Having a great brochure/leaflet is fundamental to your brand. There are so many options available. The first step is choosing what sort of brochure or leaflet your business needs and what it will say about your brand. This could be one of your bestselling marketing tools but remember it must grab your customer’s attention so concentrate on key messages, decide what you are wanting to say or sell. Keep it simple but try to be different from all the other flyers that are posted though your customers door.
Then it is about getting your design right. You could use the skill and flair from a graphic designer, who will be able to advise and guide you. They will sit down with you to understand your brand, what your key message are and the tone of voice you use as a business. They will take you through their work for other brands. Throw some ideas round together perhaps using mood boards, brainstorming with other team members to discuss what your business needs are. You don’t want to go to the trouble of spending a lot of time and money in designing your brochure only to get it wrong at the print stage, follow our step by step guide
Choosing your paper quality and weight is fundamental to your finished product so we think you should choose wisely. Paper quality or Grams per square meter (GSM) as it is known, means the higher the number the heavier the paper. When it comes to finalising the requirements of your print job, be sure to consider the weight of paper on the inside as well as the cover. I would suggest that if you want to provide a professional quality finish then opting for heavier paper for the outer covers. Although deciding on the paper quality will impact both the cost and quality of your brochure, please remember that this will provide the first impression for your potential customer and will say a lot about your business, your printer will advise and guide you.
TIPS
• Decide what your objectives are and what you are trying to achieve.
• Who is your target audience and what are you selling?
• This will then determine whether you need a brochure, booklet, flyer or tri fold leaflet?
• What size do you think it should be A4 A5 and how many pages? (remember printers need it to be a multiple of 4)
• Choosing the right paper weight and quality and finish is just as important as the design itself. It will add value to the service or goods that you are selling. Opt for a nice coated finish. Remember customers like the feel of things, so if you get the quality right you may get a better return on your investment.
• Have you got your brand colours and codes?
• Will your printing be folded, collated, stapled or bound?
• Is the cost of finishing included in the quote?
• Decide on the amount, this will affect the cost as larger amounts will be done lithographically, smaller amounts will be done digitally.
• When do you need them by as this may well affect the cost?
• One thing to stress is you cannot compromise when it comes to good quality images. Particularly if you are looking to showcase your brand. Getting it right first time, will save you money in the long run. Which is why using a professional photographer will bring your brand to life, the photos will be exclusive to you and your business and you will have the edge over your competitors.
• Get a quote for a couple of different amounts and finishing options from your printer
• Allow time for it to be checked for clarity and for errors by other people in your group. Paying attention to spelling, numbers etc. Your printer will not do this.
• Make sure the artwork is in the agreed format and get it to your printer on time
If you would like some help advice or a quote please contact us