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Brochures are a powerful marketing asset – and not just on paper! There are benefits for your bottom line – and your brand in the long term.
Brochure design is our favourite brand experience. A well-crafted brochure leaves a lasting impression, differentiating your brand in today’s digital world. The touch, smell, and feel of a printed brochure cannot be recreated through digital formats.
In a world where most brands put all their marketing efforts into digital and online assets, a well-designed brochure immediately sets your brand apart – and gets you into the hands of the people you want to make a brand connection with.
Think about it: QR codes to download marketing materials at an event of exhibition are all well and good, but when you can give someone something they can touch and hold (and smell – don’t you love the smell of paper?) and have a physical experience with, it’s perceived as a much more valuable and memorable interaction.
With over 30 years’ combined experience as brochure designers, we know the power of a well-designed brochure. This guide will help you understand the importance of brochure design and provide you with insights and best practices to create effective marketing tools that leave a lasting impression.
“We’re a fully integrated Design & Digital agency that has embraced all the opportunities that come with website design and creative digital marketing. But we’ll never fall out of love with print as a key piece of marketing collateral. Plus, when everyone’s going online, a brochure immediately creates differentiation and standout for your brand.”
Chris HeightOn
Why brochure design is a powerful sales tool
Now that our world is more digitised than ever, we would argue that a well-designed brochure is more of a powerful sales tool than ever.
Why? Because not everyone has one.
While digital marketing has become an essential element in every marketing arsenal, the tactile experience of a printed brochure offers something unique and memorable that digital formats simply cannot replicate.
Plus of course, your brochure can also be produced digitally, so you’re not missing out on the benefits of customers being able to immediately access your brochure as a download (which can feed into more website traffic!)
Print or PDF – you’re on to a winner.
A really great brochure is more than just a piece of paper – it’s a tangible extension of your brand that tells your story, engages your audience, and drives sales.
With lots of experience of designing and printing (or PDFing) brochures, we know exactly why investing in professional brochure design can significantly enhance your marketing efforts and boost your sales. These are our top five takeaways:
1. Real connection in a digital world
In a world where most marketing materials are delivered via screens, a printed brochure literally puts your brand into a person’s hands.
Holding a well-designed brochure creates a physical connection between your brand and your audience. This tactile experience engages multiple senses – touch, sight, and even smell – which helps to make your brand more memorable.
The weight and texture of the paper, the vibrancy of the colours, and the quality of the print all contribute to a lasting impression that digital media often struggles to achieve.
2. Effective storytelling and brand communication
A brochure is a powerful tool for telling your brand’s story in a structured and visually appealing format. Unlike digital content that can be easily jumped around, skimmed or ignored, a brochure takes the reader on a linear journey and invites readers to spend time exploring the content.
Our approach is always to create carefully crafted copy and compelling visuals that guide your audience through a narrative that highlights your brand’s values, mission, and unique selling points.
Whether you’re showcasing your products, detailing your services, or sharing customer testimonials, a brochure provides a dedicated space to communicate your message effectively and persuasively.
And we’re also experts at defining the brochure brief: we can help you to decide purpose and content, making sure your brochure is as immediate or evergreen as you need it to be, in the short term or so that you can get multi-year value from it.
3. Lead generation and sales support
A well-crafted brochure is a key asset in your lead generation strategy. It serves as a tangible reminder of your brand, making it easier for potential customers to recall your products or services when they’re ready to make a purchase.
Brochures are often shared and kept for future reference, unlike digital ads or emails that can be easily forgotten or deleted, so they have longevity.
A smart brochure is invaluable to your sales team, giving them something substantial to discuss during meetings, trade shows, and presentations. It gives them a structured way to present information, answer questions, and is a leave behind for potential clients that they can review after the conversation ends.
4. Showcasing quality and credibility
The design, material, and craftsmanship of your brochure speak volumes about your brand’s commitment to quality.
A brochure that is meticulously planned and well-executed does more than convey information: it also speaks volumes about the professionalism and credibility of your business.
That’s because customers associate the quality of your marketing materials with the quality of your products or services. By investing in high-quality brochure design, you signal to your audience that you care about every detail of their experience with your brand.
This can be particularly important when targeting high-end markets where attention to detail and luxury are expected.
5. A versatile marketing tool
Brochures are incredibly versatile and can be used in various marketing contexts.
Whether handed out at trade shows, included in direct mail campaigns, displayed in your reception area, or used during sales meetings, a brochure adapts to multiple applications.
Moreover, with the rise of digital brochures, you can extend the reach of your printed materials to online audiences. Digital brochures offer the same structured content and design elements as printed versions but can be easily shared via email or embedded on your website, broadening your marketing impact.
Creating a lasting impression with brochure design
“We understand the importance of maximising the impact of your brochure. Our approach to brochure design is meticulous and detail-oriented, ensuring that every aspect of the brochure – from size and paper choice to overall handling – exudes quality and aligns with your brand image. We will also take into account your brand’s green credentials, ensuring that your brochure not only looks good but also reflects your commitment to sustainability.”
Chris Heighton
On Point: our brochure design process
Why just go to market when you can make a lasting impression?
A great brochure will engage, educate and impress – and not just in the moment.
Our approach to brochure design is both meticulous and tailored to each client’s unique needs, ensuring that every brochure we create is not just visually stunning but also strategically aligned with your brand’s goals.
In essence, we’ve broken the process down into 2 simple steps for our clients: plan and produce. Of course, there’s more to it all than that but once we’ve established our collaborative purpose, you can let us take care of the details.
We know print inside out – which means we also print’s potential: the possibilities, the problems, the challenges and the opportunities!
From defining your vision to selecting the perfect finishing techniques, leet us take you from design to impactful print…
Define your vision
In simple terms: what do you want and need your brochure to do?
From experience, we know that the best brochures are produced through a clear and collaborative process. So, we’ll work closely with you to define your vision and objectives.
We’re adept at asking the questions that allow us to get an understanding of your brand – and your brand ambitions.
We can write a detailed brief that outlines essential inclusions, key messaging, creative direction and budget, ensuring we’re all on the same page throughout the brochure development process.
We’ll then brief our team of designers, photographers, copywriters, and printers. It’s a collaborative approach that ensures that every element of your brochure, from the visuals to the content and final print, is seamlessly integrated.
We manage every aspect of the process through every step to ensure a smooth and efficient delivery, resulting in a brochure that meets and exceeds your expectations.
Maximise impact
Creating a brochure that leaves a lasting impact means balancing design, content, and print quality.
To achieve that, we actively focus on the key elements that will maximise brochure attractiveness and effectiveness:
Aspirational photography
High-quality, atmospheric and emotive photography is crucial in creating an immersive and engaging experience for your audience. We can source or create images that resonate with your brand’s identity and captivate your target audience.
Exceptional graphic design
By paying attention to the detail in graphic design, we enhance the overall visual appeal of your brochure. We ensure that every design element, from typography to layout, is meticulously crafted to align with your brand’s aesthetics.
Creative content
Engaging content is the heart of any successful brochure. Our copywriters craft content that not only informs but also inspires, ensuring it aligns with your brand’s tone and voice and in a way that resonates with your audience.
Balancing information and inspiration
A well-designed brochure strikes a balance between providing valuable information and creating an inspirational experience. We blend compelling visuals with informative content to keep your audience engaged and motivated to take action.
Right print solutions
Last but by no means least, the final touch in maximising your brochure’s impact is selecting the right print solutions. We help you choose the best paper, finishes, and printing techniques to ensure that your brochure exudes quality and professionalism.
Brochure inspiration and print finishing techniques
Given our unique blend of talent and expertise, the creative options we can bring to your brochure know no bounds.
Each of these techniques enhances the aesthetic and tactile appeal of your brochure, making it more memorable and engaging for your audience.
The right combination, carefully aligned with your brand identity and message, results in a high-end brochure that resonates with your target audience and leaves a lasting impression.
Because we don’t just design brochures – we create experiences that elevate your brand and drive success.
Whether you need a capacity slip case with interchangeable sleeves or an oversized A4 landscape format, we have the expertise to deliver.
Take a look at some of the print and finishing techniques we use and ask us which we would apply to your next brochure project for maximum impact.
Foil Stamping
Brings a touch of elegance and sophistication by adding a luxurious metallic or pigmented effect – perfect for highlighting logos, titles, or specific design elements.
Embossing and Debossing
By creating raised (embossing) or indented (debossing) effects on the paper, this technique adds a tactile dimension to your brochure, making it more engaging and memorable.
Spot UV Coating
Adds a glossy finish to specific areas of your brochure, creating contrasting textures that catch the light and draw attention to key elements.
Die Cutting
Allows for custom shapes and cut-outs, giving your brochure a unique, tailored look that sets it apart from standard designs.
Letterpress Printing
A traditional printing technique that creates an indented impression on the paper, giving your brochure a vintage and elegant feel that appeals to those who appreciate quality craftsmanship.
Lamination
A layer of lamination provides a sleek, protective finish that enhances the durability and tactile appeal of your brochure. Available in glossy, matte, or satin options, lamination ensures your brochure feels as good as it looks – for longer.
Thermography
This technique uses heat to create a raised, textured effect on printed areas, adding a distinctive and sophisticated touch to your brochure.
Varnishing
Adds a clear, protective finish to your brochure that can be glossy, satin, or matte. It enhances the visual appeal while protecting your brochure from wear and tear.
Saddle Stitching or Perfect Binding
The binding technique you choose can significantly impact the overall look and feel of your brochure. Saddle stitching offers a classic, clean finish, while perfect binding provides a more polished and professional appearance, especially for multi-page brochures.
Edge Painting or Gilding
This technique adds colour or a metallic finish to the edges of your brochure pages, creating a striking visual effect that adds to the overall luxury feel of your brochure.
Custom Folds
Innovative folding techniques can transform a simple brochure into an interactive experience. Whether it’s a gatefold, accordion fold, or custom die-cut fold, these techniques make your brochure more engaging and memorable.
Pantone Matching System (PMS) Printing
Consistency in colour is crucial for brand identity. PMS printing ensures precise colour matching across all printed materials, maintaining brand consistency and visual integrity.

On Expertise: insights and best practices
Need brochure inspiration? We can explore the possibilities with you as we develop a brief that matches your budget to maximise your marketing spend.
Our focus will always be on bringing together the right blend of elements to make your brochure stand out.
In our book, those include:
Picture this: aspirational, awesome photography
Great brochure design wows with incredible photography. We use features like full-bleed images, glossy finishes, and double-page spreads to add a sense of luxury. Whether you choose stock photography or commission a professional photographer (we can help with both), we work within your budget to achieve the best style for your brochure.
Exceptional graphic design is in the detail
We focus on typography, layout, and graphic elements to create visually appealing and functional designs. Highlighting key features with ‘hero’ images, using space and typography effectively, and introducing graphic elements keeps the reader engaged.
Creative, confident content
Developing a tone of voice that aligns with your brand ensures clear and impactful communication. Our copywriters craft your content with attention to tone, style, and clarity, working with you and the design team to achieve maximum impact.
Carefully balancing information and inspiration
We strike the right balance between informative content and engaging visuals. This approach keeps the reader interested and draws them into the details to start a conversation and seal the deal.
Specifying the right print solution
Considering print options early in the design process is crucial for managing quality and budget. We use our knowledge of paper stocks, inks, and finishes to provide you with mock-ups and swatches, ensuring confidence in the final product.
Art-working and print management
Managing the printing process is crucial for ensuring the final product meets expectations. We apply our knowledge of the nuances of print specifications, colour management, and file preparation to guide the process expertly.
Cost considerations for printed brochures
The cost of printing brochures varies based on size, design complexity, quantity, paper quality, and finishing techniques. Working with a trusted printer ensures accurate quotes and avoids costly mistakes.
Success stories and reviews



Inovo Group
Asked us for a corporate brochure to highlight their electrical engineering expertise. The sophisticated design we produced showcased their bespoke solutions to a global audience, reinforcing their reputation for quality and reliability.
“Chris is a really creative designer, particularly brilliant at websites. He challenges convention, pushing new ideas and encouraging clients to take on brave design concepts. He is professional, reliable and really fun to work with.”
Hannah Gonsalves, Marketing Manager



Structure Wraps – Large scale tension fabric systems
Operating in the US, Structure Wraps approached us for a digital and printed brochure to support overseas sales. We delivered standout design and refined their brand content, helping to elevate their market position and sales strategy.
“I just got back into the UK a few days ago. Just wanted to say thank you very much for your hard work, brilliant design and help with our first brochure. Also, your patience, I know it took longer than it should, mainly down to me of course!”
Steve Lamb, Director

The Wintles Eco Property Development
The Wintles needed to clearly communicate their focus on sustainability. By incorporating eco-friendly themes, messaging and sustainable production methods, our design completely embodied their ethos, helping to sell 75% of the properties almost immediately.
Operating in the US, Structure Wraps approached us for a digital and printed brochure to support overseas sales. We delivered standout design and refined their brand content, helping to elevate their market position and sales strategy.



Woking Development – Thacker Mews
The property brochure we produced using CGI production, professional photography, and stock images, helped our client to sell 70% of properties within the first three months.



Randoll Industrial
Our bespoke slipcase brochure for Randoll showcased the power of tactile engagement and brand storytelling, giving the team renewed focus and clarity about their business and significantly improved their professional image. Read more about the complete rebrand for Randoll Industrial: Electrical engineers brand development On an industrial scale
“The idea for a brochure is a stroke of genius and I can see how it will really add value to our business in the long term.”
Joel Randoll, Director


Total Homes and Developments
Total asked us for a brochure to communicate their mission and sustainability efforts, secure investors and promote new land acquisitions. The brochure we designed went further to help triple their instructions within a year.



PTS Stainless Steel Fasteners
The client asked us to create a slipcase brochure and product catalogue. We produced a brochure that was enhanced by creative content writing and an onsite shoot that boosted both sales and online presence.
“I’ve worked with Chris initially on our website and also on our Corporate Brochure. Chris and his team are now helping us on our Electronic Brochure. I’m extremely pleased with the results so far and this has been evident from industry feedback. I’d recommend Chris to anyone that needs a creative outlook for all their web design, brochure, advertising and marketing.”
Andy Edwards, Sales Director

Expo World Travel
The team here were impressed just as much by our process as the brochure we produced for them, praising our ability to understand and meet their design needs and establish a way forward for the evolution of their new company image.
“I have now worked with Chris on several occasions and each time has been an absolute pleasure. The guys really take time to understand your company and your design needs. Chris and the team have provided us with branding, advertising, website, letterheads and business cards. We have had great comments from our clients on the look and feel of the
company image and this is down to Chris. Whenever I get the opportunity, I will always recommend him and his team.”Glynn Clarke, Director
Ask us how investing in high-quality brochure design can significantly enhance your marketing efforts, creating a lasting impression on your audience.