To be successful, a brochure needs to be produced with a precise objective and a target reader in mind. It's best to create the least elaborate brochure likely to achieve its objectives.
Deciding on Your PurposeBrochures fall into two broad categories — those that introduce a new product or service to a likely customer and those that turn an already interested customer into a buyer.
Using ColorFull color is more costly but is justified if the product or service you are offering needs color to show its features. For example, a wallpaper brochure or a brochure of knitwear would not work effectively in anything other than full color. Another reason for using full color may be to compete head-on with a rival’s color brochure.
Using two or even three colors is a cheaper alternative to full color and can be quite effective, especially if part of the brochure is printed in a screened color that lightens the tone and gives the effect of another color.
A limited use of color can look more sophisticated than bold colors. You might also consider using full color in only part of a brochure, or you might try using colored paper — although that is quite tricky to do well.
10 Ways to Create the Wrong Brochure
- Being concerned with the looks, but forgetting the sales objective.
- Giving the printer poor artwork, but expecting excellent results.
- Forgetting to emphasize the unique selling proposition of your business.
- Omitting (or hiding) prices if they are critical to the reader’s decision-making.
- Printing too many brochures with details that date too quickly.
- Giving insufficient thought to how the brochure should best be distributed.
- Using text on the brochure that is too small to read easily.
- Including poor-quality or inappropriate illustrations.
- Allowing a fussy or complex design to distract from the key selling message.
- Forgetting to monitor the response (as with any other type of advertising).
