What is a brochure and how to use it for your business

If you think Brochures are an outdated marketing tool of the past, it’s time to think again. Brochures are still one of the easiest, most effective ways to get your message into people’s hands (literally).  

But what is a brochure, and how can forward-thinking businesses use brochures to get more eyes on their brand? 

Read on to find out why the humble brochure will never go out of style and how you can make it work hard for your business.

What is a brochure? 

When you picture a brochure, you probably see a glossy piece of sales collateral that gives people a basic snapshot of your products or services. But for discerning brands, brochures can be a carefully crafted storytelling tool. Usually folded into sections, it’s designed to be eye-catching, informative, and physically represent your business.

The low-down on creating an epic brochure

Whether you’re asking yourself what is a brochure’s main purpose, or how to get creative with it, the answer is its versatility. A good brochure balances design and information, drawing people in while giving them exactly what they need to know.

1. Eye-catching front cover  

Your cover is your first impression, so it needs to stand out. Use bold visuals, a clean layout, and a clear headline that grabs attention. Keep it simple but intriguing—something that makes people want to open it up and learn more.

2. Concise information 

Your brochure should answer the basic questions: 

• Who you are  
• What you’re offering  
• Where to find you  
• Why it matters  

Stick to short, punchy sentences that deliver the key points. Too much text can make your brochure feel cluttered, so focus on the essentials and let the design do some of the talking.  

3. Clear CTA

Don’t leave people guessing about what to do next. Include a clear and inviting call to action that directs them to take the next step, like visiting your website or booking an appointment.

4. Striking visuals 

Choose images or illustrations that align with your brand’s style, such as product shots to highlight what you’re selling or infographics to simplify complex information. A good rule of thumb is to let visuals take up at least half the space on each page so the content is easier to skim.   

5. Added extras for interaction  

Take your brochure to the next level by adding interactive elements such as QR codes that link to a product or coupons that customers can redeem in-store. These extras make your brochure more engaging and give readers a reason to hold onto it.  

6. Practical details  

Don’t forget the nitty-gritty details that people will look for, such as: 

• Contact information (phone number, email, physical address)  
• Business hours (if relevant) 
• Social media handles  
• A small map or directions for in-person visits  

Creative ways to use a brochure in your business

Forget what you know about Brochures. With some outside-the-box thinking, you can transform your brochure from standard to stand-out. 

• Welcome packs: Brochures add a personal touch to welcome packs for new customers or employees. For customers, introduce your brand’s story, values, and products. For employees, outline company culture, team roles, or perks to help them feel connected from day one. 
  
• Event programs: Use brochures as event guides with maps, agendas, speaker bios, or note sections. Perfect for conferences, festivals, or retreats, they’re practical and reinforce your branding. 
  
• Mini catalogs: Showcase product lines or seasonal collections with high-quality images and pricing. Pair with QR codes for direct online shopping. 
  
• Educational guides: Create helpful resources that help build trust and position your brand as an expert. 
  
• Seasonal gift guides: Create holiday-themed brochures featuring curated gift bundles or recommendations to inspire purchases and highlight your products.

How to get your brochure out there

Even the most beautiful or innovative brochure won’t work if it doesn’t reach your audience. Here are some simple ways to distribute them:

• Local partnerships
  Partner with businesses that complement yours. For example, a boutique hotel might display brochures for a nearby artisanal bakery. This mutual exposure helps both brands reach a shared customer base.
  
• Events and trade shows
  Events are classic spots for brochure distribution. Pair your brochures with other materials like Business Cards or Branded Merch to make your booth unforgettable.
  
• Product inserts
  Adding a brochure to your product packaging is a brilliant way to share more about your brand or offer exclusive deals.
  
• Direct mail campaigns
  Wondering what is a brochure’s value in this digital age? Sending them directly to potential clients can add a personal touch and stand out in a sea of digital ads.
  
• In-store displays
  If you have a physical store, create a prominent display for your brochures. Include a call to action, like a QR code that links to a special offer or digital catalog. 

Brochures that go beyond the basics

Ready to take your marketing to the next level? Explore MOO’s custom Brochures and discover how MOO Business Services can help. To get started, fill out this simple form, and one of our team members will be in touch shortly.