Business Presentation Folders

Make a strong first impression with a presentation folder that showcases your brand
By Judy Artunian, Freelance Writer Many prospective customers form their first impression of your company not from your Web site, but from your presentation folder. Consider the abundance of company literature that you place in a presentation folder and disseminate at trade shows, conferences and meetings, and mail to prospects. With so much riding on your presentation folder, it makes sense to give careful thought to its look and feel.  Some factors to consider: 

1. Your presentation folder design should be consistent with the design of your letterhead, brochures and other company literature, as well as your Web site.
2. Make it easy for prospects to find your contact information and Web site address. Select a folder with an inside pocket that includes a slot where you can insert your business card. 
3. A presentation folder that creases or falls apart easily doesn't reflect well on your company. Select a paper stock that can withstand the rigors of travel. 

Call a design pro to create your presentation folders

You'll get the best results if you hire a professional graphic designer to design your presentation folder. If funds are tight and you have to go the do-it-yourself route, look for folder design templates to help you achieve a polished, professional look.
Try:  Ask the designer who designed your product literature to create a folder design that complements your other marketing material. If that person is unavailable, search for an experienced graphic designer on Freelance Designers. If you're serving as the designer, PrintingForLess.com offers several presentation folder design templates for PC and Mac users, along with a PDF with layout instructions. At All Graphic Design you'll find links to folder templates and design tips.

Select a presentation folder that stands out from the crowd

Impress your customers with a folder that makes its own statement.
Try:  Create your own folders with Neenah Paper's custom pocket folders. They're available in a variety of colors and paper weights, and come with templates that guide you in placing copy and graphics. Another way to make a mark is to put your business card front and center on a single-panel presentation folder from Paper Presentation. Slip a promotional or instructional CD-ROM or DVD into your presentation folder; KoolPrint.com sells folders with a die cut slit designed for your disks. If you'll be mailing your marketing package, have envelopes on hand that complement your folder. At Company Folders Inc. select from a variety of presentation folders and envelopes, including binders that can serve as ring presentation folders. You can also download design templates.

Make presentation folder printing easy

Getting printed presentation folders doesn't have to involve a lot of people or a dedicated design team. You can hand your custom presentation folders over to a Web-based printer that will design as well as print your folders.
Try:  The Folder Store handles presentation folder printing and design. Office Depot will customize some of its presentation folders by adding your logo or other artwork to the folder's cover. When you need last-minute presentation folder printing, go to 48HourPrint.com, select a pocket folder and upload your artwork. The company promises to deliver a proof of your folder a few minutes later, and ship your printed folders within two days.

• For a dramatic effect, consider putting a photo on the cover of your presentation folder.
• Your graphic designer should provide two or three preliminary presentation folder design choices.
• Put your presentation folders to work as an internal marketing tool. Place employee-orientation material in your folders and hand them to new employees.