⏱️ Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
Starting the Year Strong with Print
There’s something about a fresh start that makes us want to put our best foot forward. When it comes to your business, your printed materials are often the first thing people see – so updating them can really set the tone for the year ahead. Whether it’s greetings cards, business cards, or flyers, a little refresh can make a big difference.
In this article, we’ll walk through practical tips for updating your print, highlight eco-friendly options, and share a real-world example of how a small change made a huge impact.
⏱️ Reading time: 7 minutes · Updated for 2025 · UK Printing Guide
Helpful Tips to Refresh Your Printed Materials
1. Consider Sustainable Paper Stocks
Choosing the right paper stock might feel overwhelming, especially with the growing variety of eco-conscious options out there. Opting for recycled or FSC-certified papers doesn’t just reduce your environmental footprint, it can also subtly communicate to your customers that your business values sustainability. For instance, Newstyle Print offers a wide range of recycled papers suitable for everything from business cards to folded leaflets and greetings cards. You might be surprised how much difference this choice can make—not only to the planet but to the perception of your brand.
2. Update Your Design with a Modern Twist
Refreshing your design doesn’t necessarily mean overhauling everything. Sometimes, small tweaks—like updating your colour palette to something fresher or incorporating contemporary finishes—can work wonders. Soft-touch lamination, for example, adds a velvety feel that invites people to interact with your materials, while spot UV can highlight certain design elements with a subtle shine. Many clients have found that laminating their business cards or adding foiling to invitations gives their pieces a noticeable boost without going overboard.
3. Simplify Your Messaging
The New Year often inspires us to clarify our goals—and that goes for your printed messages, too. It’s worth stepping back to ask: is your message clear and concise? Are you effectively highlighting what sets you apart? Simplifying your wording and focusing on key points can make your print materials much more effective, especially when you’re working with limited space on items like postcards or loyalty cards. It’s a subtle art, balancing enough information without overwhelming the reader.
4. Think About Format and Functionality
Have you considered whether your current print formats are really working for your audience? If you distribute flyers at events, for example, a folded leaflet might offer more room for details without becoming bulky. Similarly, folded business cards or multi-set business cards can give you extra versatility while keeping costs reasonable. This approach often gets overlooked but can enhance how your customers interact with your brand.
5. Use Consistent Branding Across All Materials
Consistency in branding plays a crucial role in building trust and recognition. Ensuring your colours, fonts, and logos are uniform across greetings cards, posters, and exhibition pop-ups helps maintain a professional appearance. Newstyle Print offers a free artwork check to help catch common pitfalls such as colour mismatches or low-resolution images, which can otherwise undermine your brand’s impact.
6. Explore Finishing Touches for Impact
Finishes like lamination, embossing, or even simply rounding the corners can make your print materials stand out in a subtle yet memorable way. Popular finishes include matt or gloss lamination for posters and business cards, or wiro binding for booklets. These small extras often leave a lasting impression and can be tailored to fit a wide range of budgets. It’s worth experimenting to see what resonates with your audience.
Case Study: How a Local Business Revitalised Their Print
Last year, a small artisan bakery in Nottingham reached out to us with a desire to refresh their printed materials for the festive season and beyond. They were especially keen to showcase their commitment to sustainability while attracting new customers in a competitive market.
We suggested using recycled paper stocks across their business cards, flyers, and gift tags. To complement the premium quality of their baked goods, we recommended a soft-touch lamination finish, which gave their materials a tactile, high-end feel. Alongside this, we worked with them to simplify their messaging, focusing clearly on their dedication to quality and eco-conscious values.
The result was striking. Customers responded positively to the look and feel of the new print materials, which helped the bakery stand out both in-store and online. The business experienced a noticeable uptick in foot traffic and engagement on social media platforms. This example highlights how thoughtful print choices can dovetail with broader business goals, reinforcing brand values and enhancing customer experience.
Wrapping Up Your Print Refresh
Refreshing your printed materials doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By concentrating on sustainable materials, updating designs with subtle modern touches, clarifying your messaging, and maintaining consistent branding, you can set a strong tone for your business this year. Remember, the right finishes and formats not only add personality to your print but also improve functionality—often without a hefty price tag.
If you’re uncertain about which paper or finish works best for your project, reaching out to print specialists can save you time and stress. For example, Newstyle Print offers free artwork checks, helping you avoid common mistakes before you commit to print. It’s a simple step that can make a big difference.
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FAQ
What paper weights are best for business cards?
In the UK, most business cards use paper stocks between 300gsm and 400gsm to achieve that sturdy, professional feel. If you want something lighter or with an eco-friendly edge, recycled papers in similar weights are widely available. A print expert can guide you in balancing durability, feel, and budget to find the best fit.
How can I make my print more eco-friendly?
Choosing recycled or FSC-certified papers is a solid start. Additionally, avoiding finishes like plastic lamination can reduce environmental impact. Many printers now offer extensive eco-friendly ranges, including recycled flyers, business cards, and greeting cards, which makes going green more accessible than ever.
What finishes help my print stand out?
Finishes such as matt or gloss lamination, spot UV, embossing, and foiling can add texture and a touch of shine that elevates your design. These options often make simple prints feel more premium without significant extra cost, especially when used sparingly and deliberately.
Can you help check my artwork before printing?
Yes, many printing services provide free artwork checks to catch common issues like bleed problems, low resolution, or colour inconsistencies before the print run begins. Sending your files early for review can prevent costly mistakes and delays.
What formats are best for flyers and leaflets?
Standard sizes like A5, A6, and DL remain popular because of their cost-effectiveness and ease of distribution. Folded formats, such as bifolds or trifolds, offer extra space without increasing size, which can be helpful for detailed information. Consulting with a printer can help determine the most suitable format for your content and audience.
How soon can I get my print delivered?
Delivery times depend on the product and order size, but many printers offer quick turnaround options, including next-day dispatch for certain items. Fast delivery across the UK is common, so you typically won’t be left waiting long for your materials.
Is it better to use digital or litho printing?
Digital printing often suits smaller runs and projects needing a quick turnaround. Litho printing usually becomes more cost-effective for larger volumes and offers consistent colour quality. Deciding between the two depends on your specific needs, and printers can advise accordingly.
Can I order small quantities of eco-friendly print?
Definitely. Many recycled paper stocks are available for short runs, making it practical to experiment with sustainable options without a large financial commitment.
Updated on 30 December 2025
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