How to design the perfect flyer

The term flyer dates back to 15^th century as U.S. slang which originally referred to police bulletins, which were generally small handbills or flysheets, specifically printed to be scatter broadcasted. Designing the perfect flyer requires careful consideration of various elements, including its size, typeface, layout, print colours, paper quality, marketing message, and other important tips. Here’s our quick guide to help you create an effective and visually appealing flyer…

• Define your purpose and target audience. Before you start designing, clearly understand the purpose of your flyer and identify your target audience. This will help you tailor the design and message accordingly.
• Choose an appropriate size. The size of your flyer will depend on its intended distribution method. Common sizes include 8.5″ x 11″ (A4 letter size), 5.5″ x 8.5″ (A5 half letter size), or 4″ x 6″ (A6 postcard size). Consider the portability and readability when selecting the size.
• Select a suitable typeface. Choose a legible typeface that aligns with your brand and message. Stick to one or two fonts to maintain consistency. Use a larger font size for headings and subheadings to grab attention, and a slightly smaller size for the body text for easy reading.
• Plan an effective layout. Organise the content in a logical manner to guide the reader’s eye. Start with a captivating headline that clearly communicates your message. Use subheadings, bullet points, and short paragraphs to make the information easy to scan. Leave enough white space to avoid clutter.
• Utilise appropriate colours. Select a palette that complements your brand and evokes the desired emotions. Use colours strategically to highlight important information and create visual hierarchy. Ensure good contrast between the text and background for readability.
• Opt for high-quality imagery. Include relevant and visually appealing images or illustrations that support your message. Ensure they are high-resolution and properly scaled to maintain clarity. Avoid overcrowding with too many images.
• Consider paper quality. The thickness of the paper or card you choose can affect the perceived value of your flyer. Opt for a paper weight that feels substantial but is still easy to distribute. Matte or glossy finishes can add a professional touch.
• Craft a compelling marketing message. Clearly communicate the key benefits or value proposition of your product, service, or event. Use persuasive language and concise sentences. Include a strong call-to-action that prompts the reader to take the desired action.
• Use high-resolution logos and branding. Ensure your logo and branding elements are clear and visually appealing. Place them prominently on the flyer to reinforce brand recognition.
• Proofread and review. Before printing, proofread your flyer multiple times to eliminate any errors or typos. Ensure all the contact information and details are accurate. Ask others to review the design to get feedback and suggestions.
• Consider distribution channels. Tailor your design to the distribution channels you plan to use. For example, if you’re mailing the flyers, leave space for the address and postage. If distributing digitally, optimise the design for online platforms. For hand distribution in shopping centres choose nice paper that will not result in painful papercuts, and if the flyers are being hand-delivered door-to-door make sure they’re tough enough to withstand being rolled or folded to get them through various size letterboxes. If your flyers will be self-selected from a counter-dispenser choose paper that will stand up and not curl.
• Test and iterate. Once your flyers are printed or distributed, evaluate its effectiveness. Monitor response rates or engagement levels to gauge its impact. Use the data to refine future designs.

Remember, the perfect flyer depends on your specific goals and audience. Experiment, be creative, and refine your design based on feedback and results to create effective and impactful marketing collateral. Our creative team at Printingprogress love creating flyers for a range of requirements and offer a full marketing and graphic design service to help our clients nail their campaigns. Give us a call on 0800 999 1094 or send us an email at info@printingprogress.co.uk to find out more.