Starting up your own business needs more than a killer idea and a great product.

While you, of course, need these two elements – and a brain for business – you also need that one thing that sets you apart from the competition. You need to create that one element that reaches out to your customers, speaks volumes about your company, and drives repeat purchases.

This is, of course, your business branding.

Designing a strong brand

Your company brand is something you need to outline from the outset.

• Who are you?
• What makes you special?
• Why should customers choose you?
• How can you differentiate yourself from the competition?

Your business branding is much more than your logo. A brand is the way you are perceived by your customers, and is the driving force behind your business. Without a solid brand, you risk becoming just another face in the crowd.

So how does this affect you in terms of your printed business marketing?

When you start out, your printed business literature is perhaps the most important tool in your marketing arsenal. You need to begin reinforcing your brand values through your letterheads, invoices, and business cards.

Customers often need to see your brand 8 times before they remember it, and print is one of the best ways to start sharing this message.

What then do you need in terms of printed literature? What print product considerations do you need to make during the branding stage, to ensure you’re spreading a consistent and accurate brand message?

Here, we answer all these questions with our start-up business branding checklist:

What printed products do you need when starting up a business?

When starting up a business, there are a whole host of printed products you need to help get you started. It is these products that help reinforce and cement your branding amongst your prospects, and convert these prospects into customers.

Here at Charterprint, we manage all the printing you will need when launching a business and beyond. The products we would recommend include:

• Business cards – These remain one of the best ways of reaching out and networking with clients, suppliers and prospects. We can help you create and impact with attractive graphic design that fits with your business brand.

• Printed clothing and workwear – A uniform look amongst your staff helps you look professional, trustworthy and reinforces your brand message. Speak to us today about corporate clothing for your start-up to see how we can help you should about your business on the move.

• Printed leaflets – Flyers and leaflets are a great way to promote your start-up business. Make sure that these adhere to your branding guidelines, and they will reinforce your brand message to anyone who receives one.

• Printed letterheads – When sending out mail to your prospects and customers, you need your brand to be immediately obvious. Printed and branded letterheads do just this, and are essential for start-ups.

• Printed envelopes – Similarly, you should follow this branding through to your envelopes. A well branded envelop can increase the open rate of your mail shots, and help showcase your professionalism and products.

• Compliment slips – Compliment slips should also follow your branding, as they will help create brand recognition. They also make life easier for customers who receive them, as they know instantly who they are from.

• Promotional products – Promotional products such as pens, mugs, and coasters are a great way to advertise your start-up. Again, we can help you make the most of these products with clever and consistent branding.

Print considerations

It’s not just about what you print though. An essential part of your start-up business branding checklist is ensuring the quality of your print services. At Charterprint, we operate using a 4 colour process and always take steps to ensure the quality of your print is up to the high standard you expect.

We also operate on a quick turnaround time, to ensure you always have your goods when you need them.

To find out more about our services and why you should choose us, click here.

If you would like more information about branding your business, the products you might need, and the costs involved, contact us today for a quotation.

Printed marketing remains one of the best ways you can market your business in 2013.

Everything from business cards and printed envelopes, to leaflets and letterheads can be great tools for marketing and promotion. But how can you get the best out of them? At a time when your customers spend a great deal of time online and on their mobiles, how can you reach out to them using these traditional marketing methods?

Here are six easy to implement, but highly effective ways of getting the best ROI from your printed marketing:

1. Planning

Before you implement any printed marketing campaign, you need to have clear goals in mind.

The planning stage is perhaps the most important, as you need to clearly outline what you want your campaign to achieve. How else can you measure the ROI if you had no aims in place to begin with? It sounds simple, but knowing what you want people to do is essential:

• Do you want them to make a purchase?
• Sign up to a mailing list?
• Use a discount code?
• Refer a friend?

Outline your goals early on, and your whole campaign will be much more successful.

2. Eye catching

To get the biggest ROI on your marketing, you need to make it stand out from the rest. Opt for an eye-catching design, unusual shape, or anything else that will really make a mark when it lands on your recipients’ doorstep.

This is the first step to encouraging an open – and hopefully a conversion – so you need to get this right. Speak to us about graphic design ideas to see exactly how you can pack a punch with your printed marketing.

3. Compelling copy

Once your recipients have picked up your leaflet, postcard or flyer, you need to hold their attention and encourage them to carry out your chosen goal. How can you do this? Through compelling and engaging copy.

An attention grabbing headline, welcoming tone, and interesting copy will all work together to boost your ROI. Appeal to your customers’ emotions, and steer them in the direction of converting. Just make sure your tone is consistent with your corporate branding.

4. Targeted distribution

Perhaps the most important tip for getting maximum ROI from your printed marketing is to target your distribution lists. Instead of sending out a single mail shot to a blanket audience, tailor your messages and send them to carefully selected recipients.

By speaking to your audience on a much more personal level, you will notice an improvement in your conversions and a boost in your return on investment. This will take more time and consideration, but will be worth all the additional effort.

5. Call to action

Remember those goals we talked about in point 1?

Now is the time to make it clear to your readers exactly what they should be doing next. Using a clear call to action, encourage your readers to pick up the phone, make an order, or head to a certain page on your website. Incentives work really well, so tell your recipients what’s in it for them.

6. Monitoring

To get the best ROI from your printed marketing, you need to be able to record the success of your campaign. Include special URLs on your direct mail shots and add these to your analytics programme. This will help you identify how many people have landed on that page after opening your mail. If you include a discount code, track how many people have used this too.

By implementing these tips, you will be well on your way to getting the best ROI from your printed marketing. Why not speak to us today to see what we can do for you?

You don’t need an overly complicated campaign either. At Charterprint, we have the facilities to help you produce mail shots tailored to individual recipients with ease. Tailor your marketing message, add personalised images, and pack a punch with our professional finishes.

Here we take a look at a number of ways you can get the best ROI from a personalised mail campaign:

Use their name

Nothing appeals to a reader more than seeing their own name.

In an age of ‘Dear homeowner’ spam letters, addressing your recipients by name makes a great first impression. It helps your mail shot stand out and helps increase your open rate. Our personalised direct mail shots and bespoke envelopes make this easy.

We can mail merge first names on to the letter itself to ensure your message has maximum impact. Whether you’re going for a personal or more professional approach, naming your leads will definitely help convert them into sales.

Tailor your message

With our specialist software, it’s not just the address line that can be personalised. In fact, we can tailor entire sections of your mail shot to a specific person. Whether you want to refer to previous purchases, products they might like, or something else; personalised direct mail is the answer.

By taking this personal approach to your marketing, you can really boost your success. Customers don’t like to be sold to in the same way as everyone else. They all shop and buy differently, and need to be spoken to as such.

By personalising your marketing efforts in this way, you can appeal to all your customers without having to produce a range of mail shots. At a time when business marketing budgets are tight, this is certainly a welcome service.

Eye-catching and appealing images

It’s not just your marketing message we can personalise.

We can also change the images included in your mail shots to compliment your marketing message. They say that a picture speaks 1,000 words, so make those additional words really count.

In your marketing, strong visual elements – typography, colour, images, embossing, gloss finishes – all work together to appeal to your reader. By tailoring these to their past purchases, their business, or personal interest, you can get the best possible ROI.

Call to action

The final, and most important part of your mail shot is the call to action. It signs off your marketing message, and tells your readers what they should do next. To get the best possible ROI, this needs to be perfect.

We can help you personalise this message to each reader. If you want them to buy a specific product, sign up to a mailing list, or refer a friend; we can mail merge these messages into the right place.

Personalised direct mail remains one of the most effective ways to get maximum ROI from your marketing. By reaching out to your customers in this way, you can convert more leads to sales than ever before.

Why not send us a message today, and see how our personalised direct mail service can help your business?

Despite the increases in digital marketing, there is certainly still a place in your businesses marketing mix for printed media.

Your customers spend hours every day wading through a plethora of spam emails, tweets, and Facebook messages. This means that email spam filters are becoming increasingly more sophisticated, making it harder for companies to experience email success.

This is where print media help boost your marketing campaigns. Here we will look at five reasons why your business should still be making the most of print:

1. It connects with customers emotionally

Printed media can be personalised very easily.

You can address your customer by name, and target your mail shots to their past purchases and the things that matter to them. More than that though, you can tell a story through your printed media. Nothing can quite replace the feeling of having something tangible through the post. Each of these elements works together to create strong emotional connection with your audience.

2. It reinforces your brand values

In this digital age, it can be hard for a brand to show that it cares. How can you show you’re a personable business that puts your customers first when there is a computer screen blocking you?

At a time when your customers receive considerably less post, print media can help reinforce these brand values. The personal connection created with a postcard, catalogue or flyer demonstrates your level of customer care. And a company that cares, is a company people want to buy from.

3. It makes for easy discovery

Nothing can beat the feeling of flicking through a brochure, catalogue or magazine at a leisurely pace. With the growth in ecommerce, customers have lost this method of discovery – browsing is lost with the online shop.

By sending out printed media, your customers can discover more about you as a business. Whether it is looking through a catalogue of products, or just reading about your latest deals, what could be more beneficial?

4. It is easily integrated

Print media should remain a key player in your marketing mix because it is so easily integrated.

Why not include a QR code on your flyer or leaflet to direct people to your website? You could also post out exclusive discount codes to recipients?

As well as combining marketing methods in this way, you could also create a digital edition of your brochure. Or maybe a mobile app? You could even encourage your social media followers to sign up to your mailing list by tempting them with exclusive offers.

5. It has a measurable ROI

The final reason you should be including print in your marketing mix is because it has a real, measurable return on investment.

You can create a specific landing page and URL for your mail shots. You can then use tracking and monitoring software like Google Analytics to see how many people visited that page, what they did, and how long they stayed on site. You can also track the number of sales that used a specific discount code. This will give you an idea of how successful your printed media was.

To see how we can help you make the most of print media for your business, send us a message today.

Your industry is getting increasingly overcrowded, making it harder and harder to stand out from the crowd.

Whether you’re a pub trying to promote a club night, a restaurant advertising a new menu, a car dealer with some great offers, or a school holding a charity night; marketing yourself in your local community is vital.

But with the economic downturn still crippling many businesses’ purse-strings, you’ll want to find the most cost effective way of doing so. Printed flyers can offer you maximum return on investment for many reasons. Here are a few:

1. Affordable Printing Costs

At Charterprint, we’re proud to offer a highly affordable flyer printing service.

This means that for a relatively small initial expense, you can enjoy maximum ROI. In terms of promotional and marketing methods, flyers and leaflets really can’t be beat on affordability. You can even enjoy a range of finishes and added extras without seeing your costs skyrocket.

2. Versatile

The ROI of using flyers is only further increased by their versatility. They can be used for a whole host of reasons – and for a whole host of companies – and always give out the right messages.

Everyone from music promoters to local hairdressers can make the most of flyers to send marketing messages to their local customers. You can hand them out on the street or in store, or you can mail them out to customers, suppliers, and prospects directly.

With endless possibilities, flyers and leaflets really are a cost effective marketing solution for any business.

3. Professional

No matter what you’re marketing message, flyers are a highly professional way to get your point across. Everyone from customers to clients recognises them, which only adds to their effectiveness. When it comes to local promotion, nothing is more important than maintaining a sound and professional appearance.

Charterprint’s Offers

So what can we do for your business then?

Charterprint has a whole host of great deals to help you get the most out of your flyers. We can print on a variety of finishes – including gloss. Our specialised printing process ensures precise print transfer every time, and the finest detail.

You can also choose from a range of sizes, single or double sided printing, folded finishes and much more. Whether your require 500 or 5,000 leaflets; you should choose Charterprint for your printed flyers.

To find out more and get a quote based on your specifications, contact us today.

Please call Richard for more details.

A4 (210 x 297)13 page  Landscape or Portrate full colour print on 170gsm Silk paper

Spiral Binding at head

 100 for an amazing £3.25 each + VAT  (artwork not included)

A3 (420 x 297 )

 100 for an amazing  price of £4.40 each + VAT (artwork not included)

Wall Calendars WALL CALENDAR

Desk Calendars

Perfect reminder every day for you clients  and  sits neatly on the desk .

A6 (105x 148) with Spiral binding to tent card

100 for an amazing price of £2.86 each + VAT (Artwork not Included)

DESK CALENDAR BLACK SPIRAL BOUND

DESK CALENDAR WITH WHITE SPIRAL BOUND HEADING

Huge range of options to choose so please call Richard for more details …..  TEL: 01527 575166

At Charterprint, we can print your business’s Christmas cards this season. We also print charity cards and calendars for local schools to help them raise money.

Sending Christmas cards to your customers, suppliers, and employees is a great way to strengthen and build relationships. Something which is, of course, essential in today’s unstable business economy. Here are another 5 reasons to send them to your business contacts this Christmas:

1. Keep it Personal

We’re living in a digital age. We all receive countless emails every day, and getting a handwritten letter in the post is a novelty. At the time of giving, why not give the gift of a personal touch with your cards?

Make sure they’re personally addressed and handwritten. Include a personal note to each recipient so they know they’re not receiving a mass letter. Not only that, but it also reflects the personal service your business offers.

2. Order Early

If you’re reading this, it’s because you’re already thinking about Christmas ahead of the crowd. In order to stay ahead, you need to get your order for cards in early. Even the smallest orders can get waylaid in the festive rush, so preparation is key. If you plan to include special finishes, customised covers, and printed messages; now is definitely the time to get ordering. Speak to us right away to find out about waiting times and special offers.

3. Make an Impact

Your customers and suppliers will probably be inundated with cards from the people they do business with. If you want your message to be remembered, make sure that your card stands out from the crowd. Employ custom designs, quirky messages, and – of course – a personal touch to help your corporate Christmas cards make an impact.

4. Don’t Be Promotional

However, make sure not to be overly promotion and to ‘salesy’ in your festive cards. This can actually have a negative impact. This is the season of giving, so don’t try and gain anything – sales, leads, etc – through your cards. You should be giving them as a way of strengthening your relationships, not driving your sales.

5. Consider Beliefs

The final tip for sending corporate Christmas cards is to consider the personal beliefs of your recipients. In some cases, they may not celebrate Christmas so don’t run the risk of causing offence. Instead, why not send a card with a ‘Happy Holidays’ or ‘Seasons Greetings’ message? This has the same sentiment, without potentially offending anyone.

If you’re yet to think about this years’ cards, you’ve come to the right place. We’re already planning exclusive cards – specifically for business use – that fit your budget and corporate image perfectly. All cards from Charterprint are finished to the highest quality with a variety of finishing’s available.

Get in touch with us today to find out exactly what we can do for you.

Marketing materials in the form of printed stationery are used by all the biggest companies. They help you communicate professionally and consistently with your customers, clients, and business partners.

Here we look at five pieces of printed marketing stationery every start-up needs:

1. Business Cards

Never underestimate the power of handing out a business card.

Whether it is at a networking event, during a business meeting, or out and about; business cards are still one of the best ways to promote your services. They’re a simple and effective way to pass on your details, while still remaining professional.

Make sure they’re adorned with your company logo and corporate colours. You should also include mobile numbers, email addresses as website URLs as alternative points of contact. You can be as creative as you like with unusual shapes, photographs and more.

2. Letterheads

As a business start-up, you will undoubtedly have to send out multiple letters and mailers. In order to create a professional first impression, you need printed letterheads.

Not only do they instantly tell the recipient who the letter is from; they show a professional side to your new company. As your business grows, it is likely you’ll need to send more letters. Investing in quality letterheads at the beginning is a wise decision for any start-up.

We recently posted about the legal requirements for your letterheads. Check that out here to make sure yours are up to scratch.

3. Flyers

Flyers and leaflets are a widely used and highly effective marketing tool. Everyone from start-ups to well established companies should be sending out promotional leaflets. Again, these can be as creative or simplistic as you want.

They’re an easy way to promote a new product, service, or just get your companies name ‘out there’. Flyers and leaflets can be printed in a whole host of ways, each designed to create a different impact.

4. Brochures

If you’re a start-up with an impressive catalogue of products, promoting them in a branded brochure is a wise move.

They say that a picture speaks 1,000 words and in terms of marketing that is very true. A great print management company will be able to transform your high quality images into a glossy catalogue to really showcase your products.

5. Corporate Stationery

Pens, notebooks, coasters, and mugs are hugely popular pieces of promotional materials amongst all businesses. They are ideal for use by your sales reps, at exhibitions or product launches. They are a simple, effective, and easy way to market your business.

Armed also with printed workwear, your start-up has all it needs to promote yourselves to the world. A smart printed polo shirt works great as a uniform for employees, while a branded hooded top makes for great loungewear and is ideal for less formal environments.

Here at Charterprint we have the equipment and experience to help you get the most out of your investment in printed stationery.

If you’re a start-up or established company that would like advice and affordable printing services, make sure you send us a message today.

Richard and David have some great offers this month at Charterprint ,why not take full advantage of this fantastic deal on .

Letterheads 5,000 Full colour on 90gsm £199.00 + VAT 

 Business Start up Packs  500 Letterheads , 500 Comp Slips and  500 Business Cards printed both sides full colour with matt lamination only £199.00 + VAT .

1000 A5 double sided full colour flyers on 135gsm gloss £99.00

All prices are subject to you sending print ready PDF files ,if you have problems with artwork we can arrange full design service.

Deleivery 7 working days direct to your door  from signed off artwork and full payment .

Please contact Richard for further details

With so many options though, it can be difficult to settle on the perfect product for your business. We’re here to guide you through the myriad of choices, with 5 simple steps to choosing the right NCR pad:

1. Colours

Our NCR paper is available in 5 colours: white, yellow, blue, pink, and green. When choosing your NCR sets and pads you can choose any of these colours, and have them in any order.

This makes it really easy to differentiate copies that need to go to different people e.g. client copy, sales dept copy and accounts copy.

We also offer both single spot to four colour printing process, depending on which is required. You tell us what you need, and we accommodate it.

2. Numbering

You can also choose the number of pages in your pad. We can accommodate from 10-100 pages.  This is dependent on the nature of your business and what the numbered NCR pads are being used for.

Additionally, we can sequentially crash number in any position on the forms. As standard, we number your forms in one position on each form. This can help you to easily reconcile jobs.

3. Shields

We can also add wrap around writing shields to your pads. These are ideal for out-of-office use, as they are fixed in the pad and will never go missing.

If required, we can fit a cover to your book or pad and print instructions on the face or reverse of the pad. This is available in both spot and full colour.

4. Desensitized Areas

Sometimes it is necessary to desensitize a certain area on the NCR pad. This will prevent duplication of working. This is especially useful for places where excess pressure may be applied.

We can also print ‘hatched print’ in certain sections of the form. This will prevent the duplicated wording from being legible.

5. Finishes

Our products are all available in a wide range of professional finishes. Depending on how you intend to use the product, we can apply these finishes to help you get the most out of them. The finishes available include perforation, hole punching, gluing, collating, and covering.

But perhaps the most important factor when choosing your NCR pads, books, and sets is cost. Luckily for you, we offer some of the most competitive and comprehensive price packages around. All costs include next-day UK delivery, meaning you can put them to use right away.

Our price promise also ensures that if you find the price for the same product to be cheaper anywhere else; we will do our best to match – if not beat – it. So what do you have to lose? Get in touch with us today to discuss your requirements.