When we say printing in this article, we’re not talking about printing documents or flyers. We mean the kind of printing used for branding—like putting your logo, slogan, or message on bags, boxes, packages, gift items, souvenirs, and more. These items are what customers physically interact with, so how they look and feel matters for your brand.
If you’ve ever said, “I just need to print,”—this is for you. Because here’s the truth: printing and branding are not the same thing. And not knowing the difference could cost you more than just money—it could cost you the chance to make your business unforgettable.
What Exactly Is Printing?
Printing is the process of transferring a design, text, or logo onto physical materials—like fabric, mugs, paper, leather, or packaging. It’s what gets your logo on a shirt, your message on a notepad, or your slogan on a tote bag.
But that’s where printing ends. Branding starts way before that.
What’s the Difference?
While printing focuses on the technical side—tools and techniques used to imprint your identity on items—branding is the strategy. It’s the thinking behind the design. It’s the reason your colours are bold, your slogans are playful, and your packaging feels intentional.
Put simply:
Printing is the tool.
Branding is the big picture.
Together, they help your business show up with intention and stand out in people’s minds.
Why This Difference Matters for Your Business
Let’s say you’re planning an event and you need souvenirs. You could just print your logo on mugs and call it a day. But that’s just that.
Now imagine this instead:
Coordinated colours that match your theme
A slogan that ties into the purpose of the event
Packaging that feels thoughtful, not rushed
Maybe even a handwritten tag or thank-you card inside
That’s the difference branding makes. People don’t just take the item — they remember who gave it. And printing becomes a tool for connection, not just decoration.
Types of Printing Methods for Branding
There are different techniques used to achieve different looks and finishes on branding materials. These include:
- Screen
- Digital
- Pad
- Heat transfer
- Laser engraving
- Embossing and debossing
- Embroidery
- Offset
Each method has its strengths, depending on the material, your design, and the kind of experience you want to create.
4 Tips for Better Results from Your Printing
To make sure your type of print technique works for your brand, keep these tips in mind:
- Have a clear brand identity – Know your colours, fonts, logo, and tone.
- Print with purpose – Don’t just choose an item. Think about what it should say or represent.
- Consider your audience – What would wow them? What feels useful or memorable?
- Work with the right print partner – Not just someone who takes bulk orders, but someone who understands branding too.
At the end of the day, to print is more than ink on a surface — it’s how your brand shows up in the real world. The best print doesn’t just look good. It communicates. It connects. It creates moments people remember.
So next time you say, “I just need to print,” ask yourself —
Am I just getting things printed, or am I building a brand people won’t forget?
Choosing the Right Print Partner for Your Brand
Whether you’re printing branded materials for an event, client gifting, or general business packaging, your print partner should understand more than just machines. They should understand messaging, visual identity, and the little things that make your brand unforgettable.
If you want your branding materials printed to truly reflect your business values, don’t settle for just any provider. Choose someone who prints with purpose.
Need Help?
Here at Inklets, we help businesses move from “just printing” to building thoughtful, branded experiences — one custom item at a time.
Contact us now, let’s create something people will remember.
Written by Faith Chukwuma
Sources: Research Blog