How to Design an Impactful Flyer

Whether you’re gearing up to launch a new product, promote an upcoming event or showcase a seasonal offer, flyer printing remains one of the most cost-effective and impactful ways to get the word out.

But when you’ve only got a single sheet of paper and just a few seconds to capture someone’s attention, your flyer design needs to work hard (and fast). In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to create a flyer that makes a real impression. From picking the perfect paper size and format, to nailing your layout and copy, we’ll share expert tips to help you design a flyer that delivers results – and looks great in print too.

Image Credit: Printed.com

Why Flyers Still Work

Even in today’s digital world, physical Leaflets and Flyers continue to play a crucial role in advertising and marketing. Here’s why:

• Tangible and targeted: Flyers are tactile, attention-grabbing and perfect for targeting local audiences.

• Affordable reach: With low unit costs, leaflet printing allows you to reach thousands without blowing your budget.

• Versatile use: From handouts and mailers to counter displays and event promos, business flyers are endlessly adaptable.

Step 1: Define the Purpose of Your Flyer

Before you dive into design, get clear on your flyer’s objective. Are you:

• Promoting a one-off event?

• Launching a sale?

• Driving footfall to a physical store?

• Raising awareness for a cause or business?

Image Credit: Nabi Studio

Having a singular, focused goal ensures your message stays sharp and persuasive. Make your call to action (CTA) crystal clear – For example: “Visit our store,” “Call now,” or “Book online.”

Step 2: Choose the Right Flyer Size

You need to consider how your content and campaign type will influence your format. 

We have a full paper size guide which you can read here, but we’ll explore the most popular flyer sizes:

• A5 flyer printing: Ideal for mail drops, events and handouts. Compact yet spacious enough for imagery and text.

• A4 flyers: Perfect when you need more room for visuals or detailed information, such as menus or multi-offer flyers.

• A3 flyer printing: Go big for window displays, folded handouts or posters.

• Square or DL leaflets: Great for stylish, modern layouts or inserting into envelopes.

Image Credit: Printed.com

Printed.com offers a wide range of flyer printing sizes, including Folded Leaflet and Flyer Printing options, so you can tailor your print to your campaign.

Step 3: Craft a Headline That Grabs Attention

Your headline is the make-or-break moment, it needs to grab and lock in attention. It should:

• Be clear and benefit-driven

• Speak directly to your audience

• Create urgency or curiosity

Examples:

• “50% OFF This Weekend Only!”

• “Grand Opening – You’re Invited!”

• “Struggling with X? We’ve Got the Answer.”

Keep it punchy, bold, and easy to scan.

Step 4: Keep Copy Clear and Concise

People will skim read a flyer, so make every word count – keep it clear, concise, and catchy. Use bullet points, subheadings, and short paragraphs to highlight key benefits.

For example:

Don’t: “Our café uses Italian espresso machines and local ingredients.”

Do: “Freshly roasted coffee. Locally sourced. Made with love.”

Image Credit: Best Graphic Design

And don’t forget your CTA. Whether it’s visiting your website, scanning a QR code, or popping into your store – make it prominent and persuasive.

Step 5: Use Eye-Catching Imagery and Graphics

Great visuals can make or break your design. Make sure you use:

• High-quality images (300dpi)

• Brand colours and logos

• Icons to break up text

• White space to avoid a cluttered look

Want to go premium? Add Foiling, or Laminated Finishes for that extra “wow” factor. Printed.com offers a huge variety of finishes to help your Flyers and Leaflets make a lasting impression.

Step 6: Think About Layout and Flow

An effective flyer guides the reader from top to bottom, left to right – just like reading a webpage or book. Use a visual checklist:

• Headline

• Image

• Key benefits

• Supporting copy

• Call to action

• Contact details or location

Image Credit: Printed.com

Keep alignment neat, margins even, and fonts legible – ideally no smaller than 10pt ideally.

Step 7: Add a QR Code or Trackable Link

Make it easy for people to act. QR codes are a modern must-have for business flyers, whether you’re linking to a booking form, special offer, or your social pages.

Step 8: Choose the Right Paper and Finish

The paper stock you choose has a big impact on how your flyer feels — and performs.

• Silk: The clean and crisp finish of Silk paper gives a sharp, defined finish to printed colours and designs.

• Gloss: The smooth and shiny finish of our versatile Gloss paper creates the most vibrant, eye-catching print with defined and sharp colours, without the need to laminate.

• Uncoated: Uncoated paper offers a soft, touchable texture that’s ideal for writing on. It gives print colours a sophisticated feel and a slightly muted finish.

• Recycled: An eco-upgrade! Discover all the features of your favourite stock, now manufactured sustainably with 100% recycled fibres.

Want to make a lasting impression? Try our luxury flyer printing with foil details, smooth lamination, and optional round corners. Looking for something unique? Contact us to explore bespoke options and bring your vision to life.

Step 9: Proof It… Then Proof It Again

Always double (and triple!) check your design before going to print. Watch out for:

• Typos

• Incorrect contact details

• Blurry images

• Misaligned elements

Image Credit: HandMadeNotts

Tip: Get a second pair of eyes to review it – or use our in-house print proofing team at Printed.com to help spot anything you may have missed.

Step 10: Distribute Strategically

Once you’ve nailed the design, it’s time to get it into the right hands. Think about:

• Local events and footfall hotspots

• In-store counters or takeaway bags

• Direct mail campaigns

• Community boards or co-marketing with local businesses

Don’t just hand them out – hand them out with purpose. The better your distribution, the better your results.

Final Tips for Creating an Expert Flyer

Always design with your end-user in mind.

• Keep messaging focused and benefit-led.

• Use consistent branding for a professional look.

• Combine your flyer printing with digital efforts — think QR codes, social handles, or event hashtags.

• Flyers might be small in size — but with the right design, they can have a massive impact.

Get Expert Flyer Printing with Printed.com

Whether you’re creating A5 flyer printing for a grand opening, A3 flyers for a sale event, or leaflet printing for a campaign rollout, Printed.com makes bringing your ideas to life easy.

With a wide range of sizes, finishes, paper stocks and folding options, we offer complete flexibility to suit your brand and budget. 

Ready to start your next flyer campaign?

Explore our full range of flyer and leaflet printing options and bring your next big idea to life.