Brochure Design Tips

Need Some Brochure Design Tips For Your DIY Brochure?

You’ve probably tried to make a brochure on Canva, right? It’s a great tool, but here’s the thing: Is it really getting the job done?

Maybe you’re wondering if a professionally designed brochure is actually worth the investment.

Or you’re thinking, “Can’t I just stick to what I’ve got and save some cash?”

You’re not alone.

Most small business owners are in the same boat. You’ve got a million things on your plate – You’re the boss, keeping customers happy, keeping the social media updated because that’s what you’ve been told is most important and then dealing with the kids and a home life. So, it’s totally understandable if you’ve put your first brochure design on the back burner.

But here’s the first of your top tips. A professionally designed brochure can be a total game-changer for your business. And no, that’s not just marketing waffle.

Why a Professional Brochure?

A brochure isn’t just a piece of paper – it’s peoples first impression of your business. If it doesn’t look right, it might be turning people away before they even get to know how your business can help them.

Think about it like this: Would you show up to an important meeting in any old clothes thinking that’ll do?

Of course not.

Your brochure is the same deal.

It needs to look sharp, feel polished, and shout, “We’re the real deal.”

Here’s How We Can Help

At Designers Up North, we get it.

You want something that’s going to stand out – something that doesn’t look like it was thrown together last minute. You’ve got the ideas and the motivation; now it’s time to create a unique brochure that matches it. You need some professional graphic design services. And guess who offers that :)

Here’s how we do it:

• We start with you: You talk, we listen. Whether you’ve got a clear idea or just a rough sketch, we’ll help shape it into something amazing.
• We design for you: It’s not just about looking good (though we do that too). We make sure that the planning of your brochure speaks to your audience and delivers your message clearly.
• We handle the nitty-gritty for you: Colours, fonts, images – we’ve got it all covered. You don’t have to worry about the details; that’s our job.

Ready to Start?

Imagine handing out a brochure that doesn’t just sit in a drawer, but actually makes people pick up the phone or visit your website. That’s the power of professional design.

If you’re ready to stop messing around with DIY and start getting serious about your business, we’re here to help.

Let’s create something that’s not just good, but great. Something that represents your business in the best light possible.

Let’s chat. No pressure, just good advice. And who knows – this could be the start of something brilliant.

Step 1: Why Your Business Needs a Professional Brochure

The Power of a First Impression

Let’s start with the basics.

First impressions matter – a lot. When a new customer picks up your brochure, it’s like the first seconds when 2 people are in a meeting.

A lot of things gets decided in those first seconds.

If your brochure looks cheap or thrown together, it can leave the wrong impression.

It might suggest that your business isn’t serious or that your products or services might not be up to scratch. And we both know that’s not the message you want to send.

A professionally designed brochure, on the other hand, says all the right things without you having to say a word. It shows that you care about the details, that you invest in quality, and that your business is worth paying attention to.

Think of it this way:

Would you trust a restaurant that handed you a menu printed on flimsy paper with blurry photos? Probably not. Unless you’ve had 6 pints.  The same goes for your brochure – it needs to look and feel like something people want to keep, not toss in the bin. Do fancy a kebab now, but I digress…

Why Not Just Stick to Digital?

We get it – everything is bloody digital.

Websites, social media, email – they’re all important, no doubt about it.

But here’s the thing: a physical brochure offers something that digital just can’t.

Digital is even more disposable. Apparently we consume a football fields worth of information online in a typical day. Try standing out in that noise.

Tactile Experience: There’s something about holding a well-crafted brochure in your hands.

The texture of the paper, the weight of it, the crispness of the print – these are all things that digital just can’t replicate.

It creates a sensory connection that can make you more memorable. You ever smelt a freshly printed brochure? I’m not the only one. Try it. It’s ace.

A Sense of Quality: Am actual brochure signals that you’ve invested in your business.

It’s not just about the information it contains – it’s about the effort you’ve put into creating something real.

It shows that you’re serious, and that you value your customers enough to give them something you are proud of.

Complements Your Online Presence: Your brochure doesn’t have to compete with your digital efforts – it can complement them.

Imagine handing out a brochure that leads people to your website for more details, or including a QR code that links to a special offer. It’s a win-win.

Plus, brochures are perfect for those moments when digital just won’t cut it.

Think trade shows, network meetings, or even leaving them with potential clients after a pitch or meeting.

They’re like little ambassadors for your business, spreading the word wherever they go.

Step 2: Focusing on What You Want Your Brochure to Do

Who Are You Talking To?

Before we talk about the design, let’s go for a walk, a ciggie break, a breather…

Who’s your audience? It’s tempting to try and appeal to everyone, but the truth is, the more specific you can get, the more effective your brochure design will be.

Think about it: Are you speaking to potential clients, current clients, or maybe even investors? Each group might be looking for something different, so knowing who you’re targeting is key.

For example:

• Customers who have never heard of you might need an introduction to your business and what sets you apart.
• Current Clients could benefit from updates on new products or services.
• Investors are probably looking for stats, growth projections, and how you’re innovating in your field. We get this alot in the property brochures we design. Commercial and investment brochures are wildly different.

When you’re clear on who you’re talking to, your message will hit the mark – and your brochure will be much more likely to get the response you’re after.

What’s the Goal?

Now that you know who you’re talking to, it’s time to get clear on what you want your brochure to achieve.

What’s the aim? It might seem obvious, but setting a clear goal can make all the difference in how you structure your content and design.

Here are a few common goals:

• Informing: Maybe you’re launching a new product or service and you want people to know about it.
• Persuading: You might be trying to convince potential customers to choose you over a competitor.
• Driving Action: Perhaps you’re looking to get people to visit your website, make a purchase, or attend an event.

Once you’ve nailed down your goal, you can tailor your brochure to guide your audience towards that outcome.

Pro Tip: Sometimes, it helps to think about the one thing you want someone to do after reading your brochure.

Is it to pick up the phone?

Visit your website?

Walk into your shop?

Whatever it is, make sure that’s crystal clear in your content. We’ll help.

Step 3: Let’s Talk Content – What Should Go Inside Your Brochure?

Tell Your Story

People connect with stories, not just facts. So, what’s your story? How did your business start? What drives you? Why do you do what you do?

Your brochure is the perfect place to share this. It’s not just about selling – it’s about connecting. When you tell your story, you give people a reason to care about your business beyond the products or services you offer.

Here’s a simple structure to follow:

1. Introduction: Who you are and what you do.
2. Your Journey: How your business started and what motivates you.
3. Your Mission: What you’re passionate about and what you stand for.
4. Why It Matters: How your story impacts your customers.

Highlight Your Products or Services

Of course, your brochure also needs to showcase what you’re selling. But it’s not just about listing products or services – it’s about highlighting the benefits.

Think about it from your customer’s perspective:

• What problems does your product solve? Example… We’ll solve your brochure design problems
• How does your service make their life easier? Example… We’re experienced brochure designers with a successful track record in helping businesses.
• Why should they choose you over someone else? – Example. We’re friendly. Approachable. Knowledgable. We make designing brochures simple.

Bullet points and bold highlights work great here. Make it easy for people to skim and find the info they need.

Example: Let’s say you run a cleaning service. Instead of just listing “office cleaning,” try something like:

• Stress-Free Office Cleaning: We handle the mess so you can focus on what you do best.
• Eco-Friendly Products: We care about the environment, so we only use green cleaning solutions.
• Flexible Scheduling: Morning, noon, or night – we work around your hours.

Admittedly these aren’t the most groundbreaking ideas but I’m writing this while drinking tea and eating biscuits so imagine what we could do with a budget behind it. Stick with me.

Keep It Simple and Clear

Here’s the golden rule: Less is more.

You don’t need to overload your brochure with text or cram in every detail. Keep your language simple, your sentences short, and your message clear.

Why? Because no one has time to read a novel.

People skim – Top left to bottom right, and if your brochure is too wordy, they might not read it at all.

Break up your content with headings, subheadings, and bullet points.

Use images and graphics to tell your story visually. And always, always make sure your most important information stands out.

Quick Tip: Read it out loud. If it sounds like something you’d say in a conversation, you’re on the right track. If it feels too formal or complicated, simplify it.

Step 4: Design Matters – Here’s Why You Need a Pro when you Design a Brochure

Why DIY Might Not Cut It Anymore

Alright, you’ve got your content figured out. Now let’s talk about design – and why this is where things can really go wrong if you’re sticking with DIY tools.

Here’s the deal: DIY design tools are fantastic for quick fixes, but when it comes to creating something that truly represents your brand, they might fall short.

Why?

• Limited Templates: You’re working with pre-made designs that a ton of other businesses are using. Your brochure ends up looking the same as many others, not unique like you know it is. Make your brochure stand out.
• Inconsistent Branding: It’s tricky to match colours, fonts, and styles perfectly to your brand. Your brochure might end up looking disconnected from the rest of your marketing.
• Technical Challenges: Print design has its own set of rules – resolution, bleed, margins, cheap online printers with no customer service…. Mess any of these up, and you could end up with a brochure that looks great on screen but prints poorly.

Think about it – would you trust a brochure that looks amateurish? Probably not. Your brochure is a reflection of your business, and it needs to look the part.

What a Professional Designer Brings.

This is where bringing in a professional makes all the difference.

An experienced designer knows how to take your content, planning a brochure that not only looks amazing, but also works for your business.

Here’s what you get with a pro:

• Custom Design: Your brochure won’t look like anyone else’s. It’ll be tailored to your brand, your goals, and your audience. We have access to millions of stock images too.
• Consistency Across Your Brand: Colours, fonts, and styles will match perfectly with your existing branding. Your brochure will feel like a natural extension of your website, business cards, and everything else.
• Technical Expertise: No more worrying about bleed, margins, or resolution. A professional knows how to set up your brochure so it prints beautifully every time.
• A Fresh Perspective: Sometimes, you’re too close to your own business to see what will really stand out. A designer brings an outsider’s eye to your project, offering ideas and insights you might not have considered.

What’s a Brochure Format?

Here’s something that often gets overlooked: the format of your brochure. It’s not just about the content and design – it’s about how it all comes together physically.

Different formats work for different purposes:

• Tri-Fold: Classic and versatile. Great for general information, events, or promotions.
• Bi-Fold: Simple and straightforward. Perfect for showcasing a few products or services in more detail.
• Z-Fold: Eye-catching and interactive. Ideal for step-by-step guides or creating a journey through your content.

A professional designer can help you choose the right format for your needs, ensuring that your brochure is not only beautiful but also functional. Cost is also a factor.

Take a look at our article on Brochure design costs if you want to know more on this.

Step 5: Collaboration – Working with Us to Make Your Brochure

No brochure templates for a start.

When you decide to work with Designers Up North, it’s not just about us taking over. This is a collaboration. You know your business better than anyone, and we’re here to help bring your vision to life. We know how to make a brochure. You know your business.

Here’s how it works:

• We start with a chat: We’ll ask you about your goals, your audience, and what you want your brochure to achieve.
• You share your ideas: Got a vision in mind? Great! We’ll work with you to refine it and turn it into something special.
• We offer our expertise: Not sure what you want? No worries. We’ll guide you through the process, offering suggestions and ideas based on our experience.

The Design Brief – What We Need from You

To kick things off, we’ll need a bit of info from you.

This is where the design brief comes in.

But don’t worry – it’s not as formal as it sounds. Not sure what to include in your brochure? Check out our new post on ‘How to brief a Brochure Designer‘ for tips or download a free brochure brief template.

What we’ll ask:

• Your brand guidelines: Colours, fonts, logos – anything that will help us stay true to your brand.
• Your goals: What’s the purpose of the brochure? Who’s it for? What action do you want people to take after reading it?
• Your content: If you’ve already got text and images, great. If not, we can help create this too as well as any other design elements.
• Your preferences: Seen a brochure you love? Tell us about it! We’ll use it as inspiration to craft something you’ll be proud of. Hate purple? No problem. So do I.

The Creative Process – Bringing It All Together to Attract Potential Customers

Once we’ve got all the info we need, we’ll get to work. Here’s what happens next:

• Initial concepts: We’ll create a few design options for you to review. This is where you’ll see your ideas start to come to life.
• Feedback and tweaks: We’ll work with you to refine the design until it’s exactly what you’re looking for. Your input is key, and we’ll keep tweaking until you’re 100% happy. No two sets of amends here. We design till you’re happy you’ve got your moneys worth.
• Final approval: Once you’re happy with the design, we’ll get everything ready for print. We’ll handle all the technical details, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.

Step 6: Making Sure You’ve Got A Great Brochure

Reviewing and Tweaking

Before we send your brochure off to the printer, we’ll do a thorough review. This is where we catch any little details that might have been missed.

Here’s what we check:

• Spelling and grammar: We’ll make sure everything’s spot on.
• Consistency: Colours, fonts, and image resolutions will all be checked to ensure they’re consistent throughout.
• Overall design: We’ll take a step back and look at the brochure as a whole. Does it flow well? Is the message clear? Does it look amazing?

You’ll be part of this process too. We’ll send you a final draft for your approval, and if there are any tweaks you’d like to make, now’s the time.

The Final Touch – Ready to print your brochure

Once everything’s perfect, it’s time to get your brochure printed.

We’ll handle all the technical details – ensuring that the colours are spot on, the images are crisp, and the layout is flawless.

We’ll work with a trusted printer to produce your brochures to the highest quality standards.

No surprises, no stress – just beautiful, professional brochures ready to impress.

Step 7: Getting Your Brochure into the Right Hands

Smart Distribution Tips

Now that you’ve got your stunning new brochure, it’s time to get it out there. But where do you start?

Here are a few ideas:

• Local Events: Trade shows, fairs, and community events are perfect places to hand out brochures.
• In-Store: Place them near the till, at the entrance, or in waiting areas where customers can easily grab one.
• Direct Mail: Send your brochure directly to potential customers. It’s a personal touch that can make a big impact.
• Partnerships: Team up with other local businesses. Leave your brochures in their store, and you can do the same for them.
• Online Integration: Include a brochure download option on your website, or send it as part of your email marketing. You can embed videos in digital brochures too. Who knew.

How We Can Help with Brochure Distribution

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the distribution process, don’t worry – we’re here to help.

We can offer advice on the best strategies for your business.

Whatever you need, we’ve got you covered.

Let’s Get Started!

So, there you have it – the complete guide to creating a professional brochure that will make your business shine. 7 cups of tea and whole pack of biscuits worth of writing.

Ready to take the next step?

Whether you’ve got a clear vision or need a bit of guidance, Designers Up North is here to help.

Let’s work together to create a brochure that not only looks fantastic but also drives results. Drop Matt or Jim a message today, and let’s get started.

Your business deserves nothing less and you know it.