Starting a Business in Belfast? The Print Materials You Need

First Things First: What to Print and When

When you are starting a business, there is a long list of things to spend money on. Print materials should be on that list, but you do not need to order everything at once. Here is a practical priority order for new businesses in Belfast, starting with the essentials and working down to the nice-to-haves.

Priority 1: Business Cards

Business cards should be your first print order. You will need them before you need almost anything else. Every networking event, every chance meeting, every client visit is an opportunity to hand one over. A card in someone's wallet or on their desk keeps your name in front of them long after the conversation ends.

For a new business, start with 250 to 500 cards. That gives you enough for the first few months without overcommitting in case you need to update your details. Go for 400gsm card with a silk or matt laminate finish. It costs a few pounds more per batch but the difference in how it feels is worth it.

Priority 2: Flyers or Leaflets

Flyers are how you get the word out. A5 is the most versatile size: big enough to include useful information, small enough to hand out, post through letterboxes, or leave in stacks at local shops and cafes.

For a new business, a batch of 500 A5 flyers on 170gsm silk is a good starting point. Use one side for a strong headline and image, and the other for your key selling points, contact details, and a clear call to action. If you are offering an opening promotion or discount, put it front and centre.

Priority 3: A Roller Banner

If you are attending any events, markets, trade shows, or networking meetups (and as a new business, you should be), a roller banner is one of the best investments you can make. It gives you a professional-looking backdrop wherever you go, packs down into a carry case, and lasts for years.

Keep the design simple: your logo at the top, a clear headline, two or three key points, and your website or contact details at the bottom. People walk past banners quickly, so it needs to communicate your message in about three seconds.

Priority 4: Branded Bags (Retail Businesses)

If you are opening a shop, salon, or any retail space, branded paper bags turn every sale into advertising. Customers carry your brand through the streets, into other shops, and home. It is visibility that costs very little per impression.

This is not a priority for every type of business. If you are a consultant, tradesperson, or online business, skip this and put the budget towards something more useful for your situation.

Priority 5: Posters and Signage

Window posters and in-store signage come into play once you have a physical location. A couple of A2 posters in the window can draw foot traffic from the street. Interior signage helps customers find what they need and draws attention to promotions.

If you do not have a physical location, you might still want a poster for events, co-working spaces, or community boards.

Priority 6: Stickers

Stickers are low-cost and surprisingly effective for brand visibility. Stick your logo on packaging, products, envelopes, or laptops. Hand them out at events. They are cheap enough that you can be generous with them.

Budget Guidance

For a new business, a reasonable first print budget might look something like this:

• 250 business cards (400gsm, matt laminate): roughly the cost of a decent lunch out
• 500 A5 flyers (170gsm silk): about the same again
• 1 roller banner (850mm wide): a bit more, but it lasts for years

You do not need to spend a fortune. Start with the basics, use them well, and reorder as needed. As your business grows, you can add postcards, stickers, exhibition stands, and other products to your marketing mix.

Getting Your Artwork Right

If you have a designer, they will handle this. If you are doing it yourself (many new business owners do), make sure your files are set up correctly for print. Wrong colour modes, missing bleed, and low-resolution images are the three most common problems we see from first-time orders.

We check every file before printing and will flag any issues. But if you want to get it right first time, have a look at our artwork guidelines on the website. The ten minutes you spend reading them will save time and avoid reprints.

One Last Tip

Do not wait until you "need" print materials to order them. Business cards take a few days to arrive. Flyers take a few days. If you order when you need them urgently, you are paying for rush turnaround and you do not have time to review proofs carefully. Order ahead, and you will always have materials ready when the opportunity comes.