Small-format print covers the business materials people can pick up, read at close range and take away: business cards, flyers, leaflets, postcards, booklets, brochures and counter cards. At an exhibition these items carry the detail that would be difficult to read on a large display. This guide explains how businesses can plan small-format printing in Edinburgh and coordinate delivery across Scotland and the UK.
Give every printed item a job
Do not begin by ordering one of everything. Start with the customer journey and decide what information is needed before, during and after a conversation. A useful print pack often has three levels:
- Quick introduction: a business card or concise flyer.
- Useful explanation: a leaflet, product sheet or comparison card.
- Detailed follow-up: a booklet or brochure for qualified prospects.
This prevents several products repeating the same paragraph and helps the sales team choose the right takeaway for each visitor.
Business cards
Business cards support personal follow-up. Use a readable name, role, business, phone number, email and web address. A QR code can link to a profile, booking page or event landing page, but it should not replace essential contact details. See our business card printing guide for sizes, stock and artwork.
Flyers and leaflets
Flyers suit a focused offer, service summary, event message or high-volume handout. A6 is compact, DL works well in literature racks, A5 is versatile and A4 gives more space for schedules or technical summaries. Use a strong headline, short supporting copy and one clear call to action.
Our flyer specification guide covers size, paper and quantities, while the flyer ideas guide focuses on campaign concepts.
Booklets and brochures
Booklets and brochures are better for product ranges, technical information, case studies, conference programmes and sales presentations. Plan the page structure before the design and confirm the page count, binding, paper and cover finish early. Read the booklet printing guide for practical specifications.
Postcards and invitation cards
Postcards work well for invitations, reminders, direct mail and compact visual campaigns. Because the format has limited space, use one message and make the response route obvious. If the item will be mailed, check address space, paper weight and postage requirements before approving the design.
Strut cards and counter print
Strut cards display a message on reception desks, counters, tables and exhibition furniture. They can promote a QR code, offer, price or next session. Keep the headline brief and make sure the finished size suits the viewing distance and available surface.
Choose the format by customer intent
A flyer is normally best when the message is brief and distribution is wide. A booklet is more appropriate when the reader needs detailed evidence or several product options. A postcard is useful for a compact reminder or invitation. A business card keeps the follow-up personal.
For a side-by-side decision, use our flyers, booklets and postcards comparison.
Paper, finish and quantity
Choose stock for the way the item will be handled. Silk is a versatile coated paper, uncoated stock has a softer feel and is easier to write on, and heavier paper creates a more substantial result. Laminated covers can protect booklets, but specialist finishes should support the brand rather than distract from unclear content.
Estimate quantity from realistic reach. For exhibitions, consider expected attendance, conversations per hour, the number of staff and planned follow-up. For local campaigns, count distribution points or customer orders. Short-run campaigns with dates or prices should not be overprinted.
Artwork checklist
- Supply print-ready PDF files at the correct finished size.
- Add the required bleed, commonly 3 mm for small-format print.
- Keep text and logos inside the safe area.
- Use high-resolution images at their printed size.
- Check names, prices, dates, phone numbers and web addresses.
- Test every QR code and confirm page order before approval.
Our graphic design service can help turn the content into a coordinated set of print-ready files.
Coordinate small and large-format print
Repeat the same campaign headline, colours and call to action across small-format materials and roller banners. Large graphics attract attention; small print supplies the detail; digital follow-up completes the journey. Each format should add information rather than duplicate it.
Edinburgh production and UK-wide shipping
Local production can make collection and event deadlines easier for Edinburgh businesses. Edinburgh Banners supports customers across the Central Belt and Scotland and can ship completed print anywhere in the UK. Send the product list, quantities, artwork status and required date so the specification and schedule can be checked together.
