You might not realize it, but a letterhead is more than just a blurb at the top of a page. It contains everything your customers need to know about your business, conveyed in combination of your company name, logo and contact information. Having so little space to establish the message of your business means a coherent design approach to your company stationery is invaluable. Here are four important reasons your company letterhead should pop.
1. Representing Your Company
When you send a letter, it's like you're sending an ambassador from your company to colleagues, customers or potential clients. The letterhead appearing at the top of the page is the official representation of your business.
A good letterhead design printed on high-quality paper shows professionalism and tells the recipient that you put time and care into the products and services you offer.
A sloppy letterhead, on the other hand, reflects sloppy business practices and makes people less inclined to want to work with your company.
2. Establishes Credibility
Professional letterhead design conveys a sense of reliability to customers and clients. A high quality logo accompanied by a clear message helps them feel they can trust your company to meet their needs and deliver on promises.
A smart, professional letterhead should be part of your overall marketing plan as the design you choose will be seen on all of your business communications.
BONUS RESOURCE: Letter Logo Maker (via BrandCrowd.com)
3. Defines and Reinforces Brand
Branding is one of the most important parts of business, especially in today's highly visual and perpetually connected world. People move fast, and if your company doesn't stand out, it's all too easy to get lost in the shuffle. A recognizable brand should bring your business to mind the instant that consumers see it.
Your letterhead design doesn't have to be complex or fancy to be a good branding tool. In fact, simplicity is what makes some of the most effective letterheads and logos so famous. A streamlined image that reflects your core message is all it takes to ensure that your letterhead is memorable.
On the blog: Why business cards still matter in the digital age
4. Cements Customer Relationships
No matter what kind of communication you're sending, your letterhead acts as a miniature advertisement. It broadcasts your brand, tells customers how to contact you and can also serve as a reminder of why they purchase your products and services in the first place.
Adding a simple slogan to your letterhead increases this impact. When a letter, invoice or direct mail communication arrives on your company's letterhead, it demands more attention than if the same mailing were printed on plain paper. This is especially important when it comes to billing for services as you want customers to remember to send in payments on time. Consider placing your logo on the outside of envelopes as well to create a cohesive stationery design that capitalizes on the power of your brand image.
Conclusion
Crowdsourcing your stationery design like a letterhead design is one way you can ensure that it serves each of the purposed outlined. You get access to a wide pool of freelance designers with the experience necessary to create a logo that grabs customers' attention and reflects the image that you've established for your business. Tell designers what you want, give them a deadline and pick your favorite from the designs that get submitted. Then put your new letterhead to work and watch your business grow.
Written by Jo Sabin on Monday, December 1, 2014
Jo Sabin is Head of Designer Community at DesignCrowd. She's led the company's public relations and social media programs since 2012. With more than ten years' experience working with Australian and international tech startups in the creative industries, Jo has been instrumental in meeting DesignCrowd's objectives in Australia and abroad. Get in touch via Twitter.
