We have supplied over a million notebooks around Australia. Here, we list out the 5 common mistakes businesses make when purchasing custom notebooks in Australia. It should be simple, right? No, there’s a bit more to it. From missed branding opportunities to last-minute rush orders that could’ve been avoided, notebook mistakes can quietly cost you in both dollars and brand impact. So here’s the truth from the experts: the businesses that get the most from their branded notebooks are the ones who avoid these five all-too-common traps.
1. Choosing Style Over Use Case
Going for the prettiest notebook such as the custom moleskine range in the catalogue (or the cheapest) is tempting. Maybe it’s leather-look, hardbound, and screams premium. But the real question is: who’s using it, and where? A bulky hardcover notebook might be a hassle if your recipients are sales reps on the road. Something lighter and spiral-bound may be more appropriate if they’re school staff.
What to do instead:
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Match the notebook to the environment and the person using it. Need portability? Go compact. Need something for boardrooms or executives? Choose premium covers with refillable pads.
2. Ignoring Branding Limitations
Not all notebooks are branded the same way. We’ve had clients select gorgeous notebooks only to learn that their logo doesn’t print well on textured or dark surfaces.
Embossing might be elegant, but complex logos will not suit it. Full-colour digital printing is not available on every notebook, and on some surfaces, it will not look good. And some branding areas are just too small for complex designs.
What to do instead:
Talk to your supplier early about branding compatibility. A good promo supplier (like us!) can advise on what printing method fits your logo and which notebooks give you the most branding space.
3. Ordering Too Close to Deadline
This one’s a classic: you need notebooks for a conference next Friday… and you start shopping this Friday. That’s when you find out that not all notebooks are in stock locally, and branding takes time.
What to do instead:
Give yourself a 2–3 week buffer wherever possible. Rush options exist, but they limit your choice, increase your cost, and reduce branding flexibility. They will also give you unnecessary anxiety about when the items will arrive.
4. Overlooking Internal Features
Not all notebooks are equal on the inside. We’re talking page counts, line spacing, pen loops, back pockets, and even page rulings (ruled, dotted, blank).
What happens: You order a sleek notebook, hand it out to a room full of guests, and realise it doesn’t come with lines. Cue awkward silence.
What to do instead:
Ask for internal photos or product samples. Make sure the layout fits your audience—executives may want ruled or dotted pages, while creatives might prefer blank. Details can elevate a notebook, such as elastic closures, ribbon bookmarks, or pen holder loops.
5. Missing the Bigger Marketing Opportunity
A notebook is more than just paper and a cover. It’s a canvas for your brand, often something that sticks around on desks for months or even years.
What we’ve seen is that businesses order notebooks as an afterthought—low effort, minimal branding, and no context. But with a bit of intention, notebooks can:
- Welcome new hires in branded onboarding kits
- Elevate your brand at conferences and expos
- Be handed out to clients with personalised messages inside
What to do instead:
Use the notebook to tell a story. Include a slogan or QR code inside the cover. Pair it with a matching branded pen. Or bundle it into a kit for staff, partners, or clients.
Final Thoughts
Custom notebooks might seem basic—but that’s precisely why they’re powerful. People use them. They travel with them. They keep them on their desks. And that’s your branding working silently in the background. It is the most popular product behind promotional pens. Read and learn from our buying guides on notebook trends, insights and branding by our experts.
Want Branded Notebooks That Work?
At Cubic Promote, we help businesses across Australia create custom notebooks that are practical, well-branded, and delivered on time. Whether you need a batch for a conference or a refined option for executive gifts, we’ve got you covered—with free shipping nationwide and expert advice every step of the way. Explore our full range of custom notebooks today and make your next order count.
