If you want to learn how to make your own quality brochures, then this piece can give you everything that you need to know about brochure design.
The brochure may not be as common a tool as a business card, but many businesses also rely on professional brochures to not only raise public awareness, but to draw in business. Not all brochures are effective however. If you use a brochure that looks like it was made in Word with stock templates it will not impress anyone. If you want to make a brochure that will grab your clients attention you are going to have to take it to the next level. That is what this piece will help you to do. Follow these tips and your brochure will be great!
Templates
Templates are ok for getting the shape of the brochure. After that you should pretty much disregard any other template elements.
Images
Do not use clip art. It looks cheap. Photographic images that are relevant to your business will be so much more effective. You can buy these stock or take your own. Just be sure that they are of a good quality if you take them yourself. If you follow the general rules for good photography, your images should be good for a brochure. Place your images into the brochure first.
Text
The text in a brochure should get right to the point. Use lists when possible for clarity. If you need to use paragraphs keep them short.
Font
When choosing a font be sure that it is readable in small spaces. Your brochure may only get scanned. If the typeface is too ornate it will turn the reader off.
Background
While it is easiest to just print on the color paper that you want to use for background it is not always possible. If you choose to use white paper and a colored background be aware that this can end up looking different in the finished product. Do not use any iffy combinations.
Printing
Unless you have made (or are willing to make) an investment in quality printing equipment and supplies you should send this out to be printed. Yes, the end product will be more costly. It will also be more professional in appearance. Printing them on your inkjet will be a dead give away that your brochure is a 20 minute at home job. That is probably not the impression you want to give potential clients. If you plan on doing a lot of glossy printing it may be worth your while simply to invest in a professional quality printer.