Flyers vs Postcards: Which One Should You Use for Your Next Campaign?
If you’re planning a print campaign, one question often comes up early: flyers or postcards—what’s better?
They both seem simple. Both go to mailboxes or get handed out. Both can feature your branding, promotions, and contact details. But when it comes to actual performance, audience response, and campaign goals, the format you choose can make a big difference.
At Flyer Canada, we’ve seen both flyers and postcards work incredibly well—but for different reasons. In this post, we’ll break down the key differences between flyers and postcards, when to use each one, and how to make your choice based on your business type and message.
Let’s start with the basics.
What’s the Difference Between a Flyer and a Postcard?
A flyer is a single-page printed marketing piece, usually 8.5” x 11” or 5.5” x 8.5”, and typically used to promote a service, sale, or event. Flyers offer more space, and they’re usually delivered door-to-door, handed out, or inserted into packages.
A postcard is a smaller-format print piece, usually 4” x 6” or 5” x 7”, often used for direct mail campaigns. Postcards are compact, visual, and built to make an impact with minimal content.
The difference isn’t just about size—it’s about strategy.
Want help choosing your layout? Here’s what is the best size for flyers based on your campaign goals.
When Flyers Work Best
Flyers shine when you have more to say. If you’re promoting multiple services, offering a limited-time discount, or including visuals like photos, maps, or before-and-afters, a flyer gives you the space to do that without clutter.
Flyers are also ideal for:
Service businesses with detailed packages
Retailers with multiple product categories
Restaurants showing a sample menu or combos
Home service companies highlighting value-added features
A well-designed flyer lets you tell a story, not just shout an offer. That means higher engagement and better results—especially for customers who want more information before they buy.
Want to make your flyer perform better? Read how to design flyers that inspire immediate action.
When Postcards Are the Better Fit
Postcards are excellent for quick messages, brand awareness, or time-sensitive promotions. They’re low-cost, easy to print in bulk, and require no envelope—so your message gets seen instantly.
Postcards are great for:
Flash sales or last-chance reminders
Re-engaging past customers with a promo code
Inviting people to events or grand openings
Promoting an app, online order link, or QR code
If your goal is to make a fast impression and get someone to scan, click, or show up in-store, postcards are your friend. But remember: limited space means limited storytelling.
Which Performs Better?
Here’s the truth: both flyers and postcards work—if they’re used correctly.
At Flyer Canada, we’ve run thousands of campaigns using both formats. On average, we’ve seen flyer campaigns convert at 4.4%, compared to the 1.41% digital marketing average. Postcards perform similarly when the message is short, bold, and offer-focused.
It all comes down to the goal:
If you need to educate, inform, or persuade, use a flyer.
If you want to interrupt, remind, or reinforce, use a postcard.
💡 Want ROI to guide your decision? Check out how much flyers cost—and what kind of return you can expect.
Design Considerations
Design plays a huge role in which format works best. Flyers allow for more layout creativity, with room for:
Multiple columns
Photos or icons
Testimonials or service highlights
Maps, directions, or time slots
Postcards, on the other hand, rely on clean visuals, bold headlines, and one strong call-to-action.
Neither should feel cluttered. Both should lead with a clear message and include a way to respond—whether it’s a QR code, phone number, or website link.
Want to see what bad flyer design looks like (and avoid it)? Here are 7 flyer mistakes to steer clear of.
Distribution Differences
Flyers give you more flexibility in how you get them out into the world. You can:
Deliver them door-to-door by postal code
Leave them in partner businesses or lobbies
Hand them out at events or storefronts
Include them in shopping bags or packages
Postcards are mostly used in direct mail, typically through Canada Post or private mail distributors. They’re great for high-volume drops, but they don’t offer as much control over where they get seen (beyond postal code targeting).
If you’re trying to target specific household types or income zones, flyers often give you more precision. Learn more in why targeted flyer delivery beats mass distribution.
What About ROI?
Flyers often carry a slightly higher print cost—but they tend to bring in higher-value conversions, especially when used to promote services with repeat revenue potential (think fitness studios, dental clinics, or home services).
Postcards can offer strong ROI for quick-win promos—like 15% off a meal or one-day events—especially when tracked with a code or QR scan.
The key to ROI isn’t just format. It’s how you pair the format with:
A compelling offer
Strong design
Smart delivery
A way to track results
If your postcard gets 1,000 eyeballs but no response, it’s wasted. If your flyer goes to 300 targeted homes and books 20 new appointments, that’s money well spent.
Final Thoughts: Choose the Right Tool for the Right Message
Flyers and postcards each have their place. The right one for you depends on your goals, audience, message, and budget.
If you want space to explain, educate, or walk someone through an offer—go with a flyer.
If you want to nudge, remind, or grab attention with a bite-sized deal—go with a postcard.
Both formats, when designed and delivered well, can give you the local visibility and conversions that digital ads often miss. The key is matching your message to your medium—and making every piece count.
Ready to Run Your Next Print Campaign?
At Flyer Canada, we help businesses design, print, and deliver both flyers and postcards with a focus on results. Whether you’re promoting a sale, launching a location, or trying to stand out locally, our team will help you choose the format that’s right for your campaign.
If you’re ready to get started, reach out through our contact page, order online at our store, or give us a call at 437-524-5287. Let’s plan a print campaign that performs—flyer, postcard, or both.
