Brands are increasingly moving beyond static PDFs and print materials — and for good reason. In today’s fast paced world it’s becoming more difficult to capture and retain your audience’s attention, which is an issue, because attention is key to brand awareness and sales.
A well-loved format to sell your products and services is a brochure. However, a print version is no longer going to cut it. That is where digital brochures step in. Its interactive format and high shareability makes it an effective tool for marketing. In this article, we’ll demonstrate why and share some engaging digital brochure examples to inspire you.
What makes digital brochures effective for marketing?
As online becomes the new default for communication, our marketing strategy should reflect that. Research has shown that interactivity can be key to capturing attention and, in turn, memorability. Digital brochures offer a dynamic solution by turning passive reading into an engaging experience with the help of multimedia and animations among others. Let’s zoom in on some of the features that make them such an effective format:
Engaging multimedia elements
Incorporating videos, audio clips, and animations will significantly boost the reader experience of your digital brochure in contrast to than static images and text. Adding multimedia not only grabs attention but also helps convey information more effectively. Additionally, this increases your chance of your product or service being remembered, leading to more conversions. Who wouldn’t want that?
Interactive features
Interactivity is a broad term. In this context, we can refer to it as content that reacts to user input Elements like clickable buttons, pop-ups, quizzes and interactive galleries (to name a few) invite users to engage and partake with your story. This creates a rich reading experience and encourages deeper exploration of your message.
Seamless navigation
In order for your audience to find the information they need quickly, an easy-to-use navigation will help. Intuitive features, such as embedded menus and hyperlinks, allow readers to easily browse through different sections and get an overview of what your organisation offers. Being able to simply jump to topics of interest without the need to flip through pages sequentially (as you would with flipbooks) makes the experience more user-friendly.
Improved accessibility
Preferably, your digital brochure is readable by anyone on any device. A large advantage over printed brochures is, that digital brochures can be optimised for accessibility, including features like text-to-speech, adjustable font sizes, or alternative text for images. This ensures that a wider audience, including those with disabilities, can access and engage with your content.
Embedded forms
A digital brochure needs to generate leads and convert. To get your prospects to take that step, you’ll need to offer them a low-effort way to make their interest in your organisation known. Digital brochures allow the incorporation of forms directly into your content. Including forms and clear a call to action should streamline the conversion process. Whether it's signing up for a newsletter or requesting more information, users can take immediate action without leaving the page.
Search engine visibility (SEO)
Unlike traditional PDFs, digital brochures are easily indexable by search engines. This enhances your online visibility and makes your content accessible to a wider audience searching for related topics, increasing your chances of being found online.
Inspiring examples of interactive digital brochures
To truly appreciate the potential of the digital brochure for marketing, let’s look at some real-life examples from various industries. Here’s what makes these examples exceptional:
Mazda MX-5
Mazda’s digital brochure for the MX-5 roadster is a perfect combination of sleek design and high-quality photography. The integration of smooth animations highlights the car’s dynamic nature, making this brochure come to life. It’s clear navigational structure presents all specs at a glance, ensuring users can get straight to the point. The layout allows Mazda to go into depth about features while keeping it snackable.
Partou Pedagogy
Designed to inform and educate, Partou’s brochure is a great example of how complex topics can be translated into an interactive and fun-to-read format. The highly visual storytelling approach explains and educates without overwhelming the reader. The user is guided through the contents in a lineair fashion due to the absence of a navigation menu. Interactive pop-ups ensure they can find the most relevant information quickly and efficiently without lengthy texts cluttering the main page.
Alfen Smart Charging Solutions
Alfen’s brochure is designed to simplify technical information about smart charging solutions while offering a clean and functional experience. What sets this brochure apart is its long-page format rather than a multi-page design, which allows users to scroll seamlessly through content while the eye is lead by keyframe animations. The brochure also supports multiple languages which are accessible through a language menu, making it accessible to an international audience.
Outremer 55 Catamaran
For a product that embodies luxury, the Outremer 55 Catamaran brochure delivers a matching design. Immersive multimedia such as videos and high-resolution images create a sense of aspiration. The fluid navigation and minimalist text ensure the focus stays on the visual experience, providing a seamless journey through the brochure.
What can you take away from these examples?
The beauty of interactive digital brochures lies in their versatility and ability to deliver an engaging, user-friendly experience alongside efficiency. Regardless of your sector’s organisation, there are valuable lessons to draw from these examples before creating your first brochure:
Visual impact increases engagement and memorability
High-quality visuals combined with smooth animations can induce a emotional response in your audience. Make sure your images, videos, and animations are not only aesthetically pleasing but also align with your brand’s message to help tell your story more effectively.
Quality of photography and video can make or break your design
The quality of your photography and video can significantly affect the overall effectiveness of your digital brochure — especially as some may view it on large screens. Poor-quality visuals can detract from your brand image, creating the impression your services may be of poor quality. Well-executed media enhances your design and is more likely to reflect positively on your brand.
Simple navigation
A clear and intuitive navigational structure is key for a seamless user experience. Here, it’s essential to go for practicality above originality. Especially when presenting complex or detailed information, it's important to provide users with a simple way to access the content that interests them most.
Consider multi-language support
If you cater to international clients, providing content in multiple languages can help broaden your reach. Additionally, it helps readers understand your services better when they can read in their native language.
Involve your reader with interactive elements
Incorporating interactive elements, such as clickables, quizzes, and pop-ups, adds a dynamic layer to your content. Such features encourage users to actively engage with your document, exploring on a deeper level.
Tailor your design to your industry
Every industry has its own audience expectations. If your digital brochure reflects that, you’re more likely to appeal to your target audience. Additionally, consider the complexity of your services and the level of involvement regarding a potential purchase. If what you offer is a high-level involvement decision, you may want to make sure to provide extensive information.
Looking for more examples of digital brochures?
Look no further. Check out our inspiration page to see all types of interactive publications or click here for more digital brochure examples. Curious to learn more about design and interactive content in marketing? Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter.
