Print products for your start-up

1. Why are print products necessary for your start-up?

Print products offer start-ups numerous advantages beyond purely digital marketing measures. They strengthen credibility, ensure lasting visibility and enable a direct, personal connection to customers and business partners.

The most important points at a glance:

Credibility and professionalism. Printed materials such as business cards, stationery, or brochures immediately give your young company a serious and professional image. Customers and business partners will take your brand more seriously if they have tangible, well-designed materials in their hands.

Sustainable brand presence Digital advertising is fleeting - your website can quickly be forgotten, a social media advert disappears. Print products remain physically present. A flyer can lie on a desk, a poster can be visible for weeks.

Personal contact and networking. At trade fairs, events, or meetings, handing out a business card or flyer is much more effective than just sending a link. A printed product leaves a real connection and makes it easier to remember your company.

Advertising with high recall value. While online advertising is often overlooked or clicked away, physical advertising media such as posters or voucher cards have a higher chance of being remembered. Studies show that people remember printed content better than digital content.

Complementing the digital strategy, Print and digital do not have to be mutually exclusive. Printed materials can reinforce your digital channels - QR codes on business cards link to your website, brochures can promote your social media profiles. A clever combination ensures maximum reach.

Start-ups like yours can use print products strategically to establish their brand and communicate effectively with customers and partners.

2. Print convinces with advantages over purely digital alternatives

Print products have several advantages over purely digital solutions, especially brand presence and customer loyalty. Here are some of the key benefits:

Haptic perception and trust. Printed materials are physically present—you can touch, feel, and keep them. This conveys value and trust, whereas digital content is often perceived as ephemeral.

Greater attention and memorability. Studies show that people remember printed content better than digital content. A flyer or brochure stays in their field of vision, whereas an online advert is quickly overlooked or closed.

There are fewer distractions online and constant pop-ups, notifications, and other distractions. A printed product is the centre of your attention and ensures the message is perceived undisturbed.

With a longer shelf life, algorithms can delete or hide digital content. On the other hand, print products last - whether as a brochure on your desk, a poster on the wall or a business card in your wallet.

More personal customer approach. A high-quality printed catalogue or an individually designed postcard conveys more appreciation than a mass email. Print can create an emotional bond and strengthen your premium image.

Complement your digital strategy. Print products can reinforce your digital solutions. QR codes on business cards or brochures link to your website, and printed vouchers can accompany your online campaign.

Of course, digital benefits, such as reach and cost savings, also exist, but print remains a valuable tool that should not be overlooked in a balanced marketing strategy.

Which printed products are indispensable for you?

3. The 10 most essential print products for a strong start-up branding

The 10 crucial print products are vital to your brand communication and help you create a professional and sustainable corporate image. The following ten print materials are particularly effective for attracting customers, increasing your brand presence and strengthening business relationships.

1. Business cards are the classic for networking events. They are indispensable for lasting impressions at meetings, trade fairs, or spontaneous encounters. A clear design with logo, name, contact details, and a QR code to the website, if required, ensures a professional and modern presentation.

2. Flyers are compact advertising materials for potential customers. They are cost-effective, versatile, and ideal for quickly communicating a product or service. They are suitable for events, shops, or as an insert in orders. Important content includes benefits, a call to action, and a visually appealing design.

3. Brochures—more detailed information about your company. Brochures let you present detailed information about your company, products, or services. Multi-page brochures with high-quality printing and a clear structure help build trust and strengthen your brand.

4. Letterheads and envelopes—professional appearance in business communication. Uniform stationery with a logo and professional design conveys seriousness and strengthens your branding. Customers and business partners will immediately recognise the sender, making your start-up appear more credible.

5. Notepads—a practical advertising medium and customer gift. Personalised notepads are a practical advertising medium that is used regularly. They often remain in the possession of your customers or business partners for a long time, making your brand a lasting presence.

6. Posters and billboards are large-scale advertising for events or promotions. Posters are ideal for local advertising, such as for events, special offers, or openings. An eye-catching design and a clear message can effectively attract attention.

7. Stickers & labels—branding for products and packaging. Customised stickers can be used in various ways, whether for packaging, promotional gifts, or as part of your brand identity. They can reinforce a product's branding and encourage customers to spread the word about your brand.

8. Roll-ups & banners—for trade fairs and presentations. Roll-ups are perfect for your start-up when you are present at trade fairs or events. They ensure clear visibility for your company and immediately convey professionalism.

9. Business folders—professional documentation for meetings and customers. Customised folders help you hand over documents in style, whether at pitches or meetings. They leave a professional impression and make it easier for the recipient to keep and review the records.

10. Vouchers and discount cards promote customer acquisition and loyalty. They are an effective way of attracting new customers and retaining existing ones. Printed vouchers are often more personal than digital ones and can be distributed directly in shops or at events.

These products can help you build your brand and make it visible.

4. Tips on design and production

What should you look out for in print products?

For print products, you should look for a clear and professional design that is easy to read and matches your brand image. High-quality materials, such as thick paper or sustainable options, improve the value and leave a positive impression. Precise print quality with razor-sharp colours and high-resolution graphics ensures that your print product makes a convincing impression. Choosing an experienced print shop and sustainable processes can also improve quality and your environmental footprint.

The most important points at a glance

Design - clear, appealing & brand-compliant

• Less is more: A clear, professional layout is more effective than a cluttered design.
• Consistent brand presence: Colours, fonts and logos should match your corporate design.
• Pay attention to legibility: Choose font sizes and types that are easy to read, especially for important information.

Materials - quality makes the difference

• Thicker types of paper look better, especially for business cards or brochures.
• Sustainable options: Recycled paper or environmentally friendly printing can positively impact your image.
• Finishes: Embossing, varnish, or special textures can enhance your print products.

Print quality - sharp, precise & durable

• Use high-resolution print files: At least 300 DPI for razor-sharp results.
• Check colours: Use CMYK colour mode, as RGB is intended for the screen.
• Choose your printer carefully: Quality and experience are crucial for the end product.

A well-thought-out design, high-quality materials, and excellent print quality ensure that your print products leave a professional impression and make an impact.

Sustainability: environmentally friendly printing solutions and choice of paper. Opt for sustainable printing solutions using environmentally friendly materials such as recycled or FSC-certified paper. Ecological inks and resource-saving processes help to improve your environmental footprint. Through conscious design, sustainable production and reduced paper consumption, you can protect the environment and leave a positive impression on your customers.

Cost-benefit analysis: Which product brings you the most significant added value? Choose your print products carefully by weighing their long-term impact, reach and costs against their benefits. High-quality business cards or brochures are usually more worthwhile than expensive advertising materials with less added value. A wise decision will help you to utilise your budget effectively and present your brand in the best possible way.

Print products: The tangible strength for your start-up. Print products are a valuable addition to your digital strategy. They convey credibility, leave a lasting impression and encourage personalised customer interactions. From business cards to vouchers, printed materials offer a physical presence that digital advertising alone cannot achieve. Sustainability, sound design and high-quality materials are key to maximising impact.

Use print products specifically to make your brand tangible, build trust, and stand out from the digital crowd—because a good company doesn't just stay in people's minds—it also stays in their hands!