10 Easy Ways to Make Your Flyer Stand Out in the Crowd
FLYERS ARE STILL an inexpensive and highly effective way to grab attention in a very busy marketplace. Just check how much junk mail you still get and you’ll see how true this is.
How do you make your flyer stand out in the crowd? Here are some techniques that professional designers use to make flyers “pop.”
1. Write a snappy headline or title
Make it memorable, unusual or provocative using a few carefully chosen powerful words. Popular titles contain one or more of these words: Easy, The Secrets to, Unlock, Finally, Insider, Time Sensitive, How to, Free Bonuses, Now You Can, Discover, Proven.
2. Use colourful or striking graphics
One large image will have more impact than many smaller images. A stunning photo or illustration grabs attention, creates a mood, and supports your story. This image is your “focal point” and will draw your readers in. You can purchase inexpensive but quality stock photos on the Internet. Download individual photos or purchase a CD with hundreds of images.
3. Focus on the benefits of your product or service
Your prospects will ask the question, “What’s in it for me?” Write from the their perspective using the words “you” and “your.” Avoid using the following words: we, us, I and our. Be sure to keep your text short and to the point. Some of the most powerful words to use are: free, save, love, new, results, and guarantee. Break up long paragraphs with bullet points and place them in a separate box.
4. Use compelling testimonials and case studies
Nothing strikes a chord like an endorsement from a happy customer, especially if it demonstrates the results they’ve had with your product or service. Be sure to include the first and last name, company name and location of the person providing the endorsement.
5. Organise your page with boxes, borders and areas of contrasting colors
You don’t need to fill your flyer with wall-to-wall text and graphics. Incorporate some white space to make certain elements stand out and to make the flyer easy to read.
6. Make your points easily identifiable
Highlight titles and subtitles in bold, but avoid using ALL CAPS because they are more difficult to read.
7. Don’t get too complicated
Make it simple with two typefaces, and align items to a grid. Your page layout program will provide non-printing guidelines. Use the “snap to guidelines” function to align items easily to the grid. Be aware of printing margins. I suggest you create your layout with 12mm margins on all sides, or add 3mm for bleeds on items that print off the edge of the page.
8. Don’t forget to proofread
Have someone else proofread your work. Check your contact information. Dial the phone numbers on the flyer to make sure they are correct, and type in the URL of your website to make sure it is correct, too.
9. If you are on a tight budget, try this
Select bright-coloured or unique paper, and print with black ink. Use shades of grey to provide tones and contrasting background areas.
10. Offer a discount or special limited-time price
Design a coupon on the bottom quarter of the flyer. Be sure to clearly state the deadlines and limitations of the offer. If it is a mail-in coupon, be sure to include the payment specifications with areas for filling out credit card information, mailing address, etc.
You don’t need to re-invent the wheel when creating your flyer. Use these proven techniques and you will see big results in your marketing efforts.
Until next time… Onwards and Upwards!
John
If you have any questions about making the best of your next flyer, give John a call 0414 955 743 – advice is totally free of charge.