Small format, big impact: brochures on a budget

Bigger isn't always better. Well-designed small format brochures can have all of the impact of larger brochures without the cost, weight or hassle.

3 big cost advantages of a small format brochure vs a full size brochure

1. Lower printing cost: Less paper and fewer pages means lower printing costs
2. Lower distribution cost: Reduces shipping and transportation fees
3. Smaller storage costs: If a brochure is half the size, you only need half the space to store them

4 practical advantages of the small format brochure

Imagine yourself in a trade show situation where you are responsible for distributing brochures.

1. They're easier to transport, store, display and hand out
2. Easy to slip into a pocket or small bag, they are easy to accept and hard to refuse.
3. The compact size stays neat. Recipients aren't tempted to fold them down or squash them.
4. You can follow up later with something bigger and more detailed to qualified leads.

Design and content of the small format brochure

1. Distill your message to the most essential information
2. Eliminate anything unnecessary to the core sales message
3. Combine simplicity and boldness in the design

This example of a compact accordion fold brochure is the size of a greeting card. The 5" x 7" brochure opens up to a full 30”. The accordion fold provides the advantages of a small format with the drama of something larger.

Everyone has a budget and the printed brochure is just one part of the sales process.

Your print promotions should work in conjunction with your other advertising and marketing efforts. Let your website do the heavy lifting for in-depth details such as:

• physical address, mailing address, maps, parking
• product details and specifications
• company history
• corporate philosophy
• product demonstrations and videos
• product reviews
• testimonials

About the sample brochure: The above example is one of Laser Advertising's recent self-promo pieces. We've also had success with square brochures the size of a CD cover and brochures that fit into regular letter size envelopes.