Creating Leave-Behind Materials That Keep You in the Room After the Meeting
- AP Creative Solutions
- Jul 21
- 3 min read
You nailed the meeting. The pitch was solid, the rapport was great, and you answered all their questions with confidence. Now what?
This is where leave-behind materials come in.
A strategic leave-behind does more than say “thank you.” It reinforces your message, demonstrates professionalism, and keeps your brand top-of-mind long after the meeting ends. For consultants, realtors, and small firms, it’s an essential part of your client acquisition strategy.
Let’s explore how to create leave-behind materials that actually do their job—helping you close more deals and grow your brand.
What Are Leave-Behind Materials?
Leave-behind materials are the printed or digital documents you provide after a sales call, discovery meeting, or presentation.
They’re designed to:
Reinforce your value
Recap the conversation or offering
Provide a next step
Remind the decision-maker of your professionalism
These materials "stay in the room" when you can't.
Why Leave-Behinds Matter
People forget. And they’re distracted—especially decision-makers who are evaluating multiple vendors or proposals.
Leave-behinds:
Serve as a visual reminder of your meeting and brand
Help your champion advocate for you internally
Make you look more prepared and professional than competitors
They also act as silent salespeople—representing your value even when you're not there to explain it.
Types of Leave-Behind Materials (and When to Use Them)
Not all leave-behinds are created equal. Choose the right type based on the stage of the relationship and format of the meeting.
1. Service One-Pager
Perfect for: Intro calls, networking, or early-stage discussionsHighlights your offerings, differentiators, and contact info in a clear, skimmable format.
2. Capability Statement
Perfect for: Consultants in govcon, B2B, or proposal environmentsSummarizes qualifications, past performance, and company info in a single page.
3. Mini Slide Deck or Proposal Summary
Perfect for: Pitch or discovery meetingsProvides a brief recap of your offering, approach, and pricing. Can be printed or shared digitally.
4. Branded Folder with Inserts
Perfect for: In-person meetings or conference follow-upsIncludes a business card, brochures, proposal sheets, and service menu in a cohesive, polished package.
5. Personalized Note or Thank-You Card
Perfect for: Building trustPaired with a one-pager or brochure, this human touch sets you apart.
Design Elements That Make a Difference
Leave-behinds aren’t just about what you say—they’re about how you present it.
Use:
Your brand colors, logo, and fonts throughout
High-quality paper or print finish for physical items
Clear, spacious layout with visual hierarchy
Icons or visuals to reinforce your message
Quotes or testimonials to build credibility
✅ Pro Tip: Include a QR code linking to your digital portfolio or calendar so recipients can take the next step instantly.
Make It Easy to Say Yes
Great leave-behinds include a call to action. Don’t leave them guessing what to do next.
Examples:
“Let’s schedule a strategy session this week”
“Visit [your website] to view our latest work”
“Scan here to download our full proposal deck”
Clear CTAs improve follow-through—and help your materials drive action, not just impressions.
Digital vs. Print: What Works Best?
Both have their place.
Consider:
Print for in-person meetings, trade shows, and tangible impact
Digital PDFs for email follow-ups, hybrid meetings, or pre/post-webinar resources
When possible, prepare both—branded and optimized for their formats.
How to Package It All
Presentation matters.
Here’s how to deliver your leave-behinds:
In a branded folder with your logo on the cover
As a follow-up email with a brief, personalized message and attached materials
As part of a “Thank You” kit that includes swag, a handwritten card, and a service one-pager
Bringing order and polish to your materials shows you’re organized and reliable.
Final Thoughts
Leave-behind materials aren’t just marketing fluff. When done right, they’re an extension of your value—and they help you stay visible, professional, and remembered in the moments that matter most.
At AP Creative Solutions, we specialize in crafting branded leave-behind packages that make your brand feel buttoned-up, consistent, and confident. From capability statements to full folders, we help consultants and growing businesses stand out after the meeting ends.
Need better leave-behind materials?
We design capability statements, one-pagers, and full branded folders that make your follow-up work as hard as your pitch.
