Brochures are traditional promotional items that have been used by companies for decades to display a lot of information about their products and services in an organized, attractive way. Although we’re all familiar with the typical tri-fold versions found in waiting rooms, public buildings, and travel agencies, brochures may be utilized in a variety of businesses. Whether you’re creating a trade show handout, informative leaflet, or takeaway menu, these suggestions will assist you in developing an appealing brochure that would entice potential consumers.

1. Plan out the brochure layout before you begin designing

It takes considerably more time to produce a multi-panel brochure than it does to prepare a flat postcard or flier with little text. Before you start creating a print-ready file, make sure you’ve completed the following items:

• Color scheme – If you already have a color palette in your branding, stick with it. Otherwise, choose a color scheme that best complements your firm (e.g., bright, loud colors for fast-casual restaurants, muted earth-tone hues for spas and luxury hotels, and classic combinations such as white, black, and red for traditional services such as banking).
• Fonts – It’s important that your typefaces be simple and legible. Use basic, versatile fonts like Helvetica or Georgia, and avoid using script fonts frequently.
• Content – Write down all the text for each panel on a separate document so that you may copy and paste as needed.
• Images – Gather high-resolution copies of all the photos and graphics you’ll use in your brochure.

When you’re ready to start designing, be sure to download the appropriate brochure template for the size and fold size you want. A well-made template will have clear markers for each panel as well as trim, safety, and bleed guidelines to assist you in deciding where to position your text and pictures.

2. Each brochure – and panel – should have a clear purpose

A brochure is one of the most efficient methods to present a thorough description of your product or service in an appealing and organized way. Make sure to clearly state the overall objective of each brochure as well as each panel within the brochure to improve your chances of readers acting on it.

When potential customers or clients are browsing display racks, you want to attract their attention as quickly as possible and make it simple for them to locate something that appeals to them. Keep the cover simple and keep the text to a bare minimum. Each panel should include a clear header, such as “how to place an order” or “contact us.”

3. Keep the overall design simple and clean

One of the most frequent blunders we encounter is business owners who desire to utilize every square inch of their marketing materials. While this makes sense, cramming text and complex designs can generate an output that not only looks chaotic, but also confuses and overwhelms the reader.

Try to keep your brochure under the following limits: no more than four colors and no more than three typefaces. Don’t be scared of white space; when utilized correctly, it emphasizes the text and makes information easier to remember.

4. Have fun with different brochure folds

The folds are what set brochures apart from other forms of print marketing material. Make use of distinct fold patterns for each type of brochure you produce. If you run a restaurant, for example, you may wish to utilize a bigger half-fold menu for dine-in customers but smaller tri-fold menus for takeout and delivery orders.

The most popular folds include:

• Z-Fold – It’s simple to have many panels with the same layout and use them to advertise multiple services or items. Nonprofits may also utilize these to show different levels of contributions.
• Open Gate Fold – This fold is frequently employed by real estate brokers to advertise their properties. On the cover, they may showcase a beautiful exterior shot and stunning interior photographs.
• Closed Gate Fold – A foldout brochure is folded in half to create a unique style. With an additional final vertical fold, this fold is comparable to an open gate brochure but with more of a dramatic effect. Ideal for business store opening invitations or even personal birthday party invites!
• Accordion – The layout of a Z-Fold brochure, but with an extra panel. Ideal for businesses wanting to recruit new employees or investors – use one side to illustrate a timeline of important events and milestone dates.
• Half Fold then Tri-Fold – For more in-depth discussions, try out this 12 panel brochure. Amusement parks and other locations like these frequently use them to exhibit a large map since they can expand to reveal one.

5. Choose the right paper stock for your brochure

Many Unified Printing clients, of course, select to print their brochures on our high-quality gloss cover stocks. After all, a glossy finish has been recognized for its lovely sheen and the ability to protect your product while also making colors appear vibrant and vivid.

However, a glossy brochure may not always be the best option for your business. A matte paper stock might better represent your company’s image if your brand’s aesthetic is old-fashioned and soothing. Our uncoated paper stock is ideal for brochures with questionnaires, surveys, or other interactive material since it has a writeable surface.

Bonus Tip: Evaluate each brochure’s effectiveness

If you’re creating a lot of brochure designs, it’s likely that some will be far more successful than others. Create a unique coupon code, email address, and/or extension for each brochure type and see which ones provide the best results!