How to create & print your own business stationery

Letterheads

Although your business is unlikely to send many letters in this digital age, it’s still important that those you do post make a good impression. No matter how small your company, letterheads are a must for generating a positive brand image.

For a clean and simple design that anyone can master, simply open up Microsoft Word and insert a high-resolution version of your logo in the header. You probably want it to be 2-3 inches tall, but use your initiative to decide if it’s an appropriate size.

Unless it is integrated in your logo, you will also need to add your company name. If you don’t have a brand font, don’t simply go for one of the default options like Times New Roman or Arial: these are recognisable and won’t give a professional image.

Instead, download a more obscure, easy-to-read font that complements your brand image. Creative Bloq often features plenty of professional-quality options for free.

Use the same font to add contact details in the footer. The typeface should be quite small – probably around size 8.

If you’re using envelope windows, you will need to add a text box that allows you to put the recipient’s address in the right place. To work out where it should go, place a sheet into the envelope and trace the window. Measure the distance of this box from the upper and right margins, and move your text box accordingly. Make it a little smaller so you have leeway.

When you’re finished, save your document as a Word Template. You can then use it for every letter your business distributes, ensuring consistency. Before printing, make sure your settings are optimised for text and image, and load your printer with 100gsm paper.

Compliment slips

Your business’ compliment slips should look much like your letterhead, but with ‘with compliments’ typed above or to the left of your contact information. Of course, they are also much smaller than letters, with three fitting onto an A4 sheet. You therefore need to make sure that the page is set to 210mm x 99mm.

Envelopes

Branded envelopes will also increase professionalism, and let the recipient know your communication isn’t junk mail! White DL envelopes are the best option for business use, fitting in an unfolded compliment slip or twice-folded A4 sheet.

You will usually add your logo, business name and address in the top-right corner, making sure the font is quite small. Word has a built-in template that will help you get the placement right. Unless you’re using envelope windows, type the recipient’s address before printing.

Don’t forget to ensure that your printer is set up to cope with the envelope dimensions.

Business cards

Again, a business card featuring your logo and contact details is easy to DIY. Select the right template on Word (this should be 85mm x 55mm) and organise the layout as desired. Fill your printer with specially designed business card paper – 200-350gsm is best – and print on a high-quality setting.

Do you have any other tips for DIY business stationery? Have you found that professional letterheads have helped boost your brand image? Share your comments below!