How to Design a Prospectus
A prospectus describes the main attributes or features of a proposed work or project. Used as a marketing tool, the prospectus draws subscriptions or support for a project. The circulation of the prospectus into the public or private sector makes potential supporters aware of the project, product or topic and its benefits. Financial institutions use the prospectus to inform the public of a particular product's (stocks, 401Ks, credit cards, loans, CD's) performance. An inventor may create a prospectus to gain financial support for the production of a product.
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Things You'll Need
- Paper and pencil
- Computer and graphics or publishing software
- Access to detailed information about the project
Instructions
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1
Decide what the prospectus is for (to describe a proposed project, to outline the benefits of a product or financial tool) and the audience it needs to be directed toward.
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2
Outline the main topics (headings) to be addressed within the prospectus. For example, a prospectus for an art competition will need to address the purpose or reason for the competition, eligibility of the artwork and artist (size and medium of the work, the age, training, and geographical location of the artists), entry fee, procedure for entering, calendar of deadline dates, shipping directions, awards/sales offered to accepted entrants, selection process, other topics of interest to the prospective entrant (name of jurors, venue for the showcasing of the selected works, catalog details).
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3
Collect the pertinent information and fill in the chosen headings of the prospectus.
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4
Choose a style in which to present the information. For example, a research prospectus will differ from a financial product prospectus although both are created with the intention of garnering support and revenue. Both will use active voice, both will outline the history of the product or research. However, each will be speaking to a different type of audience with different types of needs and pre-existing knowledge.
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Place the prospectus information in the appropriate format for printing, sending, handing out or mailing. This may require the work of a graphic designer, a legal perspective and marketing expertise.
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Tips & Warnings
Use a previously created prospectus as a guideline. Choose one that was created for a similar reason, i.e. a financial product prospectus for a new financial product.
