Tips for effective brochures

Four people wearing warm jackets, hats, and scarves stand closely together outdoors, looking at a map. They appear to be friends on a hiking trip, surrounded by a grassy area with autumn-colored trees in the background—a scene that would look perfect on an effective brochure cover.
Brochures, business cards, and other printed materials are a great way to communicate your Friends Group’s mission and key messages.

Brochures, business cards, and other printed materials are a great way to communicate your Friends Group’s mission and key messages.

Content Tips
  • Make sure there is a call to action in any materials you use. This could be to “visit our website at…” or “mail in this form to become a member” or “reach out to join our email list.”
  • Focus on the outcomes you’re working to achieve rather than the processes you use. People tend to find that more inspiring and motivating to get involved.
  • After you draft it, get feedback from someone unfamiliar with your group–they can tell you what key information (that you’re so familiar with) may be missing.
Distribution Options
  • Displaying brochures at the park office or trail kiosk will raise awareness among the key audience of visitors.
  • Bring them to events or meetings. For example, some groups present at civic meetings where they can leave the brochure behind for people to learn more later. Others may partner with scouting groups who volunteer in the park and hand out the brochures to help the volunteers (and their parents) learn more ways to get involved.
  • Are there local businesses or resource centers where people tend to look for information about the local community? If so, put materials there.