When you're planning an event, big or small, you want people to know about it. And while social media and email get a lot of attention, print materials are still one of the best ways to spread the word. They’re tangible, easy to share, and can grab someone’s attention in a way a digital ads often can’t.
But which one should you use: flyers, posters, or banners?
Each has its place. The best choice depends on what you're promoting, who you want to reach, and where you plan to display the material. Here's a breakdown of each format and when it makes sense to use them.
Flyers: Quick and Personal
Flyers are small, usually 8.5x11 inches or half that size. They're the go-to option when you want to hand something out directly to people or leave a stack in high-traffic areas like coffee shops, libraries, or community centers.
When to use flyers?
Flyers work well because they’re cheap to print in bulk and easy to distribute. You can hand them out on the street, or post them on notice boards. The key is making sure your flyer isn’t cluttered. Use clear, legible fonts and keep your message simple.
A headline, a date, a location, and a reason to show up are usually enough. You can include a QR code if you want to lead people to a website for more information or ticket sales through your flyers.
Here are some use-cases for flyers:
You're hosting a local event like a workshop, class, or small concert
You want to give people something they can take home or pass along
You need to include details like time, date, address, contact info, or even a map
Posters Bring Visual Impact with Room for Detail
Posters are bigger and meant to be seen from a distance. Think of the kind you’d find in a storefront window or on a university bulletin board. They’re not as portable as flyers, but they grab attention, especially in busy areas. Posters let you play with design a bit more. You have space for a large headline, strong visuals, and additional info without cramming everything together.
What to Prioritize in Poster Designs?
Clarity is key. If someone’s walking past, you only have a few seconds to make an impression. Prioritize the most important info: event name, date, and location. For poster designs, choose bold colors and high-contrast text so it’s easy to read from several feet away.
Here are some use-cases for posters:
- You want to advertise to people passing by in foot traffic-heavy areas
Your event is public and open to anyone like a music festival, art exhibit, or charity fundraiser
You want to include visuals, branding, or a strong call to action
Banners Are Big, Bold & Hard to Miss
Banners are large-format prints meant to be seen from far away. You’ll usually see them outside buildings, across fences, or hanging at event entrances. They’re not just for promotion but can also help direct people once they arrive.
Messaging Is Key in Banners
Because of their size, banners are all about strong and minimal messaging without including every detail. Banner is like a billboard with only the essential details. It has a clear title, date, and a single call to action which is enough. For outdoor use, make sure your banner is weather-resistant and printed on durable material. You can use grommets or pole pockets so it’s easy to hang without damaging it.
Here are some use-cases for banners:
You’re promoting a large or public event and want visibility from across a parking lot or street
You want to build awareness over time by displaying it outdoors for days or weeks
You need signage at the event itself e.g. welcoming guests, pointing to entrances, or showcasing sponsors
Parting Thoughts
The key is choosing the right format based on your audience and your space.
Start by asking yourself a few questions: How far away will people be when they see it? Will they need to take the info with them? How much space do I have to display it? The answers will point you in the right direction.
No matter which one you choose, design matters. Keep it clean, readable, and focused. People are busy, and your job is to make them stop and take a second look. Flyers, posters, and banners all have their strengths.
Not sure which format is right for your event? We’re here to help.
Whether you’re ready to place an order, want to send over your design file, or just need some honest advice on what will work best, we’ve got your back. Click here for a quick quote. We’ll make sure your message gets seen the right way.
