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How to Create Vacation Brochures that Your Clients Will Love

by Kelly Richardson
kelly.richardson@graphicdesigntrainingreview.com
Graphic Design Training Review Columnist

One of the biggest methods that travel agencies use to attract travelers is through direct mail. The vacation brochure is still the king of tourist advertising. And if you can create an effective vacation brochure, your travel clients will become repeat customers of your graphic design talents.

Nothing draws in customers for big money trips than a well-designed vacation brochure. Travel agencies and agents routinely spend a large chunk of their advertising budget on these direct mail masterpieces. It only stands to reason that if you develop your skills in the graphic design of vacation brochures, this could turn into a lucrative income stream for you. The key is to learn the various parts of the vacation brochure that make it so effective in garnering business. Then simply repeat the formula over and over as your client list grows.

The Vacation Brochure: Recreating Paradise


  • Flattering Shots. The key to creating an effective vacation brochure is to include a variety of enticing photos of the destination.
  • Big Attractions. Another key to a successful vacation brochure is to feature the most inviting attractions and events of the area.
  • Creative Opening. Experimenting with the way the brochure opens up to the reader will make that particular direct mail piece stand out.

The reason that vacation brochures are so popular is that it gives non tech savvy customers the opportunity to buy through the mail or over the phone. Here are some other little tricks of creating an effective vacation brochure that you should know.

The Vacation Brochure: Must Have Ingredients


  • Pithy Titles. A vacation brochure with attitude in the titles and subheads will surely get more business than those without.
  • Freebies Up Front. Your graphic design should have the free giveaways and incentives on the very front page to entice your customer.
  • Call to Action. Once the customer has the brochure in his or her hands, that person must be told exactly how to order the trip.

The final word on creating an effective vacation brochure is to pretend that you are the traveler. Simply ask yourself what would be the most persuasive benefits of purchasing this trip. Then follow your ideas.

Sources
Graphic Designers, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

About the Author
Kelly Richardson covers the local education and technology scenes in major cities across the country. His articles appear in educational journals, periodicals, and e-zines.

Posted on: June 23, 2006