RVC Design Solutions

A brochure is a flyer, pamphlet or leaflet that is used to pass information about something. Brochures are advertising pieces mainly used to introduce a company or organization and inform about products and/or services to a target audience. Brochures are distributed by radio, handed out personally or placed in brochure racks. They may be considered as grey literature. They are usually present near tourist attractions.

The most common types of single-sheet brochures are the bi-fold (a single sheet printed on both sides and folded into halves) and the tri-fold (the same, but folded into thirds). A bi-fold brochure results in four panels (two panels on each side), while a tri-fold results in six panels (three panels on each side).

Other folder arrangements are possible: the accordion or “z-fold” method, the “c-fold” method, etc. Larger sheets, such as those with detailed maps or expansive photo spreads, are folded into four, five, or six panels. When two card fascia are affixed to the outer panels of the z-folded brochure, it is commonly known as a “z-card”.

Booklet brochures are made of multiple sheets most often saddle stitched, stapled on the creased edge, or perfect bound like a paperback book, and result in eight panels or more.

Brochures are often printed using four color process on thick, glossy paper to give an initial impression of quality. Businesses may print small quantities of brochures on a computer printer or on a digital printer, but offset printing turns out higher quantities for less cost.

Compared with a flyer or a handbill, a brochure usually uses higher-quality paper, more color, and is folded.

A good business card should convey the overall image of your business — not easy, considering the card measures only 2 inches by 3.5 inches.

How can you possibly get a message across in such a small amount of space?

You can’t expect your business card to tell the whole story about your company. What you should expect it to do is present a professional image people will remember.

The color, wording and texture of our business card have a lot to do with its appeal and its ability to convey your company image.

Use common sense when you are designing your business card.

If your business markets children’s toys and games, you might try using bright, primary colors and words written in child’s script. On the other hand, if you run a financial consulting service, then you want your business card to convey professionalism and reliability, so stick to traditional looks such as black printing on a gray, beige or white background.

Of course, professional designers claim entrepreneurs should not try to attempt designing a business card on their own, but many cash-strapped business owners have no other choice.

The best course of action: Look at all the business cards you receive, and emulate the cards that you like. You may have more leeway if you are in a creative business, such as party planning or retailing, but in general, keep the following tips in mind:

1. Use your logo as the basis. Make it the largest element on the card.
2. Keep it simple. Do not cram too much information on the card.
3. Do include the essentials — your name, title, company name, address, phone and fax numbers, and email and website addresses.
4. Make sure the typeface is easily readable.
5. Stick to one or two colors.

Once you’ve got business cards, make the most of them:

1. Always give people more than one card (so they can give it to others).
2. Include your card in all correspondence.
3. Carry cards with you at all times, in a card case so they’re clean and neat.

Business cards don’t have to be boring. If your industry allows for a little creative flair, here are some ideas to try:

1. Use 4-inch-by-7-inch cards that fold over (like a mini brochure), cards made of plastic or cards with photos on them.
2. Although they are more standard than standard business cards, cards in nontraditional shapes get attention. Try a teddy bear shape for a day-care service, for example, or a birthday cake for a party planner.
3. Textured paper can add to a card’s interest, as can colored paper. In general, stay with lighter shades that enhance readability.
4. Thermography, a process that creates raised, shiny print, adds interest to a card. Embossing and foil stamping are two other printing processes that can give your card visual appeal.

Small businesses can capitalize on available storefront space to help advertise products and services. Storefront displays are commonly used for advertising specials, displaying popular products and introducing new concepts. From hanging signs and placing displays in windows to taking advantage of any outside space, plenty of options exist for customizing a small business storefront. When customizing a storefront, small business owners should take several factors into consideration.

Vehicle Magnets for cars, trucks & fleets are affordable and effective forms of advertising for all businesses. Our vehicle magnets come in custom sizes to ensure that they fit perfectly in the space available on your vehicle and each vehicle magnet can be printed with images, logos and contact information.

Does your everyday car double as your company car? Do you switch between vehicles often to make deliveries or sales calls? Vehicle magnets are the perfect solution because they are transferable and stick to any steel surface.

Owning a business is no easy task, and when it comes to advertising, the task is time consuming and costly. Sometimes it involves consulting an ad agency, paying high rates, and investing in a one year plan that is designed by people who you may have never met. That’s why vehicle advertising is one of the most effective forms of advertising right now. We live in a mobile world and research shows that travelers are wide and far, why wouldn’t you use your vehicle as a billboard? RVC Design Solutions is ready to serve you, holla!

I had a terrible 4th quarter, happy holidays!

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce says that those who take signage seriously and make it an integral part of their overall marketing see significantly more revenue than those who don’t. I believe the Chamber uses the words profound revenue.