Our goal of flyers is to get the people coming in to our events.

Typically, flyers are amassed on a bulletin board, display stand or on a counter. There are usually multiple flyers which makes competition for attention strong.

This is how long you have to attract someone’s attention This is how long you have to attract someone’s attention. When they visually scan multiple flyers, if one jumps out then in 3 seconds they will decide if they are interested or not.

What is the event is the first thing they want to know What is the event is the first thing they want to know. If it interests them, they need to know when and finally where. If these are not readily seen in the first few seconds, then they will pass it over and not read any of it and you have lost an opportunity to inform them of your program.

Even when very neatly placed with space around each flyer, the “what” message must still be very evident. Notice the examples above. Can you tell me what each of these flyers are advertising?

Let’s take them individually Let’s take them individually. All the information on this flyer seems to have the same importance. Even the headline, which appears over a graphic, is difficult to read.

Remaking this flyer in SFPL’s template format, you see that the title is very prominent. The date and time are second most prominent.

What is this flyer advertising? R&B stars?

In fact, it is advertising a Scholarship Dance event In fact, it is advertising a Scholarship Dance event. By making this the most prominent thing on the flyer, it is clear from the beginning what this is about.

This flyer also suffers from all the information having the same emphasis. You may pickup that it has to do with Oktoberfest but that is pretty much all that comes across.

Here you can see that the event being advertised is very clearly read with the date and time a close second.

This example puts the most important information over a graphic that distracts. It is hard to decipher and the when and where are buried in it.

Now it is clear that this is an invitation to donate and attend a swap meet.

In this flyer the information is arranged in a confusing way and the colored text really doesn’t help with the readability.

Instead, consider making the information very clear Instead, consider making the information very clear. Cut out superfluous text and just get down to the heart of the event.

So, another look at the 5 examples in their original form.

And now in their updated form. Are these easier to read and identify?

First impressions matter First impressions matter. If a view has to search visually for information, you will lose their interest and their attendance at your event.

Remember, WHAT should jump out at you. When and Where easy to find Remember, WHAT should jump out at you. When and Where easy to find. All other details are of the lowest priority and may or may not even be read. Cut long descriptions down to the most critical information. You will have unlimited opportunity to pass along information once you have gotten them to your event.