| What fits on one sheet and costs pennies to
make? You see them all the time. Flyers are hugely effective, because you can make so many
and distribute them all over the marketplace without having to spend a fortune. But just
so your flyers don't get lost in the shuffle, I'm going to show you 10 techniques that
professional designers use to make flyers "fly":
1. It's all about the headline.
What's in a headline? It's the first thing your prospects
will see, and this will decide if they keep reading or not. So pick something that will
stand out, stick in their mind, and make them want more! Here's a few magic words to start
with: Easy, The Secrets To, Unlock, Finally, Insider, Time Sensitive, How To, Free
Bonuses, Now You Can, Discover, Proven. Just sprinkle these on your next headline and see
how many heads you turn.
2. The eyes have it.
Colorful, striking graphics always make their point. And
one large image will pack more punch than several smaller images. A good graphic creates
the mood and sets the scene for your message. Getting the perfect "focal point"
is easier than ever now with stock photos you can buy on the internet. Get one or a
hundred for whatever you might need.
3. What's in it for me?
That's what your prospects want to know. Stay away from
words like: we, us, I, and our. Take their perspective with words like "you" and
"your". They'll like it when you focus on how your product or service will
benefit them. Show them with words like: free, save, love, new, results, and guarantee.
Make the benefits easy for them to pick out with bullet points and text boxes.
4. Go tell it on the mountain.
A ringing endorsement speaks volumes. When people read how
you have positively affected another customer, they are more likely to give you a try.
Make sure you get a first and last name, company name, and location. Then add that stamp
of approval to your flyer.
5. Less is more.
You don't need to fill every space on your flyer. Break it
up with text boxes, add borders to your key points, and use contrasting colors to add
emphasis. It will make the best parts stand out and be easier to read.
6. STAY AWAY FROM ALL CAPS.
They're hard to read! Instead, use bold type for your
titles and subtitles.
7. Keep it simple.
Your page layout, that is. Your graphics program should
have a "snap to guidelines" function so that you can easily align items to the
grid. And watch those print margins - stick to ½" margins on all sides, or add
1/8" for bleeds on items that print off the edge of the page.
8. Proofread, proofread, and proofread.
Oh, and did I mention to proofread? Have someone else do it
for you - a pair of fresh eyes might uncover something that yours have grown used to. And
did you check that contact information? Dial all the numbers, and type in web addresses to
make sure they're correct.
9. On a tight budget? Try this.
Use brightly colored or unique paper and black ink. Use
shades of gray for tone and contrast to background areas.
10. Who doesn't like a deal?
Design a coupon on the bottom quarter of your flyer. Put a
special offer on it - and don't forget to include any deadlines or limitations. For mail
in offers, make it easy for them to pay you with areas for credit card information,
mailing address, etc.
Try these techniques on you next flyer. I predict FANTASTIC
results!
Copyright © 2007 Karen Saunders |
