Flyers That Work: How to Choose the Right Size and Format for Maximum Impact
If you’re planning a flyer campaign, it’s natural to start by asking two questions:
Do flyers actually work anymore?
And if they do… what size should my flyer be?
Great questions. Flyers have been around for decades, but today, they’re more than just paper—they’re powerful, purpose-driven assets that can boost brand visibility, generate leads, and drive serious ROI.
But choosing the right flyer size is a big part of getting those results. It’s not just about what looks good—it’s about what performs best for your specific goal.
In this post, we’ll walk you through:
Why flyers still deliver strong results
The most popular flyer sizes (and when to use them)
Real-world examples of flyer campaigns that worked
Let’s start with the big one…
Do Flyers Still Work?
Absolutely. In fact, when done right, flyers outperform many digital ads—especially when you need local reach, direct delivery, and tangible reminders.
At Flyer Canada, our average flyer campaigns see:
4.4% conversion rate (vs. 1.41% online industry average)
51.8% lower customer acquisition costs
3x to 29x ROI, depending on design and targeting
That’s why flyers are still used by:
And even digitally-savvy brands use flyers to drive app installs, QR scans, online orders, and Google reviews.
Why Flyer Size Matters
Flyers may be small—but the right size can make a big impact.
A flyer’s dimensions affect:
How much space you have for content
How easy it is to read, scan, and respond to
How it's distributed (mail, handout, display)
How seriously people take your brand
A cramped flyer can feel overwhelming. An oversized one might feel wasteful if not used strategically. So choosing the right size for your goal is key.
Let’s go through your options.
Most Popular Flyer Sizes (And When to Use Them)
🧠 Need the full breakdown? See our guide on what is the best size for flyers.
Here’s the quick overview:
1. Standard Letter (8.5" x 11")
Best for: Menu-style layouts, service packages, retail promotions
Plenty of space for visuals, pricing, and multiple offers
Fits easily in mailboxes and stacks flat
Versatile for almost any industry
Use when: You want to give people options—like pricing tiers, bundles, or multi-item menus.
2. Half-Page (5.5" x 8.5")
Best for: Flash sales, reminders, single-service promos
Compact but professional
Easier to design around one strong offer
More affordable to print and mail in bulk
Use when: You have one message—like “$49 Oil Change” or “2 Weeks Free at Our Gym.”
3. Postcard Size (4" x 6")
Best for: Event invites, basic brand awareness, coupons
Pocket-sized and easy to keep on hand
Best for clean, visual-first designs
Great for QR code call-to-action or short URLs
Use when: You want something sleek and simple that people won’t toss immediately.
4. Large Format (6" x 11" or bigger)
Best for: High-impact campaigns, grand openings, visual retail displays
Stands out in a pile of mail
Room for bold branding and images
Can include a map, calendar, or promo tear-off
Use when: You want to make a splash and look premium.
Which Flyer Size Is Best for Your Business?
The right flyer size depends entirely on what you want to achieve. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right format:
If your goal is to promote one strong offer, like a flash sale or introductory special, go with a half-page flyer (5.5" x 8.5"). It’s compact, clean, and draws attention to a single message.
If you need space to showcase multiple services or products, like a full service menu, retail lineup, or bundled offer, choose a standard letter-size flyer (8.5" x 11"). It gives you room to explain value and showcase visuals without clutter.
If you’re inviting people to a one-off event or trying to increase general awareness with a memorable takeaway, consider a postcard-size flyer (4" x 6"). It’s small enough to be held onto or stuck on a fridge, but still packs a punch when designed well.
If you're launching a grand opening or running a major campaign and want to stand out in a mailbox or pile of handouts, go bigger. A large-format flyer (6" x 11" or 8.5" x 11") lets you go bold with imagery, maps, store hours, or multiple offers in one view.
If your goal is to push digital engagement, such as getting people to scan a QR code or visit a specific landing page, you can use almost any size—as long as the call to action is front and center.
The bottom line? Start with your campaign goal first, then choose the flyer size that helps deliver that message clearly, without overcrowding or underwhelming your audience.
Real Example: Why Size Made a Difference
A retailer in Mississauga tested two flyer formats:
4" x 6" card for a $10 off coupon
8.5" x 11" flyer with a 3-day warehouse event layout
The larger flyer outperformed the postcard 3 to 1—because it included more value, event hours, maps, and multiple product categories. It matched the goal: drive people to the store.
The postcard? Perfect for brand awareness or reminders—but not ideal for a major push.
🎯 Need help choosing a flyer format for your goal? Contact us and we’ll help you pick the right one: https://flyercanada.ca/contact
Flyers Still Work—If You Get the Format Right
Flyers aren’t outdated. They’ve evolved.
The businesses seeing success in 2025 are the ones who:
Use flyers at the right time
Match their size and layout to the goal
Deliver them with intention (not just randomly)
And with Flyer Canada’s support, you don’t have to guess.
Let’s Build Your High-Performance Flyer Campaign
Flyer Canada specializes in helping local businesses turn simple print into serious results. From choosing the right flyer size to designing offers that convert and delivering directly to your ideal customers, we make the process effortless and effective.
If you're ready to reach more people, drive more action, and grow your business with modern flyer marketing, we’d love to help. You can get in touch through our contact page, place an order directly via our online store, or speak with us at 437-524-5287. Let’s get your next high-performing flyer campaign off the ground—starting today.
