Brochures and catalogs can deliver powerful marketing messages and showcase your products or services in a tangible way. They’re easy to use and share, making them ideal for time-limited promotions or offers. And they are durable enough to be kept at client offices, passed around at promotional events, or sent home with new or potential customers.
Both can be printed on high-quality, glossy paper for a rich look that enhances the image of your company and increases product sales. They are available with a full-color cover or a one-color front and a black ink back (called a “blank”). They can also be laminated for added protection against moisture. They may be saddle stitched or perfect bound. Perfect binding is a sleek, stackable option that looks great on bookcases and works well for gallery layouts that demand a clean edge that presents elegantly. Saddle stitch is more cost-effective but is not as durable or functional.
Before you send your project to the printer, make sure it is ready to print by double-checking that your design and text are correct and your images are properly sized. Depending on the page count, consider using a thicker paper stock that is rated for duplex printing to prevent ink from bleeding through onto the other side. Ensure the print quality or DPI setting is high enough to produce crisp, clear images. If your catalog contains a lot of photos or illustrations, you can save file sizes by using photo compression tools to reduce them before placing them in the layout.
You’ll also need to decide whether you want the ink coverage to extend to the edges of the pages (called a “bleed”). This makes the finished piece appear more polished and professional, and it can help your products stand out from the competition. It will add to the overall production costs, so you should consider your budget and how many copies you need.
The type of paper you choose is also an important consideration. Thick paper like 10 or 12 point gives a premium feel that adds to the perceived value of your product. Thinner papers, such as 20 point, can be used, but may have a more plastic and less substantial feeling.
Once your design and content are finalized, you’ll need to select a binding method. If your catalog has a low number of pages – say 64 or less – you can save money by opting for saddle-stitch binding, which uses staples to secure the pages into booklet form. If your catalog is going to be heavy-use and requires note-taking, consider choosing a spiral-bound version that lies flat for easy interaction with clients and is durable enough to hold up over time.
Once the design and content are finalized, it is advisable to get the brochure printed on high-quality paper to create a polished and professional appearance. It is worth investing the extra money for quality paper because it will pay off when clients notice the attention to detail and feel of the finished product. Greko Print & Imaging can provide expert advice on paper selection and can also offer finishing services, including foil stamping and embossing, to enhance the impact of your brochure.