THE SHORT ANSWER
Choose a PDF when the recipient needs a file to download, print or attach to a submission. Consider an interactive profile when you want a responsive web link with easier central updates and agreed interactions. Sage’s PDF design is Ksh 749 per page; an interactive profile starts at Ksh 9,999 for up to five sections. You may need both.
Compare how the reader will use it
| Question | PDF profile | Interactive profile |
|---|---|---|
| How is it shared? | An attachment or a download link | A hosted URL |
| Can it be read offline? | After downloading, with a compatible reader | Usually needs a connection unless offline support is built |
| How are updates distributed? | Send a new file or replace the download | Update the hosted version |
| What about print or submissions? | Often practical when a file is requested | A URL may not meet a file-submission requirement |
| What can be measured? | Basic file sharing does not reliably show reading | Agreed visit and click analytics can show aggregate use |
Do not make the choice on appearance alone. A procurement portal requesting a PDF may not accept a profile URL. A sales contact opening a link on a phone may value a layout designed for that screen more than a print-style spread.
Use the same evidence, adapt the reading experience
Both formats need a clear account of the company, its services, relevant experience and contact route. Keep the claims consistent. A shorter online section should not introduce achievements that are absent from the approved source material.
An interactive layout can let a reader jump to the service they need, open a project or contact the team. A PDF can provide a fixed sequence that reads consistently when downloaded. Each needs its own navigation and readability checks.
For either format, review what is appropriate to publish. Keep confidential records outside the public profile. Agree who approves factual changes when a project, team member or service is added.
Analytics does not automatically tell you who read it
A visit count is not the same as proof that a particular prospect read every section. Someone can forward a link, use a shared device or decline optional tracking. Do not turn anonymous activity into a named customer claim without a valid basis.
Sage’s interactive starting scope includes privacy-friendly visit and click analytics setup. The tool, information collected, access and any consent requirements need to fit the agreed implementation. A private recipient portal or identity-based tracking is a different request.
Use the information proportionately. If visitors repeatedly choose one service or the contact link, that can guide a later content review. It does not prove what they thought or why they did not enquire.
Budget for the format and its ongoing ownership
The interactive starting package is Ksh 9,999 for up to five sections, with extra sections priced through the estimate. A PDF is priced per page, including covers. A web section and a PDF page are different units, so comparing the two totals without a scope is misleading.
Agree hosting arrangements, domain or subdomain, future updates and handover before launch. Ask whether the profile sits on your main website or needs its own hosting arrangement. The first quotation should make those responsibilities clear.
Do not assume that every recurring-care term for a full website automatically applies to an interactive profile. Confirm the particular package in writing.
A practical way to decide
List the next three ways you expect to use the profile. If they all require a file, start with a PDF. If they mainly involve sending people a link and updating content often, consider the interactive version. If both uses matter, plan them together from one approved content source.
Tell the designer which format must be ready first. That keeps the project focused while leaving room for your communications to grow with the business.
A few more questions
Can I send a PDF and a website link together?
Yes. Use a brief message explaining what each contains. Make sure the two versions share current facts and contact details.
Will an interactive profile replace a full business website?
It can serve a focused introduction, but a wider website may need service pages, search content or functionality outside the profile scope.
WORK WITH SOMEONE WHO KNOWS YOUR BUSINESS
Talk through your project.
Start with what you need. Your estimate is free, and we agree the scope, final price and delivery date before work begins.