by William Aguirre
Many who have special events, services, or special information you need to get out to the public, you may have a website that details what is going on, what you do, or other pertinent information. Though the website is good, it is often not quite enough. If there is a lot of information that someone might need like directions, hours, prices, or other details, you might want to include an online brochure that people can print out. That way they can take the information with them without having to take the time to write everything down that they might need.
On the breasts of a barmaid in Sale
Were tattooed the prices of ale;
And on her behind
For the sake of the blind
Was the same information in Braille.
—Anonymous.
Most of the time, a good online brochure will be something someone can print out rather quickly and painlessly. This ensures they have the information. You might be surprised to know that if something is too much fuss, someone might just skip it and move on to something else. If you have an online brochure, you will get more people interested simply because you made it very easy for them to print out what they need. You should assume that everyone is busy, and the quicker they can get what they need, the more likely they are to show up.
Most of the time, a good online brochure will be in PDF form. This means they can click on the link, and Adobe will open it up and it can be printed with the click of a button. You may want to take the time to do a snazzy layout for your online brochure. You can do this with something like PageMaker or even Word if you know what you are doing. It doesn’t have to be too fancy though, as long as it looks professional. Make sure you double and triple check spelling and grammar, and be sure all necessary information is included.
I have all my life been on my guard against the information conveyed by the sense of hearing—it being one of my earliest observations, the universal inclination of humankind is to be led by the ears, and I am sometimes apt to imagine that they are given to men as they are to pitchers, purposely that they may be carried about by them.
—Mary Wortley, Lady Montagu (1689–1762)
To make your online brochure extra snappy, add a picture of a design to it. You can get software to help you make a logo or other graphic rather cheaply, and it adds to the overall presentation of your information. Make sure important information like dates, times, phone numbers, directions, and contact information is listed in a crisp, and clean manner at the beginning of your online brochure. List detailed information afterwards, and keep it short without giving up the essential things they need to know. For an extra touch, add a coupon for savings if you are selling something, providing a service, or charging an entry fee. Everyone loves a discount.