Data Sheets Companies often use data sheets to convey detailed product information. They often need to be updated frequently, so they’re often printed in-‐house on a pre-‐designed template. First, list the products for which you’ll need data sheets: PRODUCT HOW OFTEN WILL IT NEED TO BE UPDATED? Where in the sales process will the data sheets be used? What do the data sheets need to convey in order to move the prospect forward? Now list the content to be included: TYPICAL CONTENT Photos of the product Technical specifications How the product is used Graphics to show product usage List of features/benefits Comparison to other products
INCLUDE?
DETAILS
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Sales Literature & Tools Data Sheets
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PRINTING METHOD Choose the printing method that works best for your updating requirements: SCENARIO
PRINTING OPTIONS
Frequent updates necessary
In-‐house: Print the slicks in small quantities on a high-‐quality laser or inkjet printer. Use heavier paper than you would for normal documents. Print “shells” that can be customized. The “shell” would contain your logo, contact information, and a border design; professionally print on glossy paper (must be laser or inkjet-‐compatible). You can then run the shell through your own printer to add copy as you need it. Professionally print the slicks as you would any other piece of literature
Copy is updated infrequently or you need very large quantities
DESIGN & COPY
If you’re using a designer to create your template, provide a creative brief. 282-‐284 can help. Otherwise, follow these tips: TIPS
NOTES
Make sure the design is consistent with your branding requirements Keep it clean – if you have many details, don’t squash them in tiny print; add pages instead Keep the writing as simple as possible while still conveying the expertise needed. Jargon is more acceptable here, but it’s still important to use as few words as possible, use the active tense and eliminate redundancy.
Sales Literature & Tools Data Sheets
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