Letterhead design for a lasting impression

First impressions count, and one of the first ways your business can make an impression is with your company letterhead design. 

While amateur-looking letterhead can leave clients questioning your professionalism, a well-crafted design could be the very thing that prompts them to choose your business over others.

So how can you make your letterhead design work for you rather than against you?

Find the right look

Your letterhead is a representation of your company, so you need to ensure that it's saying the right things.

For example, bright colours and comic-looking fonts could be perfect for a company specialising in children's products, but would be inappropriate for a law firm or a professional services business.

Ensure that your letterhead design communicates the right image for your particular business, whether that's elegant and old world or funky and modern.

Use a logo

No matter how big or small your business, your letterhead design should incorporate a logo. This gives the outside world a feel not only for what your business does, but also what it stands for.

Using a logo on your letterhead can also strengthen your brand image to your existing customers and create a visual association for your business. 

Do your research

Mike Ford, owner of graphic design firm Green Gecko, suggests collecting a few examples of letterhead designs you like, to show your graphic designer.

"I sit down with a company and get a briefing from them on what they've got in mind," he says. "But not everyone can explain their vision clearly, so I start with a draft and we go from there."

Consider things like:

• which colours you're drawn to
• symbols or concepts that could suit your business
• what your business is trying to communicate
• how to differentiate your business from your competitors

Remember, the first draft is far from the finished product, so give feedback to ensure your vision is being clearly communicated. 

Check the essentials

It sounds basic, but checking the contact details on your letterhead design can sometimes be overlooked, says Mike. 

"Having accurate contact details on your letterhead is a good start before you go and print thousands of copies. It's worth double-checking these basic things."

The information contained in company letterhead does not need to be limited to your business name and contact details. It can also be used to promote your products and services.

Putting it on the page

An effective letterhead design will ensure your business is always putting its best foot forward with current and potential clients. Talk to a graphic designer today about creating a letterhead design that will work for you long after the letter is sent.