The Flyering Toolkit: How to Get Your Message Seen, Remembered, and Acted On
Photo via Mass 50501 Volunteer
Why We Flyer
Flyering is one of the simplest, cheapest, and most effective ways to put your message in front of people. It works because it’s physical, it’s visible, and it can’t be hidden behind an algorithm. A flyer in the right place can reach hundreds of people a day. Do that in dozens of places and you’ve built a steady, visible drumbeat that people can’t ignore.
The goals for a flyer are simple:
Grab attention
Be understood in seconds
Repeat the exposure until it sticks
Borrowing from marketing, the “Rule of 7” says people need to encounter an idea about seven times before they act. That’s why consistent placement in the same high-traffic spots over time builds recognition and urgency.
Safety and Legality
Before you start, be aware of your environment. Some people will not like what you’re posting. Most will walk past, but occasionally someone will confront you. If you’re concerned, bring a partner. Two people can post faster, spot opportunities quicker, and watch each other’s backs. It’s also nice camaraderie to work with someone.
Know the local rules; some cities have bylaws about where and how flyers can be posted, especially on public property. In many towns, posting on public property without permission could be illegal, though enforcement varies. Posting on private property without permission is riskier, so ask a friendly business owner if you can use their bulletin board. If you want to ensure you’re fully complying with the rules, contact your mayor’s office or department of public works for written permission.
That said, don’t comply in advance out of fear. Understand the rules, assess your risk, and act accordingly. Your safety comes first.
Designing Flyers That Work
You might be designing your flyers yourself or getting designs from artists in a group you work with. Either way, it helps to know what makes a flyer effective in the real world. Flyers are silent messengers. They don’t get to explain themselves. They have to speak clearly, quickly, and from a distance.
When someone walks past a pole, kiosk, or bulletin board, they’re not going to stop and study your design unless something grabs them right away. Your job is to make it easy and impossible to ignore.
A good flyer should:
Have a bold, clear headline that can be read from 6–10 feet away.
Use plain language to explain what’s going on and why it matters.
Include a short call to action (date of an event, “Join us,” a QR code).
Avoid clutter—too many words and people won’t read it.
Don’t assume your reader knows the issue. Give them just enough relevant facts to make them care. QR codes are excellent for pointing people to more detail without overcrowding the flyer. If you need to make one, QR Code Monkey (qrcode-monkey.com) is free, simple, and doesn’t require an account.
New to Design?
If you’ve never made a flyer before, Canva (www.canva.com) is a great place to start. It’s free, easy to use, and has templates specifically for posters and flyers. You can drag in images, write text, and drop in a QR code in just a few minutes. Choose a simple layout, use big fonts, and keep it clean and clear. Clarity always beats cleverness.
Whether you're designing yourself or receiving a flyer from someone else, make sure it passes this test:
Can a stranger glance at this for 3 seconds and know what it’s about?
If not, simplify. A flyer that looks cool but is unreadable won’t help anyone. Loud, clear, and simple always works better.
Getting Materials
You don’t need fancy supplies to make an impact. The goal is to get the message out efficiently and that is all.
Paper: Buy the cheapest copy paper you can find. Quality is not important here. What matters is how many flyers you can put up. Bulk boxes from places like Costco or buying a ream on sale from Staples will save you money.
Printing: If you’re printing black and white flyers, a monochrome laser printer is the most cost-effective option. Brother printers are known for reliability and low-cost toner. Used units can often be found for around $50, making them a smart investment. Most Brother models also include a “Continue Mode” setting that lets you keep printing after a low toner warning. Avoid traditional inkjet printers when possible. Ink is more expensive per page, and some models add tracking dots that can be traced back to the printer.
If you plan to use color, your best bet is an ink tank printer — not a cartridge inkjet. These printers use refillable ink reservoirs instead of cartridges and are much cheaper to operate over time than inkjets. Epson EcoTank and Canon MegaTank are both great options. You can often find used units online for under $150, and third-party refill ink can significantly reduce your printing costs.
If you do not have access to a printer, check with your local library. Many libraries offer free or low-cost printing services. Some will give you a weekly allowance such as 20 pages for free. Others charge just a few cents per page. Using library printers is a great option if you’re just getting started or working on a limited budget.
Tools:
Painter’s tape (white) is useful for indoor spaces or areas where you want to avoid leaving marks. It is easy to remove and won’t damage surfaces.
Packing tape (clear) holds up better outside and in bad weather. It will stick to metal, plastic, and glass much more reliably.
A light-duty staple gun is ideal for wooden poles, kiosks, and bulletin boards. Look for a model that takes 1/4 inch staples. Surebonder and Arrow both make comfortable, affordable options.
Carry gear: A messenger bag or backpack with pockets for your tools, spare staples, and stacks of flyers.
Placing Flyers for Maximum Impact
The best flyers are the ones people see often. Focus on high-traffic spots where your target audience naturally gathers.
Good locations include:
Poles with crosswalk buttons (post flyers above or below the button to avoid obstructing accessibility)
Bus stops, train stations, and parking garages
Outside supermarkets, churches, and theaters
College campuses and student centers
Apartment building entrances
Community parks, bike paths, and walking trails
Public bulletin boards in cafes and libraries
When possible, choose spots where someone will linger. A bus stop is better than a stretch of sidewalk because people have time to actually read.
As you regularly hang flyers in your usual spots you begin to learn the environment. When you revisit a neighborhood or campus, pay attention to what worked and what didn’t. Where did flyers stay up for more than a few days? Where did flyers get removed immediately? These kinds of patterns may indicate which flyers got noticed and which didn’t.
What works in one place might not work in another. It is okay to experiment with placement and take mental notes for next time. Over time, you will build up a mental map of the best drop points and patterns in your area. Trust your instincts and don’t be afraid to try something new.
How to Hang a Flyer
How hard could it be to hang a flyer, right? Lol. It’s simple, but there are a few things to keep in mind that might not be obvious at first.
Place it at or near eye level. Some local bylaws actually don’t allow flyers to be hung too high or face road traffic.
Make it flat and secure. Wind and rain destroy loose corners. Tape all four sides if you want it to last; tape two sides for quick drops.
For staples, four at the corners will hold outdoors; two at the top is fine indoors.
Be quick and confident. Have your flyer, tape/stapler, and extra staples ready to go. Hang the flyer and move on.
Planning Your Route
Treat flyering like a mini-campaign. Plan your path to hit as many high-value spots as possible without wasting time retracing steps.
If you’re working with others, divide the area and share maps so no one overlaps.
If you find a good spot that’s not on your route, take it. Flexibility matters.
Note especially friendly businesses or secure posting spots for future runs.
Working Alone vs. With a Partner
With a partner
One person posts while the other spots opportunities, keeps watch, or preps the next flyer.
You move twice as fast and are more visible (which can be good for safety).
Alone
Plan your route before you start. This could be as simple as a mental map of the streets you want to hit. Familiar areas are always a good choice.
Let someone know where you’re going and check in when you’re done.
Stay alert, especially at night or in places you don’t know well.
Final Thoughts
Putting up a flyer is just the start.
Snap a photo if it’s safe. Share it with your group or online.
Check which spots last. Focus future drops where they stick.
Come back in a few days or the next week for the next event. Replace what’s torn down.
One flyer won’t change much. But dozens, posted again and again, get noticed. Familiarity builds power. Repetition builds memory. This is how messages sink in.
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