As something of a staple in wealth management and insurance businesses, presentation folders are the ‘hub of the wheel’ between the different spokes of finance—like risk management, human resources, accounting, and compliance. Since all departments revolve around a compact and accessible display of documents, presentation folders are seemingly happy to fit that bill. 

Yet, there’s a big difference between using a custom-made business folder and the run-of-the-mill variety from your local department store—and you’re clients can tell. Store-bought folders are made from flimsy stock and are often not worth the paper they’re printed on; presentation folders never have this problem as they often go through rigorous quality control procedures, regardless of the stock or build.

All financial businesses need an agreed way to present contracts; carrying your documents loose-leaf or in cheap pocket folders simply won’t do when your reputation is at stake. If you’re a business looking to straighten its ducks in a row before a big contract negotiation, a strong presentation folder matters. 

Showcase Your Professionalism and Credibility

In the financial industry, consumers and clients have several touchpoints with your brand, whether person-to-person or through a presentation folder. Revealing financial reports or dealings in a branded folder demonstrates professionalism, distinguishing you from competitors who might hand over the same materials in a plain stack or a stapled bundle. 

Some contract files for a single client can amount to small packets in themselves, so presenting them with these files in a branded presentation folder can act as your personal stamp of guarantee—an acknowledgment that says you value your work and clients. Consistent use of branded elements throughout your printed products, such as your logo, colors, and fonts, reinforces your company’s identity and credibility.

Each presentation folder might contain neatly organized reports, a business card, or a brochure about financial services. Add to that a premium matte finish and embossed logo, and clients will have the impression that your firm pays attention to every detail—an essential image to impart in finance when words like ‘put-togetherness’ are more than just nouns, but an entire industry’s personality. 

Organize Your Contracts with Document Security in Mind

It’s estimated that the average cost to businesses for poor document management is around 9.2% of their annual income—which, in today’s age of customizable presentation folders, should be considered a white-collar crime. Presentation folders can easily display documents like account summaries, projections, and contracts coherently, eliminating the risk of misplacing your files while readying them for transport. 

Individual sections are available for different document types—for instance, a tri-fold presentation folder has three panels, offering three distinct ways to separate your contracts. This makes it easier for clients to follow along during meetings and allows them to quickly reference specific information later. The folder acts as a roadmap, guiding the reader through the material in a logical sequence.

Naturally, when dealing with sensitive financial data, security is vital. Use folders with extra features like belly bands, which hold documents in place while acting as a deterrent to someone simply opening the folder and scanning your contents—it won’t stop anyone, but the added security feature communicates your folder holds sensitive information.

Generate Client Interaction and Engagement

In the past, you’d have included your website URL on a business card hoping—at some point—for a return. While this direction fails in both its ambitions—as a traffic producer and time saver—QR codes and like-minded CTAs offer faster and better ways for customers to interact with your presentation folder.

It’s not certain that clients will engage with your brand after your business items have been wrapped up, so consider diversifying the types of CTAs within the folder to encourage specific actions while allowing you to digitally monitor your brand.

For instance, include a small panel with a QR code linked to a video message from a financial advisor welcoming new clients and guiding them through the next steps. Another call to action could be an insert directing clients to join a financial literacy webinar or a community event hosted by the firm. This approach adds another touchpoint to your brand, encouraging multiple ways for clients to interact with the brand.

Experiment with Custom Folder Features

In finance, where information can often be dry and data-driven, you want clients to forget for a moment that they’re reading a 14-page insurance policy—but rather a narrative of their financial journey to come. Using unique design elements can make figures pop and stat lines tell stories.

There are many available presentation folder styles, so choosing the right one means considering special formats, such as gatefold or tri-fold. Both tout creative display features with covers that open like gates or bifold closets, alluding to a rich tapestry of metaphors that ‘open doors’ conjure in us. These design choices capture attention and create a narrative, allowing you to tell a story about your financial services or the specific solutions you offer—with imagery, not just numbers.

Imagine one way: a financial advisor might give clients a folder that not only organizes documents but features a motivational quote about financial growth on the inside cover. It’s a small touch, but the kind of thing that sticks in clients’ minds, making the interaction more personal. It’s about creating a sensory experience that makes recipients take a moment to appreciate the materials—and by extension, your business.

Treat as a Cost-Effective Marketing Tool

Unlike digital marketing campaigns or recurring print ads, a well-crafted presentation folder can serve its purpose multiple times. By distributing these folders at meetings, conferences, or financial events, you make a one-time investment that pays off over numerous interactions, whether those dividends are a boost in website engagements or new clients. 

Customization doesn’t have to break the bank, either. Options range from simple printed designs to more elaborate folders with premium finishes. You can adjust the level of customization based on your budget while still achieving a professional look that resonates with your audience. Even on a smaller budget, using eye-catching colors or incorporating key branding elements will help make the most out of your presentation folders. 

Presentation folders may seem hardly worth the effort, but think of them as an investment in customer experience—one that’s worth it when it helps your sea of paperwork look more approachable. In the world of finance, it’s often the little things that count.