Starting a new business is exciting, but it also comes with a surprisingly long list of things to think about.

You’ve got your name, logo, website and social media sorted. Then someone asks, “Have you thought about your printed materials?”

And suddenly you’re wondering whether you need business cards, flyers, brochures, signage, stationery, stickers… and how to know which ones would be most useful for your business.

The good news is that there are plenty of options to choose from. The right print depends on what your business does, how you find customers and how you interact with them.

Business cards

Business cards are still useful for businesses where networking and personal introductions are important.

They’re particularly handy for tradespeople, consultants, estate agents, sales professionals and anyone who regularly meets potential customers face-to-face.

A good business card doesn’t need to be complicated. Your name, business name, contact details, website and a clear indication of what you do are usually far more useful than trying to squeeze your entire business onto such a small space.

Flyers and leaflets

If you’re targeting customers locally, flyers and leaflets can be an effective way to introduce your business to people who may not have found you online.

They’re particularly useful for launches, promotions, local services, events and introductory offers.

The important thing is to have a clear purpose. What do you want someone to do after reading it? Visit your website? Make a booking? Claim an offer? Give you a call?

Work that out first, then build the design around it.

Signage

If customers visit your premises, signage becomes much more important.

Your sign might be the first thing someone sees, so it needs to make your business easy to identify and understand.

Depending on your business, you might also need window graphics, opening-hours signage, directional signs, promotional posters or outdoor displays.

Branded stationery

Not every new business needs a huge stationery package, but professional-looking documents can make a difference.

Letterheads, compliment slips, folders, printed forms and other branded materials can help your business look consistent and established.

For some businesses, this will be essential. For others, digital documents may be perfectly adequate.

Stickers and labels

If you sell physical products, stickers and labels can be incredibly useful.

They can carry your branding, product information, packaging details or promotional messages, and they can turn relatively simple packaging into something much more recognisable.

Start with the print that works for your business

Starting a new business can mean making lots of decisions, and choosing your printed materials is one of them.

You might need business cards for networking, flyers to reach local customers, signage to help people find you, or branded stationery to keep your documents looking professional. If you sell products, labels and stickers could be an important part of your packaging too.

The best place to start is by thinking about how your business works:

• How do customers find you?

• Do you meet people face-to-face?

• Do customers visit your premises?

• Do you sell physical products?

• Where could printed materials help your brand make an impression?

There’s no one-size-fits-all print package for a new business. Some businesses may need a selection of printed materials from day one, while others may start with just one or two essentials.

And if you’re not sure where to begin, ask us!

You don’t need to become an expert in paper stocks, finishing, sizes and printing methods before placing an order. That’s what we’re here for.