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Creating Print Materials

Design brochures, flyers, and other printed marketing materials

Written by Hayden Zammit Meaney
Updated over 2 months ago

Creating Print Materials

Print materials remain valuable for tourism marketing — brochures in visitor centres, flyers at partner venues, and signage at your location. Launchpad helps you create professional print materials that match your brand.

Why print still matters

  • Visitor centres — where travellers plan in person

  • Partner venues — hotels, cafes, attractions

  • In-venue — information at your location

  • Events — trade shows, markets, expos

  • Direct mail — targeted postal campaigns

  • Tangible reminder — something physical to take away

Types of print materials

Brochures

Multi-page documents with detailed information:
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  • Tri-fold brochures (most common)

  • Bi-fold (single fold)

  • Multi-page booklets


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Flyers

Single-page promotional pieces:
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  • A5 handouts

  • A4 posters

  • DL (1/3 A4) rack cards


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Posters

Larger format for display:
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  • A3 for windows and noticeboards

  • A2 for prominent displays

  • Custom sizes for venues


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Business cards

Essential contact details:
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  • Standard business cards

  • Mini cards

  • Appointment cards


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Other materials

  • Postcards

  • Vouchers and gift cards

  • Event tickets

  • Menus and price lists

  • Signage files

Creating print materials

Step 1: Choose a template

  • Go to Marketing from the main menu

  • Click Print or navigate to Print Materials

  • Browse templates by type

  • Select a template that suits your needs

Step 2: Customise your design

Replace placeholder content with your own:

Images

  • Click image areas to replace

  • Use high-resolution photos (300 DPI minimum)

  • Select from your Media Gallery

  • Ensure important content isn't near edges

Text

  • Click text boxes to edit

  • Keep headlines short and impactful

  • Write benefit-focused copy

  • Include essential details (what, where, when, how much)

Branding

  • Add your logo

  • Apply your brand colours

  • Use consistent fonts

  • Include contact details

Step 3: Add essential information

Every print piece should include:

  • What you offer — experiences, products, or services

  • Why choose you — your unique selling points

  • How to book — website, phone, or in person

  • Contact details — phone, email, address

  • Website — easy-to-type URL

  • QR code — for quick mobile access

  • Social media — if relevant

Step 4: Review and proof

Before downloading:

  • Check all spelling and grammar

  • Verify prices and dates are current

  • Confirm contact details are correct

  • Preview at actual print size

  • Have someone else review

Step 5: Download for printing

  • Click Download

  • Choose the appropriate format:

- PDF (Print Ready) — for professional printing - PDF (Standard) — for office printing - JPG/PNG — for digital use

Print-ready PDFs include:
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  • Correct colour mode (CMYK)

  • Bleed area (if applicable)

  • Crop marks for cutting


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Print design best practices

Layout

  • Leave breathing room — don't crowd content

  • Use hierarchy — most important info stands out

  • Align elements — creates professional look

  • Consider folds — test before finalising

Images

  • Use high resolution (300 DPI at print size)

  • Avoid stretching or distorting

  • Check licensing for stock images

  • Show your actual experience

Text

  • Keep it concise — people scan, not read

  • Use readable fonts — minimum 10pt body text

  • Ensure contrast — dark text on light background

  • Check for widows and orphans — single words on lines

Colour

  • Use CMYK colour mode for print

  • Be aware that screen colours differ from print

  • Request a proof for important jobs

  • Consider paper colour in your design

Working with printers

Finding a printer

Options include:
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  • Local print shops

  • Online print services

  • Office supply stores

  • Destination marketing organisations (may have preferred suppliers)


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Providing files

When sending to print:
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  • Supply PDF in CMYK colour mode

  • Include bleed if required (usually 3mm)

  • Specify paper stock and finish

  • Confirm quantity and turnaround


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Paper choices

Common options:
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  • Gloss — shiny, vibrant colours

  • Matte — sophisticated, easy to read

  • Uncoated — natural, can write on

  • Recycled — environmentally conscious


Consider weight too — heavier feels premium.

Finishing options

  • Lamination — protective, durable

  • Spot UV — shiny highlight areas

  • Foil — metallic accents

  • Die cutting — custom shapes

  • Folding — for brochures and flyers

Distributing print materials

Visitor information centres

  • Register with your local visitor centre

  • Provide brochures and rack cards

  • Keep stock updated

  • Include current pricing and offers

Partner venues

  • Hotels and accommodations

  • Cafes and restaurants

  • Other attractions

  • Transport hubs

Your own venue

  • Reception area

  • Information displays

  • Guest rooms (if accommodation)

  • Vehicles

Events

  • Trade shows

  • Community events

  • Markets

  • Tourism expos

Print material checklist

Before printing, confirm:

☐ All text is correct and proofread

☐ Prices and dates are current

☐ Contact details are accurate

☐ Images are high resolution

☐ QR codes work correctly

☐ Brand colours are consistent

☐ File is in correct format (CMYK PDF)

☐ Bleed and margins are set correctly

☐ You have appropriate image licences

Updating materials

Keep print current:

  • Review quarterly or seasonally

  • Update prices when they change

  • Refresh imagery annually

  • Add seasonal variations

  • Retire outdated materials

Professional print materials extend your reach to visitors who prefer something tangible — make every piece count.

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