There is still a place in business for the well-designed letterhead stationery. But, if you have been using the same stationery for a while, it might be time for an update. More and more small businesses design their letterhead on their computers so they can print it out as needed. This can be handy when it comes time to make changes as well. If you are still getting your letterhead, envelopes and other business stationery printed, it is also important to look it over periodically to make updates and changes.
The first thing I would like to say is that your web site and e-mail should definitely be on your print letterhead and stationery. This can often be overlooked since you are thinking “old school” and assuming that letterhead should just have your physical, mailing address on it. Think of your stationery as part of your marketing efforts and realize that everything you send out for whatever reason, represents your business. Get your web site, e-mail address, and logo on your stationery to make it easier for people to get to you.
Additionally, use your stationery as another way to “brand” your business. Once you have a style, logo, and “look” that suits you—don’t make big wholesale changes. People get used to seeing a certain look from you and whether they realize it or not, they are associating that “brand” with your business. This is why you should come up with something that you like and that represents your business and then stick to it. Just about the time you are getting sick of looking at the same logo and the same color ink, your market is just starting to be able to recognize it.
Finally, when you update your stationery, double-check with your post office to make sure there have not been any changes to your address (same with phone number in case your area code might have changed). You can add the “plus 4” code to your zip code and make sure that you are all current with your physical address. The U.S. Postal Service web site at www.usps.com can provide you with a way to clarify your address before it goes into print on your business stationery.
Also: Business Stationery and Letterhead–Is It Worth It?