
DON’T use letterhead examples that are over the top
It’s important to create a balance between your logo and your paper. You don’t want to use too much of either, but you also can’t have them competing for attention. This effect will only happen if you choose the wrong letterhead examples – so take care!
DON’T forget about the back of your letterhead design
Many people like to use the back of their letterheads for additional information about their business. This is a good way to quickly communicate more details, and you can include your mission statement or list of services. However, make sure that this doesn’t detract from your core message on the front.
DON’T give your letterheads quirky fonts
There is nothing wrong with using a font that isn’t plain and boring – just make sure it fits in with the rest of your brand’s image. If you already have a humorous style, perhaps something more subtle would be better. Just because you can use any typeface for your letterhead, doesn’t mean that you should.
Conclusion
What is a letterhead? Letterheads are a great way to send messages that you want your customers to remember. If designed well, they will give the impression that you know what you’re doing and that your business is reliable.
