Design and Print

Brochures are an inexpensive way of making a impact.  Customers can be drawn to your business by well designed brochures.  Here are 8 time tested tips in designing effective brochures.

1. Use your cover to interest your key customer pool - Design your brochure with the needs of your target customers in mind.  The cover is the first thing that your customer will look at so use it to give them a reason to look inside.  Use intriguing photography to direct a consumer into the body of a brochure.  An unanswered question can also give them a reason to keep reading.  Use your cover wisely to make an instant impact on your customer.

2. Color can be used to make an impact - Try non-traditional methods of using color that will catch a consumers eye.  Set you brochure apart from others by printing light text on a dark background.  Use dark shades of red, green, or blue instead of black.  Being different gives you an advantage.  Just remember to be consistent with the message you want to convey.  The look of your brochure will reflect the nature of your business.

3. Take a familiar picture from life and put it on your cover - A scene from a popular movie or a familiar landscape will draw customers to your brochure.  They will desire to know more about your business.  Using recognizable images makes the consumer feel comfortable.

4. Using Humor can make you memorable - As long as your business is not serious in nature, use humor throughout your printed brochure.  Light hearted jokes and harmless insinuations will set you apart from the hundreds of brochures available.  The bigger the impact the longer the customer will remember you.

5. Your brochure should flow well - Layout your brochure in a way that makes sense. By organizing your brochure you are giving the impression that you are serious about business.   Customers want to be assured that you will do a good job.  So keep from cluttering your brochure with too much text or too many pictures.  Intrigue your audience with fewer words, and  more effective pictures.    If the brochure makes sense it will appeal more to customers.

6. Don’t forget necessary information - While word teasers and clip art may be fun they are not enough to grap new clients.  Be sure to include all the important information about your business.  Make room in you brochure to tell your strengths as well.  Be specific about how you are better then your competitors.  Of course, all of your contact information should be included.  Finally, mention your web site and make your web address part of your brochure.

7. Make a special offer that is only available with the brochure - You could use part of the brochure as a printed coupon.  Put a code on the brochure to be used when ordering.  Make it necessary for the customer to keep the brochure for further use.  Give them a reason to hold on to the brochure.

8. Originality will make you stand out - The best way to stand out is to use methods that are not used by everyone else.  Design your brochure in a unique way that identifies with your business.  Don’t be afraid to try something new.  Brochures are a great, way to introduce your business to the public and make a great first impression.  Once you have established your style, stick with it.  Your image will make you easily recognizable to the public.