How to create a flyer - designing an effective leaflet
Leaflets and flyers can be one of the most effective forms of business marketing. The success of your leaflet campaign will depend primarily on the design of your leaflet.
A successful leaflet must grab your potential customer's attention, create interest in what you are selling/offering and finally induce action.
Your leaflet needs to be professional.
Graphic design professionals exist for a reason - professional leaflets make a difference. A professional leaflet design will show you take yourself and your company seriously as well as showing you have invested some money to properly promote your products and services. A professionally designed leaflet generates consumer confidence in your company, your products and your abilities. A professional graphic designer will ask questions about your company and your intended target audience. He/she will know how to make your leaflet appeal to your target audience which will help make your leaflet campaign a success.
Avoid blocks of text.
Research has shown people are put off by large blocks of text. Use short sentences or bullet points to get straight to the key points. If you have to include a large amount of text try to break it up; use headings, subheadings, graphics or coloured text or boxes to avoid the leaflet looking like an essay.
Use 'Power Words'.
Certain words are known for attracting people's attention. They include - free, bargain, bonus, discover, earn, easy, enjoy, exciting, exclusive, extra, fast, learn, money, mystery, new, profit, save, special, win. Use them.
Use imagery.
Creative imagery captures attention and creates interest in your leaflet. It also makes leaflets memorable. I once ran a promotion with talking bananas on it, we kept receiving calls from people saying they had seen our banana leaflet. They remembered it because, well,.. it featured talking bananas! Creative, clever, funny and visually appealing leaflets also often get passed on to others.
The other important thing to remember is 'pictures sell'. If your leaflet features photos of your products make sure they are clear, well lit and look professional. Even on ebay i will buy products that have well lit clear pictures over products that have dull gloomy photos, even if the clear lit photo products are more expensive. The clear, well presented picture makes me think the product is better quality and in better condition. It also helps me feel like I am getting the most for my money. All customers want to see what they are getting for their hard earned money so make sure you show your products off to their full potential.
Blank spaces are your friend.
You don't need to fill the whole leaflet with text or images. Sometimes less is more. Blank spaces make the leaflet appear easier on the eye which makes it easier for people to read.
Include a 'Call to Action.
Tell potential customers what to do next, but not in a passive way. "for more information, call us on..." is a passive call to action. It doesn't motivate. Instead, try one of the following:
- • Buy before (date) and receive a mystery gift (or a free gift).
- • Book now and get 20% off. Offer ends (date).
- • Buy now! 10% off for the first 100 customers.
- • SPECIAL OFFER - Call today and receive (insert offer).
