What is a Letterhead?
A letterhead is the heading at the top of a sheet of letter paper (stationery). It usually consists of a name and an address, and a logo or corporate design, and sometimes a background pattern. In the professional and academic arenas, many organizations find that letterhead stationery is crucial for conveying a sense of formality, professionalism, and official representation.
Typical Components of a Letterhead
1. Logo: Most companies include their logo prominently at the top of their letterhead to reinforce brand identity.
2. Company/Organization Name: This is often displayed close to the logo, perhaps in a specific font or color that aligns with the company's branding.
3. Address: A business's physical or mailing address is usually present, making it easy for someone receiving the letter to reply or visit.
4. Contact Information: This might include a main phone number, fax number, email address, or even a website URL.
5. Legal Disclaimers or Business Identifiers: Depending on the country or region, businesses may need to include specific information, like a registration number, VAT number, or other regulatory details.
6. Design and Color Scheme: Many letterheads will have a specific color scheme, border, or watermark that aligns with the company's branding.
7. Additional Elements: Depending on the business or the purpose, a letterhead might also contain other elements, such as a tagline, a list of branch offices, or social media handles.
A letterhead is typically used for written correspondence, but its design might be replicated across a company's other stationery items, like envelopes, business cards, or invoices. Professional letterhead design often requires a balance: it should stand out enough to make the brand memorable, but it should also be subtle enough not to distract from the message of the letter itself.