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Brochure Lesson Plans
Checklist, Resources

What you need to design a brochure and the main and optional components of a good brochure are outlined here for use with the brochure lesson plans.

 More of this Feature
• Brochure Lesson 1
• Brochure Card Lesson 2
 
 

Brochure Checklist
Many of the items in this list are optional. You must decide which ones are appropriate for your brochure.

  • Name of Location, Business or Organization.
  • Address.
  • Phone Number.
  • Fax Number.
  • Email Address.
  • Web Page Address.
  • Headline that creates curiosity, states a major benefit, or otherwise entices the reader to open and read your brochure.
  • Headline that states the name of the Product, Project, or Described Process.
  • Subheads.
  • Short, easy to read blocks of text.
  • Lists, charts.
  • Key Benefits (2-3).
  • Features.
  • Instructions, steps, parts (for a procedure, to assemble a product, etc.)
  • Biography (of business owner, key members of organization, officers, etc.).
  • Mission Statement.
  • History.
  • Logo.
  • Graphic Image(s) (including purely decorative elements).
  • Photographs of product, place, people.
  • Diagram, flow chart.
  • Map.
  • Call to Action (What you want the reader to do: call, visit, fill out a form, etc.)

Checklist for a Brochure about a Place
These are a few things to look for specifically related to brochures about a place. Not all will apply to your brochure.

  • Does the brochure give enough information that the reader knows where to find this place? (Map, directions)
  • Does the brochure tell what is significant about this place (historical importance, tourist attractions, famous residents, significant industries, etc.)?
  • Are there interesting pictures? (Pictures with people are usually more effective but pictures of well-known landmarks or beautiful scenery can work with or without people in the photos)
  • Are the pictures or clip art useful? Do they help to tell the story or do they just seem to be filling up space?
  • Does the brochure make the reader want to visit this place (if that is the purpose of the brochure)?
  • Does the brochure make the reader want to avoid this place (if that is the purpose of the brochure)?

Checklist for a Brochure about an Organization
These are a few things to look for specifically related to brochures about an organization. Not all will apply to your brochure.

  • Does the brochure give the name of the organization?
  • Is the purpose of the organization clearly stated?
  • Does the brochure list the organizations activities?
  • If appropriate, is there a calendar of events?
  • If the organization has a product or service that it sells (or gives away) is that in the brochure?
  • Does the brochure state the membership requirements (if any) for the organization?
  • Does the brochure tell how to contact the organization?
  • Are the most important activities of the organization highlighted?
  • Does the brochure make the reader want to join the organization (or find out more about it)?

Resources for Brochure Projects

  • Collection of brochures from family, friends, local businesses. (Travel brochures and brochures from local clubs are good examples for Lesson 1; instruction booklets for watches, assembly instructions for small toys, and brochures from your local utility company explaining water conservation practices, etc. are good examples for Lesson 2)
  • Brochure design books and portfolios (optional).
  • Classroom or Library Reference Materials.
  • Access to Internet Resources (optional).
  • Page Layout Software (with Brochure Templates if possible)(see online resources below).
  • Scanner, clip art books, graphics software (optional).
  • Plain or color paper, staples (if doing booklet style brochures).
  • Laser or inkjet printer able to handle chosen paper stock.
Jacci Howard Bear
Guide since 1997

Jacci Howard Bear
Desktop Publishing Guide

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