What Is a Flyer? A Modern Guide to This Powerful Marketing Tool

May 16

If you're new to business marketing—or revisiting print after years in the digital trenches—you’ve probably asked yourself: what is a flyer, and is it still relevant in today’s fast-moving world?

The short answer: yes, flyers are still very much alive. But not in the way you might remember from the 90s. Modern flyers are high-performing, data-driven, and beautifully designed tools that drive real results for local and national businesses alike.

In this post, we’ll break down exactly what a flyer is, what it’s used for, why it works, and how to make one that actually converts. No fluff—just practical insight and proof.

So, What Is a Flyer?

A flyer is a single-page printed marketing piece, typically designed to promote a product, service, event, offer, or announcement. It’s usually distributed physically—either by hand, through direct mail, or as part of a leave-behind—but can also be shared digitally as a downloadable file.

Flyers come in various sizes (most commonly 8.5x11", 5.5x8.5", or 4x6"), and the best ones include:

A strong headline
Clear visuals (photo or graphic)
Compelling, benefits-driven text
A call to action (CTA)
Contact or location details

At Flyer Canada, we design flyers that don’t just look good—they’re built to convert. Whether it's a restaurant special, real estate listing, or seasonal home service offer, flyers put your message directly in the hands of your audience.

Flyers vs. Brochures vs. Posters: What’s the Difference?

Flyers are often confused with other formats, so let’s clarify:

Flyer = Single sheet. Simple. Designed for mass distribution.
Brochure = Folded, multi-panel. More detailed and informational.
Poster = Larger format. Designed to be displayed, not handed out.

Flyers are best when you want to generate immediate interest or action—especially for a promotion, event, or limited-time offer.

Why Flyers Still Work in 2025

With digital ads everywhere, you might wonder why anyone would still use paper.

The truth? Flyers outperform many digital channels—especially for local, service-based, or brick-and-mortar businesses.

At Flyer Canada, our campaigns consistently deliver:

4.4% average conversion rate (vs. 1.41% industry average)
51.8% lower customer acquisition costs
3x to 29x return on investment (ROI)

That’s because flyers are:

Tangible (they don’t disappear with a swipe)
Targeted (delivered right to ideal customer zones)
Memorable (people keep them, post them, pass them along)

💡 See how one local HVAC business generated six figures in three days with flyers.

What Are Flyers Used For?

Flyers are versatile. Some of the most common uses include:

Grand openings or store launches
Sales and promotions
Event invitations
Service menus or pricing
Real estate listings
Restaurant takeout menus
Seasonal reminders or limited-time campaigns

Whether you're a gym, salon, dentist, or retailer, flyers can help you promote offers that bring people in the door.

Learn how flyers are used effectively across different industries:

Are Flyers Still Effective?

Yes! And not just in theory. Flyers are one of the most trackable, repeatable, and scalable forms of marketing available today.

Done right, they:

Reach real people in real homes
Drive phone calls, foot traffic, and online bookings
Reinforce your brand visually
Compliment digital marketing (QR codes, online codes, etc.)

If you’re asking yourself “But do they really work?”, start with Why Flyer Design Matters: The Secret to Higher Conversions & Profitable Scaling and explore the design principles behind successful flyer campaigns.

How to Make an Effective Flyer

A flyer isn’t just a piece of paper—it’s a sales tool. Here’s what to include:

Headline – Get their attention right away
Visuals – Showcase your product or service
Benefits – Focus on what the customer gets
CTA – Tell them exactly what to do next (e.g., “Call now,” “Scan this code,” “Visit us today”)
Offer/Promo – Create urgency and value
Contact Info – Make it easy to reach you or find you

Need help putting it all together? Learn how to design flyers that inspire immediate action.

Bonus: Flyers and Digital Work Better Together

Flyers don’t have to replace digital—they can boost it.

Smart ways to combine:

Add QR codes linking to landing pages or menus
Promote your Instagram or TikTok handle
Use discount codes to track flyer ROI
Encourage Google Reviews with an incentive

Many of our clients create full-funnel campaigns where flyers introduce the brand, and digital closes the sale. That’s how you scale smart.

📦 See how to run a hybrid campaign in how to effectively use marketing flyers for your business.

Real Results: A Client’s Flyer Success Story

A new restaurant in Ottawa wanted to launch their delivery service. They printed 7,500 flyers offering “Free Appetizer with First Online Order” and targeted surrounding residential buildings.

Within 2 weeks:

213 new orders
122 email sign-ups
$7,680 in total revenue
Cost? Less than $1,000

That’s the power of a well-designed, well-delivered flyer.

Final Thoughts: What Is a Flyer Today?

To recap: a flyer is more than a marketing handout—it’s a strategic tool that puts your brand in the right place at the right time.

It’s:

Cost-effective
Highly targeted
Results-driven
Visually compelling
Complementary to digital tools

Flyers are one of the few channels where you control the message, the audience, and the outcome.

Ready to Make Your Flyers Work?

Flyer Canada helps businesses across Canada design, print, and distribute flyers that actually deliver results.

📞 Ready to grow your business with modern flyer marketing? Flyer Canada is here to help.

Let’s create your flyer campaign that gets seen, remembered, and acted on—today.

Emerson Buhat