If you have recently started a small business, then you will undoubtedly have a million and one things to think about!
What with finding business premises, hiring great team members, opening business bank accounts, and getting relevant insurance – we understand that printed marketing materials likely won’t be the first thing on your mind.
But even in today’s digital world, there are some printed marketing materials that every business simply can’t do without and that we expect to see stay for years to come. If you’re just starting out, take a look at some of the most important printed materials you should purchase.
Business Cards
A business card is a small card that is made to fit easily into your pocket, wallet, or purse.
It includes your name and position in the company, as well as all of your contact details – and should be branded up with your company’s colours and logo.
No matter whether your business is online or offline, physical printed business cards will always stay an essential for small businesses. And they don’t need to be expensive, you can pick up business cards for a bargain at Vista Print. You can even use their template designs if you need inspiration.
They’ve been around for years now, and there’s a reason why! They provide the easiest and most efficient way to build business relationships, whether you’re at a networking event or simply get chatting with someone in an informal environment.
Letterheads
If your business sends any sort of letters or documents out to clients, customers, business colleagues or employees – then you need a branded letterhead.
A letterhead will simply include your company’s logo, address, and contact details at the top. This will allow you or other members of your team to easily print off documents and letters that look super professional.
Letterheads from printers such as Trade Print are very inexpensive and are a subtle way to leave a lasting impression on your recipients as they look credible and put you above your competition.
Promotional Flyers
A cheap but very effective marketing material, promotional flyers can be used for various situations. They are one of the oldest forms of marketing, and will often be posted through your letterbox or seen out in public in places such as on community boards, in your local pub or church etc.
You could use flyers to announce the opening of your new business, if you hold any events, have offers on– or simply to promote your business’ services and detail what you offer. Flyers don’t have to be expensive either, check out printers such as Instant Print who regularly have discounts too.
The most popular size for a flyer in generally A5, making them easy to distribute and hold onto – whilst also providing enough room to get all of your content on. More often than not, you may decide to have them printed double-sided, too.
Brochures
If you offer various products or services, then a printed brochure is an absolute must-have marketing material for your business.
They can basically act as a printed version of your website, detailing everything you offer with images and text. They’re also great for showcasing your company brand and should include details of your company vision and values.
Brochures are a great tool if you regularly visit potential clients and customers in person and if you’re pitching your products and services to someone. A lot of people prefer to see something physically in their hand, rather than digitally on a computer screen.
Brochures are one of the more expensive marketing materials as they need to be professionally designed and printed. However, they are a great investment for the future and if you want professional brochures we definitely recommend taking a look at printers such as Moo.com.
Roller Banners
Will you regularly be welcoming clients or customers to your business premises? Or will you be showcasing your business at local events?
If so, a roller banner is a very important marketing material for you. These look so much more elaborate and expensive than they actually are, and can create a real wow factor wherever you place them.
Retractable roller banners are brilliant for brand awareness and a great way to showcase any key information. They’re perfect if you’re exhibiting at trade shows, or even to welcome people into your reception area, café, or retail shop for example. And they don’t cost as much as you may think, especially if you become a member of Where The Trade Buys, you can order inexpensive roller banners and they even store your designs for you.
Compliment Slips
Last but not least, compliment slips are another fabulous way to leave a good first impression on your customers or clients.
They are small pieces of card that should be enclosed with any literature or parcels that you send out to people and generally have some sort of thank you note or ‘with compliments’, and should include contact details. Check out printers such as Printed.com where you can order compliments slips in bulk at discount prices.
Compliment slips are also a great remarketing tool, and are often utilised to generate return customers by including discount codes on them, or similar, for the next time they shop with you!
