How to Design a Great Flyer

If you already have a great message, it’s time to think about the way you deliver it. After all, a good presentation is essential to letting others appreciate what you have to say. There are plenty of ways to do that, and we are going to discuss one of the more conservative methods of professional communication: flyers.


Plan ahead
Like with other aspects of successful small business organization, planning is a fundamental. Think about these questions: Who is your audience? What needs are you addressing? What do you want them to do? Write down the answers, if you have the time. Once you finish the first draft of your flyer, your answers to these questions come in handy.

Formulate a clear message
Like an advertising slogan or, if you will, a thesis in an academic paper, the message of your flyer should be clear and concise. Let it stand out graphically, although I recommend making sure that your message does not repeat itself. If you feel like your flyer has to reiterate its main point several times, let it do so surrounded by fresh information every time a repetition has to occur.

Call to action
Don’t let your clear and concise message just stand there and look pretty. Explicitly say what you expect from your audience! After all, the flyer is a way for you to get a reaction to your statement, is it not? Now, you are the one who decides what type of a reaction it will be: should your readers have a quick run to the store for a copy of your latest book? Or maybe they should RSVP to your invitation for a wine-and-cheese evening in honor of your fall collection of coats for midsized pets? Whatever it is that you are looking to get, state it with nice but clear language.

Edit
When you have put down the first draft of your flyer’s text, it helps to go back to your answers to the simple questions you thought about while planning: Who is your audience? What needs are you addressing? What do you want them to do? Reread your flyer. If a section feels out of tune, edit it. Don’t be afraid of being too strict with your draft.

Use a template
Creative visual accompaniment is a nice way to express your professional self while attracting the attention of the right audience. However, if you are like me, you simply do not have the time to figure out the graphics for every flyer that you make. Luckily, MS Word lets us pick from professionally designed templates that you can find in the clip organizer.

Balance text and graphics
Since flyers are normally used on the very initial stages of communication between professionals, text should not occupy more than 30% of flyer surface. Once you succeed in grabbing your target party’s attention and getting them to act the way you want, you will have more opportunities to communicate through text and let the other party know what is on your mind. At this point though, relax and let graphics do the work for you.