Can I Write and Print My Own Business Brochures and Business Cards?

Can I Write and Print My Own Business Brochures and Business Cards?
If you have a computer and a printer, preferably one that can print
in color, then you can make your own brochures and business cards
that are very professional-looking! Be sure to use good quality
paper (that is available at any office supplies store like Office
Depot or Staples) for anything that you are going to hand out or
send to potential customers and clients.
Writing Text for Your Brochure and Business Card
The very best thing to do is to get a few examples of business
brochures and business cards, preferably from the same type of
business as the business you are starting. If you can't find any,
then think about the type of customer or client you are trying to
attract.
If you are starting a professional service as your at-home business
(such as accounting, bookkeeping, proofreading, etc.), then the text
and graphics used in your brochure and business card should be
minimal, crisp, easy to read, and contain only the most vital pieces
of information. "Clutter" is not very professional. Pick paper
colors that are monotone (one color) or that have a nice edging in a
complementary color. State what services you have to offer, describe
your business in professional-style precise terms, and make sure
that your contact information (name, phone/fax/cell number, and
email address) is easy to locate.
If you are going to start up something like a children's birthday
party service or another "fun" type of business, then you definitely
want to think about bright colors and graphics that grab people's
attention! Remember though, don't "clutter" your brochure or
business card with too much information! Make sure your prospective
customers can find your name, phone number, and email address easily-
--make them want to contact you right away!
Creating Brochures
Most brochures are either bi-fold (one fold, four printable sides
or "areas") or tri-fold (two folds, with six printable areas). You
need to decide on which format you want to use, and then shop for
good-quality paper that comes pre-scored (or "creased") so that it
folds with a sharp edge. Brochure paper is heavier than printer
paper (called "stock" or "card stock").
Your computer probably has a few built-in templates for creating
simple brochures. Many "print shop" type software programs offer a
variety of templates that you can use to create more professional-
looking brochures. Regardless of which you use, it should require
very little effort to create your first business brochure! (I was
able to use a template provided in my Hallmark Greetings! software
to create a brochure that was professional-looking and had a little
bit of "personality" to it!)
Follow the instructions for the template you are going to use, and
write the text for your brochure as described above. If you are
going to insert pictures or graphics, make sure that you are not
violating any copyrights (if you are taking graphics from another
source). Using the guidelines given above, make your text simple and
clear and be sure that your contact information is easy to locate on
the brochure.
Business Cards
Just as for the brochures, your computer will either have a few easy
templates to use, or you can use any print-shop-type software that
has templates for business forms. Using the guidelines as given
above, write the text for your business card.
I do suggest that you buy business cards that are "laser-perforated"
so that when you separate the business cards after you print them,
you will get nice sharp edges.
Flyers
If you have the type of business that you can promote by tacking up
flyers, then you need nothing more than your word processing
software. Flyers are generally printer paper sized, and you can be
as creative as you like!
You might want to invest in card-stock-weight paper for your flyers.
This paper is a little heavier and will be a little more durable
than printer paper.
Things to Remember When Printing Your Business Brochures and
Business Cards
Keep the text simple!
Buy good quality paper!
Set your printer preferences for "Better" or "Best" print quality
Print a "test" page first, using just plain printer paper (fold as
necessary for a brochure or cut to size for a business card and make
sure it "looks" good)
Be sure to save your brochure and business card templates so that
you can easily print more or change information as needed, as your
business grows Jan K., The Proofer is freelance proofreader and copyeditor. Visit
http://www.jansportal.com for more information about Jan's
proofreading and copyediting services and Jan's other free
resources. Please visit Mom's Break (http://www.momsbreak.com/) for
free printable crafts and projects. © Copyright 2005. All rights
reserved.


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