Real2Reel Multimedia ~ Websites, Video Production & Graphic Design

How much information should I include in my company brochure?

"A brochure can be a powerful component of your advertising media mix. Whether it is an image, an idea, a product or a service, the main function of a brochure is to sell something. Ask yourself “what am I selling?" and "to whom am I selling it?". If you cannot clearly articulate an answer, the chances are high that your target audience will not be reached by your brochure. Is your brochure directed to the individual consumer to influence him to choose your product or service? Is it directed to a corporation to choose you as a manufacturing partner? Is it directed to the general public to point out or accentuate your company’s civic duty or environmental conscientiousness? Until you identify your target audience, you can’t determine what should or shouldn’t go into your brochure. A brochure should elicit a response from the reader. These responses would include; making a purchase; ordering a product; calling or writing for more information; liking your facility better; learning something significant that involves your facility, etc. etc. If you are producing a brochure about one or more products or services, you need to make sure that your objectives are compatible so that the purpose of the brochure remains clear throughout. Things to keep in mind: 1. Project who you really are and what it is you do. You can't be everything to everybody, so don't try to present yourself that way. You'll wind up projecting nothing meaningful to anybody. 2. Beware of embellishment. Be truthful in your advertising. Every person that ends up being disappointed with your firm and/or its products and services because of what you said or implied in your brochure will turn a powerful advertising tool into a device to turn other people away from you. 3. Don’t skimp on anything you put into your brochure, media, design, layout or printing. If your brochure looks shoddy, the person looking at it will assume your company and/or its products or services are shoddy too. 4. Make it eye-catching. To ensure that people will pick up your brochure and go beyond the cover, make sure it telegraphs boldly your strongest feature. 5. Make sure your brochure contains all the information your audience will need to know: How to get to you, open dates and hours, admissions, your mailing address and telephone number. 6. When and where applicable, be entertaining. No one is going to ho-hum their way through your brochure. A little extra warmth, humor, or surprise in it will go a long way toward making yours an inviting and effective brochure. While you may feel you or people you have in-house (copywriters, designers, etc.) are fully capable of producing a brochure, we strongly suggest you consult with a media company that specializes in producing brochures to ensure your message is properly reflected in your brochure and that it meets industry standards for design, layout, printing and mailing. Real2Reel Multimedia has the experience and expertise to help you create and distribute your brochure. We would be happy to discuss your needs and put together a proposal. Best wishes for your success! http://www.r2rmultimedia.com"