Why You Shouldn’t Put War and Peace Onto Marketing Materials

Why You Shouldn’t Put War and Peace Onto Marketing Materials

When you first glance at a flyer, what captures your attention? Is it the title? The image? The flyer’s overall quality? Each element is crucial for making a positive impression, but if your flyer resembles a page from War and Peace—filled to the brim with text—you’re likely on the wrong track.

In an era where patience is fleeting, few people are willing to wade through lengthy, essay-like descriptions in marketing materials. It’s essential to avoid overwhelming your potential customers with an avalanche of text, or worse, having them discard your flyer without a second glance.

With years of experience in the design industry, here are some key mistakes to avoid when designing your next flyer:

Excessive Information

Overloading your flyer with information is like stuffing it with War and Peace-sized paragraphs just to fill space. Too much text can be boring and off-putting, and that’s the last thing you want associated with your brand. Stick to key points that readers can quickly scan and absorb.

Long Headlines

If excessive information is a major misstep, long headlines are a close second. Your headline should be concise and engaging—something that grabs attention and entices readers to continue. Aim for brevity and impact.

Low-Quality Images

There’s nothing worse than a flyer marred by blurry or low-quality images. Not only does it undermine your flyer’s professionalism, but it also makes it look cheap. Avoid using images directly from websites, as they often lack the necessary resolution. Always opt for high-quality visuals.

Overuse of Color

Bright and vibrant colors are appealing, but using too many can be overwhelming. Be strategic with your color choices. Stick to a palette of complementary colors for a visually pleasing effect, and refer to a color wheel to guide your selections.

Text Size

The choice of fonts and text size can significantly impact readability. Avoid using fonts that are too small, as this forces readers to strain their eyes. A font size below 10 points is generally a bad idea. Make sure your text is easy to read without a trip to the optometrist.

Lastly, always ask yourself:

  • Does the flyer capture your attention?
  • Is there too much text?
  • Are the colors harmonious?

Double or even triple-check your work to ensure it meets your standards. Visualize it in a real-world setting and remember our mantra at MAVDigital: “If you’re not proud to put your name on it—don’t send it out.”

For questions about this approach or to learn more about our services, feel free to reach out. Happy printing!