Crafting an Effective and Engaging Fact Sheet

If you’re unsure what a fact sheet is, let’s break it down. A fact sheet is a document that provides basic information about your small business. It describes a product or service you offer—or even your entire business—in a clear and organized manner.

Fact sheets are informative tools typically used for publicity. You’ll often find them in a press kit, accompanying a press release, or even in place of a brochure. The main objective is to make it easier for someone to write about your business in a newsworthy way.

Fact sheets are straightforward. They are usually one or two pages long and offer essential information about your business. Most fact sheets share common features:

Generally, your fact sheet should match the format of your other business documents. Consistency in logos, headers, and fonts is key.

You have flexibility in how you present the information. Some fact sheets use a Q&A format similar to a website FAQ. Others might provide a chronological history or background information, starting with general details and moving to more specific ones.

Many fact sheets are designed in two columns and use sub-headings to make the information easy to skim. Bullets and numbered lists help organize the content effectively.

Looking for inspiration for your fact sheet? Consider a few non-business examples that highlight the importance of providing quality information. For instance, the Kaiser Family Foundation fact sheet on Medicare Advantage is a two-page document that includes contact info in the footer and uses graphs with source details to present additional information to the reader.