I've been reading quite a bit and it seems to me in every list of must-have elements is a call to action. Shouldn't every piece of advertising have something to create a desire to come in, go on the website, etc... on it?

I've done a flyer for my brother's uniform business. Of course, he doesn't really think I know what I am doing. He has been in business for years and just doesn't think this is an important element.

I have been writing (just not sales writing) for years; however, that doesn't mean anything b/c he knows everything about sales! (sense any frustration here...lol)

I suggested including anything from a call for more information, come in for discount/freebie, come in to sign up for our savings club (get a business card size card to track spending and earn a discount after X amount) something to urge the reader to the store or website for a sale.

It's his business, his call. But for my own knowledge, how important is this element in a flyer.

This flyer will be hand distributed to local businesses (hospitals, etc.) - yes, this is a small town , mailed out to his mailing list (almost three thousand I believe he said), and put as an insert in the local paper.

There is nothing on it to be able to track how many people come in b/c of the flyer. I'm frustrated, but this is also brother/sister and not client only relationship.

Any input? TIA! Catherine

PS. I do feel great that I'm getting actual work - albeit it is definitely a freebie for my brother. I'm going to take this and tweak it for my local uniform store for a paying client. (My brother's store is several states away from where I live). What I present to the local store will be the best I have to offer from what I am learning.

Yes you're right on track.

You need a call to action...perhaps a phone number bolded and centered on the flyer.

And if there's an appealing, time limited offer the response is likely to be much higher.

It's very simple to track response if you include a code of some sort in your offer.

"Call XXXXXXXX right now and ask for the "Back To School" deal for example.

As far as your "client" goes...you can walk into any business in your local
city and offer to design their flyers for free or even offer to help them with
their website and online marketing (they'll pay you).

Stop screwing around with clients who don't appreciate you when there's a
whole world of business you can tap into simply by walking into the business
district in your city and talking to some small business owners.

Kindest regards,
Andrew Cavanagh

Yes, thank you! I knew my gut wasn't steering me wrong! I may be "just the little sister" in this case, but he should be listening to my advice. Thanks again for affirming what I believed.

I am going to make some changes to the flyer and take it to a local business as an example of what I can do for them right away!

Catherine

Nothing like getting people all stirred up and leaving them nowhere to go... except maybe a competitor.

There's been a few ads that I wanted to buy from, but couldn't find any way to contact them. Then I ended up looking it up on Google and buying from their competitor. Expensive lesson.

Hi Catherine,

I agree with the others and I think everything needs a call to action. Even your business cards should offer more than just a name an a number - offer a special discount or free special report available if they visit your website - something, anything to initiate contact and take your relationship to the next level.

Like you mentioned, tracking is also very important and if you don't measure your results you can't improve upon them, so I'd push your brother to allow you to use a coupon or some other tracking mechanism so you can be sure this flyer is working as good as it can for you.

Cheers,

Steve

Thanks Y'all!!

We are adding in a discount offer for bringing in the flyer!

We did have their contact information easy to see and I believe the flyer was good in all the elements except missing something to draw them in and be able to track the effectiveness of the ad.

Steve, that's a good point about the business card! I haven't designed mine yet and I will definitely include your suggestion!

I like your positive attitude! I have no doubt you'll get many more clients as a result.

I agree with the others that the flyer needs a call to action.

Good luck.

--Anita

Yes, it's all been said. Let me be the 42nd one to say it. Definitely have a call to action - and yes, pair an offer with that. It astounds me how many businesses overlook these two crucial bits in their marketing pieces.