How to make flyers

Flyers are usually A5-sized, perhaps double sided, or A4-sized and folded to make a 4-page flyer. Flyers can be letterbox-dropped to relevant areas to inform people about your group, your issue or an upcoming direct action or protest you have planned. Flyers are easy to create on your home computer and cheap to print out, either at home or through a printing company.

Elements to include for maximum impact (in loose order of appearance):

• emotive image
• 1 amazing fact or heading that explains or relates to the image
• background information. This should be short and succinct, and presented in the form of a credible argument
• supporting quote (from an expert in the field or a respected community member) or testimonial (true story) from an affected person.
• your proposed solution, if you have one
• a call to action - what can the reader do now to help your cause?
• your group's logo and/or website URL and/or contact details, such as email address.

Tips for creating flyers

• Use a photograph to tell your story. At a minimum, a picture or graphic image should grab attention and draw your reader into the message. At its best, it will express something words can’t.
• Stick to one message only. More than one issue or message will dilute what you are saying.
  
• Get their attention. Decide which element of your flyer is most important and play up its size or position.
• Use a serif font, such as Times New Roman, for your background information section. Serif fonts are easy to read because the tops and tails on each letter lead your eye to the next letter.
• Don’t overload your flyer with copy. Keep it simple. Visual clutter kills your message. If you have a lot of information, cut it right down to the main message. If that fails, use plenty of subheadings to break it up.
• Keep your layout simple. Use a maximum of two different typefaces to minimise visual confusion.
• Write as if you are talking to your target audience. Speak clearly. Use motivating terms. Use “you” and “your” so the reader senses that the issue relates to them directly.
• Test your message. Before you print your flyer, show it to a few people and gauge their reaction to ensure your message is clear.