Does Your Brochure Pass the Test - Or is It Headed for the Trash? Part One

The decision on whether or not someone will read your brochure is usually decided in the first 5 seconds they look at it. What kind of message are you communicating in that five seconds? Will you make a favorable impression with your prospect? Will you move your prospect closer to the sale?

There are really only two key elements that will determine how well your brochure is received by prospects. These two elements will ultimately make the difference in your brochure being a tool that makes you money, or just something else that costs you money.

What are those two all-important elements: 1. the Image or look 2. the Message

This is part 1 in a two-part article. In part 1 we will discuss what you need to ask for from your printer to make sure that your brochure looks top notch.

Here are 5 things you should keep in mind when you are evaluating your layout and your printer.

1. Choose Offset Printing. Offset printing is a type of printing that causes the ink to become a part of the paper. Offset printing creates a rich, vibrant look that digital printing can't touch. Offset printing isn't all that common because good Offset printing presses cost in the millions of dollars.

2. Choose Thick Paper ? preferably 100# Glossy. If your brochure is too thin or too light-weight it might appear cheap. You don't want that impression to be transferred to your business. The most common paper weights are 70# and 80#. 100# is a little less common which makes it stick out. Plus, 100# feels heavy and high-quality. Glossy paper takes the look of quality up a notch.

3. Add Aqueous Coating. While this isn't the industry standard, aqueous coating adds a layer of style to your brochure. Plus it causes the colors to "jump" off the page so to speak. It makes the whites appear whiter, and so on. Ask your printer if they offer aqueous coating. If it doesn't cost very much to upgrade, it's worth it. There are a few printers out there that offer aqueous coating FREE.

4. Use Full Bleed. Full Bleed is a print term that simply means the colors run to the edge of the page. Some printers charge extra for full bleed, some don't. If your brochure is not full bleed it will leave a border of white around the edges that looks a little amateurish.

5. Ensure a Consistent Look. Your brochure should fit into a well designed marketing campaign. It should have a similar look and message as your postcards, flyers, reports, business cards, etc.

In part 2 of this article we will discuss the all important issue of the message.

Brett Curry is a Marketing Consultant and Marketing Director for Brochures.com. Brochures.com is the home of top quality, full color brochures, business cards, postcards and more at up to 70% off of retail. http://www.brochures.com marketing@brochures.com

---

Womentisements

The unnecessary and extensive use of female models in advertisements... Read More

Secrets to Profitable Mail Order Products

The most profitable mail order products are simple... Read More

Measure the Response of Your Advertising Campaigns by Using Promotional Products

For most companies, gone are the days of spending money... Read More

How To Track Your Advertising Like A Hawk

Tired of pouring endless money into advertising? Do you wonder... Read More

Magnetic Business Cards: Make Your Marketing Message Stick

What is it about magnets that draw people to leave... Read More

Media Savvy - How To Lead, Persuade And Influence

The ability to lead, persuade and influence are integral skills... Read More

10 Tips to Use Giveaways Effectively

Walk around any trade or consumer show and you will... Read More

B2B Marketing Health and Elder Care Services

Quality Care Options is an established company advocating for the... Read More

Adding Art to Business Spaces

Larger companies have learned that collecting art adds something special... Read More

15 Tips for Better Yellow Page Ads

Yellow Pages advertising is one of the most popular forms... Read More

Giorgio Armani: A Persuasive Campaign

Lets examine the use of Giorgio Armani Company's advertisements for... Read More

Your Eye Catching Publicity Flyer

Your website is done, your business cards have been delivered,... Read More

How To Get Big Sponsorship Money for Your Band, Tour, Event or Production

Touring is a bands greatest opportunity for success. But, touring... Read More

10 Ways to Advertise Your Business For Free!

At some point many small business owners are left with... Read More

Do I Need Raised Letter or Full Color Business Cards?

If you've been searching around for business cards that will... Read More

Why Most Advertisements Stink!

Question: What do you think the most important part of... Read More

Cinema Advertising is Big Business, So Mergers are a Natural

Cinema advertising has always been an effective marketing tool for... Read More

How To Make Your Yellow Page Ads Work

I hear it often, "advertising in the Yellow Pages directory... Read More

13 Facts About Newspaper Advertising

Advertising in the paper works for many people in business.... Read More

Commercial: Consumer - Discounts - Misleading Advertising

Marketing is an important tool for attracting customers. It is... Read More

Direct Response Advertising; Radio vs TV

Radio advertising vs. television advertisingMany new advertisers assume that they... Read More

Scrolling LED signs

Scrolling LED signs is type of LED signs that displays... Read More

Electronic Display Signs

Electronic display signs are used nowadays in great extent to... Read More

How to Advertise with Flyers

When you first start out on your business venture, money... Read More

Driving Customers to You - Your Car as a Marketing Vehicle

You can turn your vehicle into a rolling advertisement. Costs... Read More

Forgot The Ad Budget? Dont Panic!

Bob is excited about his new business. He secured funding.... Read More

The First UK Man To Become a Human Billboard an Interview

Advertising on humans using tattoos is rapidly kind of freak... Read More

Top Design and Marketing Tips from a Branding Expert

This month, we wanted to share some general tips relating... Read More

Push vs Pull Advertising

Push vs. Pull Advertising - Understand the Consequences for your... Read More

Why I Like The Ads I Hate!

It's been said that the antidote to liking/loving is not... Read More

What the Newspaper Ad Person Won?t Tell You

Newspapers are considered the PRIMARY advertising medium by 99.4% of... Read More

Power Headlines for Promotion Success

Do you send email to your Online audience to let... Read More

Trade Writing - For Cash!

Often considered as "plain Jane's" of the print world, trade... Read More