Thread: Event Advertising: Flyers vs Postcards

Well, not really flyers versus postcards, as in one is better than the other or that there is a conflict between them, but I'm interested in knowing what kind of feedback you've had in using these two items in your event advertising.

Here's my particular situation:

I'll be attending Cairo Caravan in about three weeks. At Cairo Caravan, folks can advertise their teaching, events, etc on flyer tables so, as I've done for several years, I'll be putting out info on my summer Workshop, Hafla & Swap Meet event.

I've used flyers that include not only details about the event, but also a reservation form. I always thought it was a good idea to give folks everything they need to register so that all they have to do is fill out the form and put it in the mail.

But I really like the look of the postcards, too. Because of their size, postcards can't include every bit of information, and they can't be used to register, but they are eye-catching and kinda "cool."

In the past, my flyers have been black ink on colorful paper, but I realize that particular format is not particularly sophisticated. I was thinking of making something a bit "slicker" for this year, but not unduly expensive, with a reservation form attached, as usual.

So what has been your experience?

Does it matter that folks need to go to a website for more info if a postcard is used? Are flyers passe?

Thanks for your help!

Deborah

For me if I'm at an event I pick up both. They both work, I have been noticing more postcards than fliers lately. I would think is because dancers put the workshop information out the website and pre-register online. I also know dancers do both fliers and postcards. I guess it depends on the cost factor. If the flier isn't fancy as the postcard and its a workshop I want to attend its not a deal breaker-as long as the information on theworkshop is there. For workshops I think fliers are better- my opinion.


Alrana

A flyer is larger and has more room for the registration info. A postcard can look glossier and more professional and can be used like a business card, i.e. a more generic representation of who you are and what you do, rather than for a specific event. Although I have used postcards for specific events also, listing contact phone numbers and website.

I've gotten good deals on printing postcards at vistaprint.com

Well,

I am a good customer of vistaprint, too ;-), and I really love those postcards!

A flyer easily is thrown away into the bin because it is just a piece of paper, but a postcard mostly is kept by people.

Registration forms can be offered online on your homepage or simply attached at the postcards.

So finally I would always prefer postcards.

KR
Salma

In general, an attractive postcard makes you want to pick it up and keep it. If you can provide all detailed info online, and they can either download the rego form or actually register online, then I like a postcard. (Note: at least, I'd want the workshop topics listed to whet my appetite). If you can't provide everything online and they have to ring or email someone for further info/forms, then I'd prefer it all being there in the one flier.

With the way that we're all used to pretty pictures and the internet, you want to choose the method that:
- Provides an eye-catching image/presentation
- Allows people to gather all their info themselves, without having to interact
- Provides the easiest, most automated and instant way to pay.

You know what, though, having been at an event where tons of dancers had beautiful full colour double sided postcards and business cards with studio photos on them, I found them all rather overwhelming and they kind of merged in my mind. I think postcards are awesome for normal people but at a BD event they are going to be in competition with zillions of other equally lovely postcards.

One dancer had a drawing on her business card and it was so... refreshing. I think the size, shape and weight of a postcard is very appealing, but for a one-off event I wonder if a "retro flyer" kind of *look* would stand out more.

I love postcards because they are small, easy to carry in a purse or handbag, and professional looking (well, at least they can be if they are well designed). I'm more likely to keep a postcard than a flyer.

Is it really safe to assume that everyone has internet access (and is comfortable registering online?)

I still have dancers in my troupe who never read their e-mail and can't/won't order costume pieces over the internet, can't download music or choreo notes, etc.

For regular class registration, about half my students pay online, the half still prefer to fill out a form and write a check (or pay cash, even!).

that's my main concern with going to postcards.

Originally Posted by Lauren_

Is it really safe to assume that everyone has internet access (and is comfortable registering online?)

I still have dancers in my troupe who never read their e-mail and can't/won't order costume pieces over the internet, can't download music or choreo notes, etc.

For regular class registration, about half my students pay online, the half still prefer to fill out a form and write a check (or pay cash, even!).

that's my main concern with going to postcards.

This is part of the reason that I invested in a toll-free phone number for the Intensive--and the phone number is on the postcards. I do get a few folks who don't want to register online. We will still accept checks and I'll take their class choices over the phone or via email (so we can put them in our system). But even so, 99% of our registrations are online.