Flyer distribution might seem something of an old fashioned manner of communicating with prospective customers. But in reality, this method of getting a message to people is still a viable option. This article goes into what is entailed in organising flyer distribution, and what kind of businesses use it.

It is of course simply printed matter, so it is not just a case of giving out leaflets with some text on them. Effective flyer distribution requires some serious thought in terms of graphic design, copywriting and general tone of the message. Once the leaflet is in front of the prospective customer, you only have a few seconds to grab their attention, before your flyer is gingerly placed in the ‘paper’ recycle bag.

But how do you get the attention of your customer’s difficult-to-locate wallet? Well, you may well turn to the services provided by an advertising agency. There are many of these, and they are all likely to have web presence. If you want to save money you can write the message yourself - but as said before, you need to ensure that it grabs the reader’s attention.

When developing your flyer distribution campaign, it might well be worth coming up with a special offer, so that there is some compelling reason for looking over the flyer. An attractive image is always good - although full colour copying might cost a little more. But if you’re selling pizzas, for example, you really need to make sure you have a glossy colour photo of your most mouth watering pizza.

If you’re promoting a pub or club with your flyer distribution program, it might be a good idea to target young males with a glossy image of an attractive female model. Sex appeal is an age old method of advertising, and it is arguably as effective today as it always has been. Similarly, your flyer distribution campaign might be targeting young females for a club experience - nowadays also prolific drinkers - so an attractive ideal man type model might be appropriate.

Apart from that, you need an attention grabbing headline for your flyer distribution advertising technique. The more controversial, the better - so that your reader picks up the leaflet and does not put it in the bin.

In summary, flyer distribution seems to play a notable role in advertising, and many people would say that it is more effective than email communications, as it is much easier to filter out spam and marketing emails than it is to put a leaflet in the bin; at least you have a few seconds while the reader decides if your flyer is rubbish or not. So make your headline snappy and your images unforgettable - and you may well be on to a winner!

Thomas Pretty is a marketing executive with many years of experience in direct marketing. Find out more about flyer distribution at http://www.oakwoodstudios.com/

[tags]flyer distribution[/tags]