Whether they're dropped in a mailbox or tacked to a bulletin board, the everyday flyer is the perfect way to advertise upcoming special events or the latest big news. If you're having a sale, throwing a party, organizing a fundraiser, promoting a product or service, or just looking for a lost dog, a well-designed flyer will catch the eye and spread the word.
Great-looking flyers used to mean a trip to a printer and a laborious layout process -- otherwise, you'd have to make do with a fistful of magic markers or plain, boring text. Luckily, new technologies mean that anyone with a home computer and an inkjet printer or All-in-One can now get stunning results with just a few clicks of the mouse.
This means you're always prepared whenever the need arises. Last-minute ideas can easily be given that extra professional touch that makes a lasting impression. All you need is a little creativity -- technology takes care of the rest.
Regardless of subject matter, a good flyer depends on several key elements. Whether you're designing from scratch or using one of HP's innovative templates, pay close attention to the four important elements that make up a good flyer: the hook, the facts, the design, and the stock.
The hook is your headline. It should invite readers to take a minute and read the rest of your flyer. Keep it short! You want to be able to print the headline in the largest possible font allowed. This catches the eye from a distance and generates more interest.
Bad hooks include "We are selling lots of clothes and furniture this weekend" or "Looking for our dog that ran away on Friday." Good hooks include "The One Sale You Can't Afford to Miss" and "Peaches Please Come Home!" The hook can be funny or clever, as long as it makes sense and drives your point home to the reader.
Before starting, make sure you have all relevant details and information. It's a good idea to prepare your text in a word processor like Microsoft Word so you can take advantage of its ability to check your spelling and grammar. But none of these tools are a substitute for a good set of eyes, so always somebody else review your flyer before distributing it.
Make sure all of the particulars are covered: who, what, when, where, and why. Include contact information (name, phone number, e-mail address, and URL) for people to get more information as needed. Incorrect information will make your flyer nearly useless, even if it is stylish and well-designed.
Try to use at least once photo or illustration. This is especially true if you're working in full color. If you don't have a photo, try finding a copyright-free image online. Images help break up large amounts of text as well as reinforcing your theme. Clip art can also be used to add a little excitement.
Tip: The Microsoft Office Clip Art and Media page offers a wide range of free stock photos and clip art. You can access this clip art library within a Word document by clicking Insert > Picture > Clip Art.
If you're working in full color, try to coordinate the color of your photos, text, and background. This will prevent the flyer from getting too crowded or confusing, which lessens its effectiveness. If your business or organization uses color in its logo, you can incorporate those as well.
Pay attention to contrast. Don't be afraid to use a little blank space, as the example below illustrates. This can help create contrast and makes it easier for the eye to digest all of your important information. You can also use different fonts, colors, and styles to help create contrast between different blocks of text.
Once your flyer is designed, it's time to print. The paper you choose will make a big difference in the final result. Choosing a high-quality paper like HP Brochure and Flyer paper will complement your design skills and your color choices -- your colors stay bright and your message stays visible. To see HP's full selection of quality papers, be sure to explore our paper store .
If you are using a colored paper, make sure you coordinate that color with the flyer's other design elements (photo, text, and illustrations. Lighter colors may work better with color designs, although a bright-colored background contrasted with strong black text also works well.
As you create your flyer, feel free to experiment with colors, text, images, and effects. A little bit of patient planning (and a dash of creativity) can help your flyer stand out and get the attention it deserves.
To help get you started, HP has created a family of innovative (and free) Adobe PDF templates. They are full color, customizable, and extremely easy to use. Just plug in your own text and images, then print and distribute!
The HP Activity Center has a wide range of creative printing projects. The selection is always being updated, so check back frequently for new ideas.
If you're throwing a party, check the Party kits and decorations section to explore the selection of signs, flyers, and other party printables.
The Microsoft.com site also offers free flyer templates in its Templates section. Go to the Ads, Flyers, and Posters page to find Microsoft Word and Microsoft Publisher templates for various personal and business needs.
A colorful, well-designed flyer makes sure that your message is seen and understood. And HP makes this easier than ever by combining your great ideas, their innovative templates, and reliable HP printers, inks, and specialty papers. You get superb-looking flyers whenever you need them -- without ever leaving home.
Printable version
