Marketing Tools – The pros and cons of a corporate brochure

A brochure is a magazine, printed or digital; and is designed to showcase products and services of a business to generate sales. At Flipp Design we believe a brochure is an important tool to have as part of your marketing strategy, brochures are typically one of the first interactions a customer will have with your brand, so it proves useful to make a good first impression. This blog post will discuss the pros and cons of digital and printed corporate brochures, helping you determine if this is the right marketing tool for your business.

 

Printed Corporate Brochure

Pros of a Printed Corporate Brochure:

  1. Tangible: A printed brochure is a tangible item that customers can touch, feel, and keep. This physical presence makes it easier for customers to remember a company and its products or services.
  2. High-Quality Print: The quality of a printed brochure is often higher than that of an electronic one. This is because printed brochures use high-quality paper, images, and text, making them more visually appealing to the reader.
  3. Cost-Effective: In comparison to digital marketing methods, a printed brochure is often more cost-effective. The upfront cost of printing is offset by the long-term benefits of having a physical marketing tool.
  4. Targeted Marketing: Printed brochures can be targeted towards specific groups of customers, such as those attending a trade show or visiting a physical location. This targeted approach can result in more effective marketing, as the brochure will only be seen by those who are interested in the company’s products or services.

 

Cons of a Printed Corporate Brochure:

  1. Environmental Impact: The production and distribution of printed materials, including brochures, can have a negative impact on the environment. This is because of the use of paper and ink, as well as the energy required for printing and transportation.
  2. Limited Reach: The reach of a printed brochure is limited to the number of copies that have been printed. If a company wants to reach a larger audience, they would have to print more copies, which can be expensive.
  3. Outdated Information: Printed brochures can become outdated quickly, particularly in industries where products or services are constantly changing. This can result in a negative impression if a customer receives a brochure with outdated information.
  4. Less Interactive: Compared to digital brochures, printed brochures are less interactive and do not allow customers to easily access additional information. This can result in a less engaging experience for the reader.

 

Digital corporate brochure

Pros of Digital Corporate Brochures:

  1. Increased accessibility: A digital corporate brochure can be easily shared and accessed through various digital devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops. This means that your target audience can view your brochure at any time, anywhere, making it convenient for them to access and share with others.
  2. Cost-effective: Compared to traditional print brochures, digital brochures are much more cost-effective. There is no need to spend money on printing, shipping, or storage costs, making it a more affordable option for businesses of all sizes.
  3. Interactive: Digital brochures allow for interactive elements, such as videos, animations, and hyperlinks, to be included. This provides a more engaging experience for the viewer and helps to keep their attention on your brand.
  4. Easy to update: Digital brochures can be easily updated and edited as your business evolves. This means that you can keep your audience up-to-date with the latest information and products, without having to constantly produce new print materials.
  5. Eco-friendly: Digital brochures are an environmentally friendly option, as they do not require paper or ink. This is a significant advantage for companies that are looking to reduce their carbon footprint and promote sustainability.

 

Cons of Digital Corporate Brochures:

  1. Limited Reach: Digital brochures are limited to those with access to digital devices, meaning that some potential customers may be missed. For example, older generations may prefer print materials, making it important to consider both digital and print options.
  2. Technical challenges: Digital brochures may require specialized software and technical skills to create and distribute effectively. This can be a barrier for some businesses, especially for those with limited resources.
  3. Dependence on technology: Digital brochures rely on technology and the internet to be viewed. This means that if the viewer does not have access to the internet or their device is not working, they will not be able to access your brochure.
  4. Limited tactile experience: Unlike print materials, digital brochures do not provide a tactile experience. This means that viewers cannot physically touch, feel or interact with your products, reducing the overall impact of your brochure.

 

The decision of whether to use a printed corporate brochure or an electronic version will depend on the specific needs and goals of a company. Both types of brochures have their advantages and disadvantages, and it is up to the company to determine which type will best serve their needs and meet their marketing goals.

For your free consultation, call us today on 0345 686 8898!