There are a wide range of options if you are looking to take your printed brochures online.
Online brochures, electronic brochures, ‘flippy page‘ brochures or virtual brochures are different names for fundamentally the same thing: the ability to view your brochure online electronically and interactively.
There are several methods to create online brochures, all using specific software solutions which contain different functions and benefits. Still, most include the ability to flick through pages, search content, or link through to online content.
Take a look at some of our live examples (all links open in a new tab):
What are the benefits of online brochures?
There are several benefits to providing your clients with the ability to view an online version of your brochure:
Instant
One of the primary advantages of online brochures is the instant accessibility they offer.
Unlike traditional printed brochures that require physical distribution and postal delivery, online brochures can be accessed immediately with just a few clicks.
This immediacy is crucial in today’s fast-paced digital world, where consumers expect instant access to information rather than waiting for it.
This can also be true when creating smaller brochures using Canva templates so clients can directly access, edit and download new versions of their brochures without getting the agency involved.
It eliminates the waiting time associated with printed materials, allowing potential clients to engage with your products, services, or information right when they are interested.
This speed can make a significant difference in capturing the attention of your target audience and converting leads into customers.
Social media
The power of social media in today’s marketing landscape cannot be overstated.
Online brochures can be easily shared on popular social media platforms like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).
When users come across an engaging online brochure, they can instantly share it with their social networks, amplifying their reach exponentially.
This word-of-mouth marketing through social sharing can increase visibility, brand recognition, and the potential to reach new audiences that you may not have otherwise tapped into.
Social media exposure turns your online brochure into a dynamic, shareable marketing asset.
Printing
While online brochures are designed for digital viewing, they offer printing flexibility.
Users can download and print specific pages or sections of the brochure if they prefer a physical copy.
This versatility accommodates various preferences among your audience. Some individuals may still prefer the tactile experience of flipping through a printed brochure, and online brochures cater to this preference while retaining the benefits of digital access.
Add to a website.
Embedding the online brochure code on your website page provides a compelling wow factor.
It seamlessly integrates the brochure’s interactive elements, such as page flipping and multimedia content, into your website’s user experience.
This integration enhances your website’s content and keeps visitors engaged and informed.
It offers a dynamic way to showcase your products or services, making your website more captivating and informative.
The ability to interact with the brochure directly on your website can lead to more extended visitor engagement and increased conversions.
In summary, online brochures offer instant access, social media exposure, printing flexibility, and website integration, making them a versatile and powerful tool for modern marketing strategies.
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Why should I consider an online version of my brochure?
The promotion of your brochure shouldn’t stop once it is printed; this is just the first stage. By creating an online brochure version, it will make it easier for you to:
Increase visibility
Sharing your content effortlessly across social media and websites vastly increases your market reach. This presents cost-effective ways to bring in more potential customers to your business.
If your content is also helpful to people, it can also attract backlinks to your site, improving your SEO simultaneously.
Promote
If you are B2B, the ability to share and promote your brochure on LinkedIn is also a tremendous marketing bonus. The interactive features of online brochures can convert customers from right within the brochure – no need for additional clicks and other links.
These metrics can also be tracked, making identifying and tracking ROI easier.
Understanding
You can also use online brochures to make your product or service easier to digest and understand by your target audience, increasing conversions.
Whilst it’s possible to do a lot with a website, a brochure format can often be the best medium for certain types of content (think report design, etc.) and becomes more engaging and effective.
So, how do I get my brochure to do this?
Toast is an expert in converting your printed brochure into an online one and has done this for many clients (examples can be seen on our website in the brochure section). There are several stages we take to ensure that the online brochure fits within your marketing aims; these steps include:
1. Format – designing pages so they work in an online format
Converting a printed brochure into an online format begins with formatting.
This step involves adapting the design and layout of your brochure’s pages to suit the digital environment. Online brochures may have different dimensions, aspect ratios, or interactive elements compared to print.
Designers ensure that the content is visually appealing and user-friendly when viewed on screens of various sizes, such as desktops, tablets, and smartphones.
They may also optimise images and graphics for digital display, ensuring they load quickly and look sharp online.
2. Method – which software to use that is compatible with your website/system
The right software or digital platform is crucial for a successful online brochure.
It involves choosing a tool or application that aligns with your website’s technology stack or content management system (CMS).
Compatibility ensures seamless integration, allowing your online brochure to function smoothly and appear consistent with the rest of your website.
This step may also involve considering factors such as security, accessibility, and user-friendliness to provide the best experience for your audience.
3. Creating – creating a file that is ready to upload to the chosen system
Creating the online brochure file involves transforming the designed content into a digital format that can be easily uploaded to the chosen platform or system.
This step may include converting text and images into web-friendly formats like HTML, PDF, or a dedicated online brochure format.
Designers ensure that all interactive features, such as clickable links, videos, and animations, are embedded correctly in the digital file. Quality control is essential to ensure that the online brochure functions as intended once it’s live on the web.
4. Inserting – providing the code generated from the software to insert into your website page
Once the digital file is ready, the next step is to insert it into your website or webpage.
This involves generating the code or embedding the script the chosen software or platform provides.
Web developers or designers handle this technical aspect, ensuring the online brochure seamlessly integrates with your website’s structure.
This code lets visitors directly access and interact with the brochure on your site. This integration must be smooth and error-free to provide a positive user experience and achieve your marketing objectives.
Creating online brochures isn’t the golden ticket and should be part of an overall marketing plan.
We are experts in providing well-designed and functional online brochures for companies, so why not talk to us today about how we can help you create your online brochures?
Also, check out our blog post about e-publishing.
Get in touch to create your e-brochure
Online brochure FAQs.
We get asked a wide range of questions about online brochures; here are answers to some of the most common questions:
1. What is an online brochure, and how does it differ from a traditional printed one?
An online brochure is a digital version of a traditional printed brochure that can be viewed electronically on the Internet.
Unlike print, online brochures are accessible through websites, emails, or social media platforms.
They often include interactive features, multimedia elements, and links to online content, offering viewers a dynamic and engaging experience.
2. What are the key advantages of using online brochures for marketing purposes?
Online brochures offer several benefits for marketing, including instant accessibility, the ability to reach a wider audience through social media sharing, the flexibility to download and print specific pages, and the option to integrate them into your website seamlessly.
They are also cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and allow real-time updates, making them a versatile and efficient marketing tool.
3. How can I create an online brochure for my business or organisation?
Creating an online brochure involves several steps, including designing pages for online viewing, selecting suitable software or tools, creating digital files ready for uploading, and integrating the brochure into your website.
Many professional design and marketing agencies offer services to assist with this process, ensuring your online brochure aligns with your branding and objectives.
Get a quote for your online brochure
4. Are online brochures suitable for all types of businesses and industries?
Online brochures can benefit businesses across various industries, including retail, hospitality, healthcare, education, and more.
They are handy for businesses that want to provide detailed product information, showcase portfolios, or offer interactive guides to their customers.
Online brochures can be customised to meet virtually any business’s needs and goals.
5. Are online brochures environmentally friendly compared to printed brochures?
Yes, online brochures are generally considered more environmentally friendly than printed brochures.
They reduce the need for paper production, printing, and physical distribution, which can have a positive impact on reducing paper waste and carbon emissions.
By opting for digital brochures, businesses can contribute to sustainability efforts and demonstrate their commitment to eco-friendly practices.
6. What does an online brochure cost to produce?
If you already have the artwork in Indesign, then taking your existing brochure online can take hours rather than days (subject to the complexity).
If you need something created from scratch (content production, design, artwork and digitising), it can take a little longer, but time and cost are generally equitable to the number of pages and complexity of the content.
