How to Design Print Materials That Actually Get Read

Because unread brochures make sad printers—and even sadder marketers.

Let’s face it—your beautifully printed brochure isn’t helping anyone if it goes straight from someone’s mailbox to their recycling bin. At Graphic Solutions Group, we know a thing or two (okay, a lot) about how to design print materials that actually get read and what makes print materials work harder and smarter for your business.

So here are 7 expert-backed tips—sprinkled with just enough snark to keep things interesting—on how to design print pieces that not only get noticed but actually get read.

1. Choose Fonts Like You’re Casting a Movie

Typography isn’t just about looking pretty. Your font choices should support your brand voice. You wouldn’t use Comic Sans for a law firm (unless it’s a law firm run by circus clowns). Use clear, readable fonts for body text and bolder, attention-grabbing ones for headlines. And please—no more than two to three fonts per piece unless you’re designing ransom notes.ds for a clean look and easy setup (your future self will thank you during teardown). fast. So yes—going green is good for business, too.

2. Hierarchy: Because People Skim Like Olympic Pros

Your reader is not going to read every word. Accept it. Embrace it. Design for it. Use headlines, subheads, bullet points, and bold text to create a visual flow. Make the most important info pop like a toast at a wedding—and tuck the less critical details neatly underneath.

3. Whitespace Is Your BFF

More copy does not equal more conversion. Don’t cram everything into one page like you’re packing for a two-week vacation in a carry-on. Leave breathing room between elements so the eye knows where to go. Whitespace = class + clarity + cool.

4. Color: Use It Like You Mean It

Color can guide, highlight, and set the tone. Use brand colors wisely to draw attention to key areas—like CTAs (calls-to-action) or headers. Just avoid color combinations that scream “optical illusion”.

5. Calls-to-Action That Actually…You Know, Call People to Act

“Click here” doesn’t work on paper. Be clear and compelling:
👉 “Visit our showroom today”
👉 “Call now for a free quote”
👉 “Scan this QR code to enter the giveaway”

You’ve got to tell people exactly what to do next. Bonus points if your CTA sounds exciting instead of desperate.

6. Design for the Reader, Not the Designer

Yes, we love beautiful, artsy layouts too—but remember, the goal is communication. Make sure your design helps people get the message, not get confused. Print it. Test it. Hand it to a co-worker and ask, “Would you read this?” If they run away, revise. Repeat.

7. Print Quality = Trustworthy Brand

Great design deserves great execution. That’s where we come in. At Graphic Solutions Group, we make sure your materials don’t just look good—they feel good, too. Rich inks, smooth finishes, and precision cuts show customers you mean business. Because nothing says “trust us” like a well-crafted brochure that doesn’t look like it came from your office copier.

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Final Thought: Don’t Just Print. Print with Purpose.

Designing for print is an art, a science, and—when done right—a sales strategy. Use these tips to ensure your printed materials don’t just take up space but make an impact. Focusing on how to design print materials that actually get read will boost your campaigns performance (and maybe land you a raise)!

And if you need a team that knows how to turn your vision into ROI-boosting reality, Contact us today!

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