Corporate brochure design should not be a difficult or troublesome experience, so we have compiled a list of Toast’s top 10 things to consider.
Toast has helped businesses with corporate brochure design ideas since 1997. We have created business brochures that have allowed clients to sell everything from the smallest plastic grommet to the largest of luxury yachts and planes. Businesses have ranged from sole traders to global giants, but the process and dedication remain the same.
We ensure that every brochure is designed to help achieve the goals that the business has, from sales and marketing to advising and educating customers about their brands, their identity, their product or their services.
Distractions and gimmicks – You get what you pay for.
Over the years, we have seen competitors who advertise brochure design in the UK offer a range of promotions from ‘free brochure templates’ and ‘corporate brochure design free’ to ‘corporate brochure template word’. But the problem with these is that you end up with many brochures that look identical, which doesn’t help your brochure stand out from your competitors.
Many Commercial Printers have started offering “corporate brochure design free” as they will focus on recouping design costs in the large print runs that corporate brochures often require. Unfortunately, this puts less focus on design and more emphasis on print, which may not truly reflect the needs of the brief.
Print versus digital – why do you have to choose?
As the business world evolves with new technologies and changes in buying behaviours, it is tempting to think everything has gone online and moved away from traditional media. Companies now have to consider digital brochure design or editable brochure templates as a part of the marketing mix.
But at Toast, we always come back to the fundamentals of a well-designed brochure that can and will work both on and offline. Get the creative right and you can share online your corporate brochure design pdf or edit the design files to create an interactive online version, the key is getting the design right first.
Toast’s Top 10 Tips on getting it right every time.
If you want your corporate brochure to truly connect with your customers and enhance the brand values you need to ensure you consider Toast’s top 10 tips:
1. Focus on Purpose and Outcome
Have a clear and definitive brief, that specifies exactly what you want the customer to feel, think and do.
2. Define Targets or Personas
Know exactly who you are talking to and what their specific requirements are. The greater the understanding, the more effective the brochure will be.
3. Think strategically
Ensure your brochure complements existing, or new marketing campaigns, and supports customers as they move between marketing channels.
4. Consider Interactive options
If possible Interactive versions should always be considered at the design stage for them to be most effective. Adapting a brochure retrospectively can be time-consuming and compromise effectiveness.
5. Apply Branding consistently
Ensure that you have relevant brand guidance and files before starting the design. For any brand to be effective it needs to be applied correctly and consistently.
6. Choose Images carefully
Wherever possible, provide Hi-Res photography or access to your purchased images. Low res or badly framed images can restrict creativity and layout.
7. Agree on Content or Copy before the design
If possible, all the content or copy should be written before design. This will help avoid delays and overruns impacting the schedule and final cost.
8. Clarify how Edits and Changes will be made
Discuss and agree with your designer on the best process for feedback changes and how to mark up a pdf if required. This avoids any confusion or delays if changes are not fed back correctly.
9. Explore Paper stocks and Finishes early
The choice of paper stock and finishes can have a huge effect on the impact your brochure will have, have those discussions as part of the initial design process.
10. Proof well
If your brand colours and photography are key to your messaging, it’s essential to consider different types of proofing. Ask your designer for advice on what options are available.
