Five Ways to Make Your Brochure Better
Even in the age of nonstop digital promotions, brochures can be a surprisingly effective – and affordable – way to generate interest in your company or event. The key to maximizing your marketing potential is to make sure that your brochure is the perfect marriage of form and function; it needs to display all of the necessary information in a visually appealing way if you want readers to pick it up, read it and hold on to it. Here are five ways to make your brochure better:
- Prioritize! Since even the most carefully designed brochures are sure to lose some readers before the final page is turned, it’s essential to include your most important information near the beginning of your brochure – or on the front page, if possible. If your brochure is promoting an event, include the date, time and location right away; if you’re promoting your business as a whole, include a brief overview of the kinds of services you provide, as well as contact information, address and website.
- De-clutter. Brochures definitely illustrate the old “less is more” adage; in fact, too many words or pictures can be overwhelming to the eye, causing the reader to lose interest and in turn making your brochure ineffective. It can be tempting to pack as much information as possible into a brochure, but remember that you’re just trying to give people a quick taste of what you have to offer. Your brochure should be an appetizer, not the main course!
- Use color. Black and white brochures may be dirt cheap, but they’re unlikely to capture anyone’s attention or imagination for very long. It pays to spring for full color brochure printing, even if you only use colors sparingly. In fact, the strategic use of color can help you highlight or draw attention to the most important parts of your brochure, as well as to make illustrations and photographs come to life.
- Include a distinct “call to action.” The “call to action” is one of the oldest tricks in the advertising book, and you would be remiss to design your brochures without out. The call to action simply refers to a phrase that tells the reader directly what to do. One way to incorporate this into your brochure is to use the back flap as an order form, or as a way for readers to request more information. Use a phrase like, “Order now!” or “Contact us for more info!”
- Choose the right paper. The paper your brochure is printed on may seem like an afterthought when compared to the content of the brochure itself, but the truth is that using a high quality paper can make the difference between a potential customer picking your brochure up or ignoring it altogether. Glossy, heavy stock paper is a brochure standard, and for good reason; your finished product will look professional, durable and vibrant.


Many companies will wonder if they are receiving a positive response from their brochures. Because of their “take-home” nature, it’s tough to determine how many people are actually reading the content in the brochures. Following the standard brochure layout, with just your company information, increases the chances of people losing interest and tossing it in the trash.