How to Make a Simple Flyer That Actually Gets People to Pay Attention
Let’s talk about flyers. Yep, those old-school pieces of paper we used to find taped to telephone poles or tucked under our windshield wipers. They’re still around for a reason: they work. And the best part? You don’t need fancy design software or marketing degrees to make one that grabs attention and actually gets results.
I’ve used flyers for clients launching events, local promotions, and even just to drive traffic to a new website, and they’re one of the fastest tools you can use to make an impact locally.
In Today’s Article:
Why flyers still work in a digital world
How to make one (quickly) with free tools
A few design and writing tricks I swear by
One common mistake I see way too often
1. Why Flyers Still Work
Flyers are great because they’re direct, visual, and you can literally put them in people’s hands. Whether you’re promoting a pop-up event, a grand opening, or just want to spread the word about your service, flyers help you show up where your audience already is: coffee shops, community boards, grocery store entrances, schools.
A good flyer doesn’t try to say everything. It focuses on one thing: a clear offer or message and a call to action.
2. Step-by-Step: How I Build a Flyer
Step 1: Get clear on what you’re trying to do.
Are you getting people to an event? Getting them to call? Visit your site? Pick one goal. Simplicity wins.
Step 2: Write a headline that actually pops.
This is the first thing people see. Make it bold and benefit-driven. Like:
“Free Kids Art Day – This Saturday!”
“Need New Tires? Get $100 Off This Week Only”
“Now Booking Fall Family Photos – Limited Spots!”
Step 3: Tell them what to do next.
This is your call to action: Visit your site, scan a QR code, book online, stop by, call. Whatever the next step is, make it super obvious.
Step 4: Design it without overthinking it.
I like Canva. It’s free, fast, and has templates that don’t look like they were made in 1999. Keep it clean. Use your brand colors. One or two fonts max. Don’t clutter it.
Step 5: Save it and print it.
Either send it to your printer, take it to Staples, or save it as a PDF for email or social media.
3. Quick Tips from Me
Use high-contrast colors (like dark text on a light background) so it’s easy to read.
Don’t overload it. White space is your friend!!!!
If you can, add a testimonial or even a photo of a happy customer/client.
QR codes are magic. Link it to your booking form or Instagram page for quick engagement.
4. What NOT to Do
Please don’t make it a mini résumé about your business. I see this all the time:
“We’ve been in business for 15 years, serving the community with excellence…”
Cool, but people care about what’s in it for them. Lead with the offer. Lead with the benefit. Talk to them.
Try It This Week
Seriously. Pick one thing to promote and make a flyer. Tape it up at your kid’s school, your favorite bagel shop, hand it out at a local event, or post it on your social feed. You’ll be surprised how far one good flyer can go when it’s done with intention.
Let me know how it goes. I’d love to see what you make!