The Pamphlet, outside of company stationery, is often the most important printed marketing material for your business. A simple, well-designed pamphlet can express in a concise way just how your company will benefit your customers.
The standard small business pamphlet is often referred to as a tri-fold or #10 pamphlet. These indicate its size and layout. The #10 is equivalent to a #10 envelope. Tri-fold refers to how the page if folded. In this case, a sheet of paper is divided in 3rds and folded in a number of standard ways.
This common design creates a basic layout from which to build a marketing workhorse. Pamphlets of this size and shape can be mailed in an envelope, or themselves sealed and stamped on the back. They also fit in racks most anywhere, and they are small enough to set out on a desk without taking up too much room. At trade shows they are easily handed out and held on to. Even in the age of websites and social media they remain a popular way to get the word out on your business.
That said, as printers we often see designs come in with issues that need to be addressed. Seemingly small problems that if left unresolved can limit the effectiveness of your marketing efforts.
So, here are our top 5 tips for insuring your next pamphlet prints without a problem
1. Sketch it Out
Tri-fold Pamphlets have literal moving parts. The folds that determine the edges and margins make the design a little tricky. Unlike posters or rack cards, pamphlets require a bit more forethought and planning. The best way to do this is to get out a pad and paper and see where the folds will happen.
The first fold is at 3 and 2/3 inches, and the second is at 7 and 1/3 inches.
Take the time to figure out where you want certain information. What will go on the front and back, and what will be the first thing visible when a customer unfolds it.
2. Know Your Audience
Perhaps the best advice we can give is that you need to know who your audience is and what they want. Define your pamphlet’s objective and determine what information is most important. Layout the brochure with the reader/customer in mind, and don’t ramble on about your company. Get to the point and make it immediately relevant.
3. Mind Your Margins
Undoubtedly the point where most designers get in trouble with a pamphlet design is at the margins. The most frequent fix our pre-press team has to make is moving text around so that it doesn’t get lost in the crease of a fold. Save yourself time and money by keeping your margins in mind as you design.
Ideally, there should be at least 1/8 of an inch of space between any design elements (text, image, etc.) and the lines of a fold. The 1/8 of an inch rule applies to edge of the paper as well. And remember to consider bleeds.
Don’t forget to print your final piece to size and actually fold it before sending it along to your printer.
4. Stay Focused
Pamphlets should be designed with a specific purpose in mind. Don’t try to fit everything into one small brochure – be focused. Think about your bank, often they have pamphlets set out for each of their products or services. One on saving, one on checking, business services, investment services, and so on. How can you apply that idea to your business and your design?
5. Keep the Order in Mind
When you fold your pamphlet you are creating ‘pages’ of a small book. Consider narrative. What will your customers see first, last, and what will they see when they unfold the pamphlet? Where do you want what information? What needs to be where?
And what will you do with the back page? Will you show your contact information, or will you design it with a space for a mailing address and stamp?
6. Use a Template
One of the easiest ways to layout your pamphlet is to start with a template. Here is our PDF Template for a standard c-fold. Feel free to download and use it.
These are just some of our best tips based on what we have seen work, and not work so well. Of course, if you have any questions, feel free to comment below, or stop by our shop.
cutpasteandprint Printing, graphic design, binding, and promotional product specialists in Huntingdon Valley, PA. We proudly serve the Bucks and Montgomery County areas with superior quality, great customer service, and a commitment to getting you and your the best possible printed materials. Our services include: Digital Printing, Offset Printing, Graphic Design, Promotional Items, Bindery, and Copying.
estimating@cutpasteandprint.com • 215.364.3898
