Alice Designs - Alice researches leaflets

Recently I have been busy thinking, listening, noticing and researching into the concept of ‘clear, concise and uncluttered’ leaflets.

For the next few months I’m going to concentrate on this subject. Leaflets are extremely variable and come in so many different forms, of which can be explored with relevance to ‘attractive and effective marketing material’. They each have a purpose, are varied in size, content and number of pages, and can be adapted to suit their subject, to stand out from the crowd or satisfy mailing and distributing issues. The subject is vast, so I will divulge more as soon as I have found it out; meanwhile, here are some of my thoughts:

Leaflets used within direct mailshots (sometimes referred to as junk mail if unwanted), can vary greatly. They are generally colourful and vibrant, usually portraying one message with bright imagery on glossy paper. But there is an art regarding pitching it correctly or ending up being discarded. See my blog post: Is all junk mail bin-fodder? – http://alicedesigns.wordpress.com/2007/10/01/is-all-junk-mail-bin-fodder/

For promotional material to succeed with its target audience, it has to be legible, noticeable and rememberable. The reader has not only to be able to read it, but to want to take it home for future reference. See my blog post: Spacious versus Squashed – http://alicedesigns.wordpress.com/2007/08/10/spacious-versus-squashed/

If you want to advertise several items, don’t crowd them into one leaflet. Present each subject individually to encourage succinct descriptions, highlight any differences and allow your audience to choose whatever is relevant to them. See my blog post: Separating Subject Matter – http://alicedesigns.wordpress.com/2007/09/22/separating-subject-matter/

More to follow soon, so watch this space!

A 'top-tips' idea I had has now morphed into ‘Alice’s Actions’, which I would like to regularly post as an external extension to my newsletter 'Clear the Clutter' (details available from my website http://www.alice-designs.co.uk). Alice's Actions is always hungry for feedback and suggestions (all contributions thoroughly welcomed) towards the concept of clear, concise and uncluttered. Contact me (alice@alice-designs.co.uk) if you're interested.

Alice’s Action #1

Clear signage is vital, especially for directions, corporate identity and general awareness. How does the outside world see your business? Are you recognisable? How simple is it to contact you? Are these details clearly visible? Can you be easily found? Are you approachable and/or welcoming? Take time to consider how clear your company really is…