Picking the right brochure images is a huge part of creating effective brochures. As cliché as it might sound, a picture really is worth a thousand words. Maybe more so in today’s fast-paced, visually-oriented culture.
If you create a brochure that is not inspired, engaging, and incredibly high quality then you could see people pass you by for the competition. Understanding how to choose the best possible images for this type of item is critical. Here are seven tips to help you choose the best images for your brochure.
Study What’s Being Used Right Now—As well as What has Worked in the Past
Before you can pick out perfect photos and image designs take the time to do some research and find out what is out there. Spend some time looking at the various websites and image providers to see what you like, what would work well with your company and products, etc.
Most importantly, look at what works and has worked in your industry. Check what seems to be working for competitors right now. If you can, look at past brochures of successful businesses in your industry. What commonalities do you notice? Chances are, these elements will work for the brochure you want to make right now.
Decide What Kind of Brochure Images to Use
There are an almost unlimited variety of brochure images that can be used, so the first thing you will need to do is narrow the selection down some to make the process faster and easier. There are many different categories of photos and images that are available so start by narrowing the broad categories down to just a few that go well with your message and products.
We found this swipe file of brochure design ideas on Pinterest.
Examine the Relevance That the Image Has
One of the biggest mistakes that some businesses make with brochure images is trying to rush the process with a “just pick something” approach. Each image that you select needs to have a high degree of relevancy to your products, company, or message. If the pictures are not relevant this can lead to reader confusion or cause your recipient to dismiss your offerings.
Eliminate Any Choices That Are Low Quality
Once you have a good idea of the types of brochure images that will work best the next step is to go through the different possibilities and eliminate and photos that are low quality or that have issues with visibility or resolution. The photos will represent your brand, company, and products so make sure that they represent high quality and professionalism.
Enhance and Refine Your Chosen Images When Possible
When you find an image that resonates, one that is relevant and that appeals to you, it may be possible to enhance and refine the graphics so that it is even better afterward. This is not always an option, but there are situations where these steps can turn a good image into something that is great. A professional graphic designer may be able to help with this process.
Don’t Forget About Your Company Logo
One type of brochure images that should always be included on all of the materials that you print and give out is your company logo. Your logo is part of your brand and you want to build recognition so that eventually this is all that a consumer needs to identify who you are and what you are offering. Many businesses forget to place their logo in a highly visible place on the brochure.
Seek Professional Help if You Need It
Some of the big obstacles to great brochure images that are exciting and compelling are a lack of knowledge about this process or a lack of creativity. Many company owners and marketing executives are very good at what they do, but they may not have the graphic experience necessary to do the job with the best possible results.
Sometimes it is worth the added expense of hiring a professional to handle the final image selection or the design involved. Be sure and check out our 10 Tips for Designing Printed Brochures.
