How to make a flyer: Sizes and elements

Flyers are a cost-effective solution to promote anything and everything! To many of us, they are a nuisance, stuffed into your letterbox or used as box stuffers, and don’t get us started on nightclub promoters. Joking aside, they fit the argument that marketing is a numbers game, and the more you distribute, the more attention your promotion or advertisement will get. A well-designed flyer will captivate your target audience’s attention and make them interested in what you have to offer. However, creating a flyer that stands out is an intricate skill that requires planning, creativity, and knowledge of the essential elements.

Even if a portion of readers take the bait, the flyer will have proved cost-effective. So, what makes a successful flyer campaign? In this article, we can break it down into bite-sized chunks. As with anything in this world, it is best to start from the ground up.

What is a flyer?

When it comes to getting the word out, nothing quite packs the same punch as a well-crafted flyer. But what exactly is a flyer? At its core, a flyer is simply a printed piece of paper or cardstock used to promote an event, service, or product. Yet, in the hands of a skilled marketer, a flyer can become a powerful tool for driving engagement and boosting sales. Whether it’s highlighting a limited-time offer, inviting customers to a grand opening, or simply raising awareness about a brand, a flyer has the potential to captivate, charm, and inspire.

With the right design and messaging, a flyer can cut through the noise and leave a lasting impression on the reader. In today’s fast-paced world, flyers remain a tried-and-tested method for getting your message heard. So why not take advantage of this powerful promotional tool and create a flyer that truly stands out amongst competitors?

Flyer dimensions

The first step in making a flyer is determining the size. The size depends on the purpose of the flyer, the distribution method, and the amount of information you want to convey. Here are the most common flyer sizes and their popular uses.

A6 Flyer (105mm x 148mm) – Ideal for street marketing campaigns, such as handing out flyers on the streets or leaving them at cafes, restaurants, or bars.

A5 (148mm x 210mm) – Ideal for event promotion, product launch, or service offerings. The size is perfect for mail drops, inserting in magazines, or leaving at events on the registration table.

A4 (210mm x 297mm) – Ideal for presentations, product or service offerings with extensive information that requires more space. The size is perfect for trade shows, fairs, posting at store windows, and general display.

Elements to make a flyer design

The essential elements of a flyer include a compelling headline, background, high-quality imagery, a clear value proposition, and a call to action. Here’s a closer look at each element.

Background

The flyers background is the first thing people will see popping into existence, perhaps with a splash of vibrant colors, hypnotizing patterns, artistic compositions, or even a photo collage. A well-designed flyer would use the background to its advantage, binding all the information together like a well-orchestrated symphony of visual representation. The impact is important but not as important as the message itself, which leads us to the Headline!

Headline

The background has caught the attention. Now, it’s time for a headline to pull the reader in. A statement, a name, or an action will do just fine using big, bold, one-punch typography, using as few words as possible. People won’t give you the time of day unless you win them over. It’s imperative to choose your headline font with confidence, considering the product or service you wish to promote. Search fonts here.

Imagery

The impact of high-quality and relevant imagery is unparalleled, playing a pivotal role in conveying the essence of the brand or event and ensuring resonance with the target audience. Opt for photos that not only epitomize the brand but also possess a familiarity that bonds with the intended viewers. A well-chosen image speaks volumes, capturing attention and fostering a connection that speaks on a more human level.

Value Proposition

Effectively communicating the purpose of your flyer is paramount to engaging your audience. Clearly articulate the benefits awaiting them, whether it’s exclusive discounts, special offers, or enticing freebies. By conveying the tangible advantages, you create an immediate connection with your target audience, sparking their interest and motivating them to delve deeper into the flyer’s content. This strategic approach not only informs but also entices, ensuring that your audience recognizes the value and relevance tailored specifically for them.

Call To Action

Once you’ve captivated your target audience and communicated the compelling value proposition, the next pivotal step is incorporating a clear and concise call to action within your flyer. Provide accessible contact details such as a website link, phone number, or email address, guiding your audience seamlessly toward the desired response.

• Phone number
• Email address
• Social media platforms
• QR code

Strategy for a great flyer

Designing an engaging and professional-looking flyer can be a daunting task, but it’s essential to stand out from the competition. Here are some tips to help you get started.

1. Define your objective and target audience

The first step in creating a successful flyer is to have a clear objective and identify your target audience. Ask yourself what you want to achieve with the flyer and who your target customers are. By doing this, it becomes easier to tailor your design to resonate with your audience and grab their attention. For example, if your product or service targets youths, you’ll need to use an informal tone, bright colors, and trendy designs to draw their attention.

2. Keep it simple and easy to understand

A common mistake in flyer design is to overcomplicate things with excessive information and designs. To get the job done, keep it simple. Use short sentences, bullet points, and minimal text. The most effective flyers should communicate a clear and concise message within six seconds, so make every second count. Don’t forget to ensure that your font size and typeface choices make the text legible, even from a distance.

3. Use high-quality images and graphics

Humans are visual creatures. Our brains process images 60,000 times faster than text. Therefore, use high-quality graphics, images, and photos that resonate with your message and target audience. There are countless stock images and vector assets available in Freepik’s resource library and many of them are free! If you’re showcasing a product, take professional photos with high-quality resolution. Ensure that your designs are cohesive with your brand colors, fonts, and message.

4. Ensure readability and print quality

Your flyer won’t serve its purpose if it’s not printed correctly. Ensure that your flyer design looks good and prints well. Work with a professional or use high-quality printers, papers, and ink to avoid getting blurry or pixelated images. Also, ensure that your flyer size, layout, and design make it easy to read and understand.

5. Use a call to action

Your flyer should lead your audience to take action. Include a call to action (CTA) that encourages your customers to take the next step. Your CTA may ask them to visit your website, call a specific telephone number, or visit your shop. Use urgency techniques and powerful verbs like “Buy Now,” “Limited Offer,” and “Hurry!” to encourage your audience to take immediate action.

Check out this stunning tutorial video breaking the flyer design process down into a visual masterpiece!

Designing a flyer takes time and skill, a luxury that the majority of people simply don’t have. Using professionally designed flyer templates is a fantastic opportunity for anyone to generate equally effective flyer campaigns quickly and efficiently. You can swap images, edit text, and change colors with ease, meaning you can focus on other important tasks. Further still, they offer countless inspirational ideas thanks to the thousands of tried and tested designs that are on display.

One other worthy mention is the benefits of using Google Slides to create aesthetically pleasing flyer designs. Want to know how it’s done? Take a look at this special guide from Slides Go, explaining in great detail How to make a flyer with Google Slides.

How to print a flyer

Once happy with your flyer design, it’s time to think about making it a reality. There are a few things to think about when it comes to the production process. What you should consider:

• Quantity
• Method
• Cost

The quantity will very much depend on the intended size of your audience and the distribution method. Perhaps they will be distributed door to door or handed out in the street. This is where logistics come into play. How much can you handle?

The method of production can be dealt with in two ways. There is the online way, which will be hassle-free and very cost-effective. However, you may lack the personal service a printer specialist may offer. It could be you are after a certain paper grade or a more specialist method of printing, like embossing or debossing. Here are some helpful examples:

• Gloss – A very shiny finish
• Semi-Gloss – Less shine
• Satin – A hint of shine
• Matte – Non-reflective (perfect for outdoor use)
• Embossing – Raising design elements
• Debossing – Pressing in

When it comes to cost, the more you make, the cheaper each item tends to be. This is why flyers per unit are extremely cheap. But it’s only you, the project manager, that can weigh up the pros and cons in making the right decision for your flyer campaign!

Best flyer ideas

It’s all well and good knowing how to construct a great flyer, but applying background research and gaining some valuable inspiration can be just as important. Check out these stunning flyer ideas that will encourage your own creativity.

Party flyers

Transform any gathering into a vibrant celebration with these dynamic event and party flyers. Captivating designs that radiate energy, ensuring your party stands out. Infuse excitement into your invitations and set the tone for an unforgettable experience.

Real estate flyer

Elevate property promotions effortlessly with these sleek real estate flyers. Each design is a visual masterpiece, showcasing homes with precision and style. Captivate potential buyers and make a lasting impression that lingers in their minds.

Flyers for business

Ignite business success with these dynamic business flyers. Crafted to impress, each design strategically communicates your brand’s essence. Elevate marketing efforts with captivating visuals that leave a lasting impact on clients and competitors alike. Want to create your own? Check out this in-depth guide into how to make a business flyer.

Advertising flyers

Maximize visibility with these advertising flyers, innovative designs that command attention. Strategically crafted to amplify brand messaging, these flyers ensure a compelling presence in the competitive market. Elevate promotional efforts and captivate the target audience effortlessly.

Creating an effective flyer requires planning, creativity, and attention to detail. By understanding the different flyer sizes and essential elements and implementing the tips discussed, you can create a captivating and memorable flyer that stands out. Remember to keep it simple, use high-quality imagery, choose the right font, and always include a clear call to action. Happy designing!