letterhead design 33 by Publication Critique
Published Date: 05/06/07
When you're first starting out in your own business,there are so many details to attend to, it can be a dizzying experience. You're putting together a business plan, dealing with banks and possibly investors, developing marketing strategies and a website, looking for hosting, content and a myriad of details involving paperwork for local licensing requirements. It's quite possible you're feeling overwhelmed and working around the clock to put your business concept on track to a viable business venture.
Important but simple details like a letterhead design may easily fall through the cracks of your already overloaded schedule. Here are some tips to make short work of this necessary aspect to your business success.
When you send direct mail pieces to prospective clients, a good looking letterhead design can make the difference between a wasted contact and a new client.
Give some thought to the image you're trying to project. If you're looking for a more sophisticated corporate image, your design should reflect that goal. Simple, short and sweet, with standard colors befitting a staid and trustworthy mainstream image are probably your best choice. Colors which project this solid and stable image include white, red, blue, silver and gray. The golden rule is cleanness of design and a universal appeal.
If you're targeting a niche market, you may want to employ an image that's distinctive yet pleasing. For example, if you're marketing vintage jewelry, you have a lot of room for poetic license. A letterhead design for this type of business might include a repeating bracelet design as the separator between the letterhead and your text. In this case, your logo should be simple, with the name of your business prominently displayed across the top. Complicated designs don't work well in a letterhead design. Strive for a clean look, where the viewer's focus is your company name and logo. Remember, your goal is a memorable image that sticks in the mind of your potential client.
Color choices are important in letterhead design. You want to avoid a cluttered look, while maintaining interest. Letterhead design is a subtle tool, so don't go overboard with a too complex design. You need to strike a balance between interest and impact.
Always err on the side of impact. Don't fall in to the trap of poetic value, because you may lose many of your readers with a too-glitzy or overdone letterhead design. People are subconsciously affected by a letterhead design. If you try for a too artsy look, potential customers may be turned off, not taking your message seriously because it's just too offbeat. Go for the middle road. Try to capture the attention of all your readers with a simple and to the point letterhead design that bespeaks a serious business message, while selling your unconventional product.
Graphic designers are equipped to finesse your message. If you've got a basic concept, consult with an expert in graphic design. At little expense, you'll come away with a winner for your letterhead design.
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