My most recent editorial design contract involved creating a brochure for Manungurra Aboriginal Corporation. They wanted a professionally designed publication that would promote their proposed boarding college for indigenous secondary school students near Tennant Creek, NT. From a personal perspective I found it very satisfying to be involved a project that supported such a beneficial initiative for Aboriginal children. Likewise, I was pleased that my brochure would be a promotional tool that the directors of the Manungurra Aboriginal Corporation would be using in their push to secure government funding for the college building project.
Brochures are a good way to communicate information in a simple, eye-catching design that attracts potential clients or promotes an event, product or service. A well-written and designed brochure is an effective and affordable way of presenting your message to your target audience. It should grab your readers’ attention, inspiring them to take action or learn new information.
Purpose of a brochure
So how to do you create a professional-looking brochure that informs, educates, or persuades your audience? Before launching into writing the content for your brochure, spend some time planning the overall layout design including images, written copy, headings and captions.
Ask yourself the following questions:
- What is the purpose of your brochure? Is it to persuade or inform your readers?
- What opportunities or problems are you aiming to address?
- What is the best method of communicating your underlying message?
Having one primary purpose or approach is more effective than producing a general brochure that tries to cover a large range of topics and hence lacks focus.
Stand out from the competition
What do you offer that sets you apart from other companies, products and services? What image and character do want your audience to perceive about your business? An effective brochure helps you to stand out from your competition. It should contain content (both written and pictorial) that emphasises unique aspects of your business. Think of your brochure as an appetiser for your business or organisation: it needs to provide a small taste that leaves the reader wanting more.
