Design That Works: What Makes a Brochure Actually Worth Keeping?

In the digital age, it’s easy to assume print is dead. But done right, a great brochure still packs a serious punch. The challenge? Most brochures are forgettable and end up in the recycling before they’ve made any real impact.

So what makes a brochure actually worth keeping? One that doesn’t just get a glance, but earns a spot on the desk or fridge and actually drives results? Let’s talk about designs that work.

1. It Looks Too Good to Throw Away

First impressions matter and a well designed brochure should look like something you want to hold onto. Bold branding, a strong layout and quality paper all send a message: this business is professional, thoughtful, and invested in what it does.

🌀 Tip: Stick to a clean, consistent design with strong use of your brand colours and fonts (hello, Hue & Helix!). Less clutter, more clarity.

2. It Speaks to the Right People

Your brochure should feel like it’s talking directly to your ideal customer. Too often, businesses make the mistake of trying to appeal to everyone and end up connecting with no one.

🌀 Tip: Tailor your language, imagery, and tone to suit the people you're trying to reach. A brochure for a dog grooming salon should feel very different from one for a law firm.

3. It Gives a Reason to Act

An attractive brochure is great but what should someone do next? Whether it’s calling your number, booking online, or scanning a QR code, your brochure needs a clear call to action (CTA).

🌀 Tip: Keep CTAs simple, bold, and repeated more than once. Make it easy for people to take the next step.

4. It Offers Something Valuable

Want people to keep your brochure? Give them a reason. That might be a discount code, a handy checklist or a useful bit of information they’ll refer back to.

🌀 Tip: Think beyond the sales pitch. Offer value first, and the action will follow.

5. It Feels Like You

Your brand’s personality should shine through whether that’s fun and friendly or sleek and sophisticated. A brochure is a chance to tell your story, so don’t just list services. Show people who you are.

🌀 Tip: Use real photos, snippets of testimonials, or a few words from the founder. People connect with people.

Final Thoughts

A brochure might be small but when it’s done right, it can leave a lasting impression.

At Hue & Helix, we specialise in creating brochure designs that don’t just sit pretty, they get results.

So if you want something that stands out in the stack and actually gets read, let’s make it happen.