Flyers, Business Cards, Postcards, and Brochures: How to Use Marketing Stationery the Right Way

B. Elise
09.22.25 04:23 PM - Comment(s)

Flyers, Business Cards, Postcards, and Brochures – How to Use Them the Right Way

Introduction

Marketing materials are not one-size-fits-all. Each piece of stationery—business cards, flyers, postcards, and brochures—has its own role. The mistake many business owners make is cramming too much information on one item or not enough on another. The key is knowing what each format is designed to do and how to use it correctly.

Business Cards: Your First Impression

Professional business card with logo and contact details, showing how to keep design simple and clear.

Your business card should be short and sweet, giving potential clients just enough to know who you are and how to reach you.
Include:

  • Name, title, business name/logo

  • Contact info (phone, email, website)

  • Optional: QR code to booking page or website

Purpose: A business card is your professional handshake.

Flyers: The Educator

Marketing flyer with bold headline, service details, and call-to-action pinned on a community board.

Flyers allow you to go into more detail about your services, events, or promotions.
Include:

  • A strong headline

  • Quick service breakdowns

  • Images/icons to support the message

  • A call-to-action

Best Use: Handouts at events, inserts in packages, or community posting.
Purpose: A flyer should tell your audience what you do, why it matters, and how they can reach you.

Postcards: The Messenger

Promotional postcard with eye-catching headline and simple design for direct mail marketing.

Postcards are small but powerful for direct outreach.
Include:

  • One bold headline

  • A strong image or brand visual

  • Short and persuasive text

  • Contact details/website

Best Use: Direct mail campaigns and special offers.
Purpose: To grab attention quickly and drive immediate action.

Brochures: The Storyteller

Tri-fold brochure displaying detailed service information with images and clear sections.

Brochures go deeper than any other piece of marketing material. They give your audience space to learn more about your business, services, or products in a structured way.

Include:

  • Front Cover: Business name/logo and an engaging title

  • Inside Panels: Key services, benefits, testimonials, pricing, or even a short FAQ

  • Back Panel: Contact details, website, booking information, and social media

Best Use: Networking events, client meetings, trade shows, or leaving behind after an appointment.
Purpose: A brochure builds trust and provides answers even when you’re not present.

Brochure Layout Tips

  • Tri-Fold Brochure (most common):

    • Six panels (three on the front, three on the back).

    • Best for presenting step-by-step information or dividing services into clear sections.

    • Works well when you want to guide readers through a logical flow (like “Who We Are → What We Do → How to Contact Us”).

  • Bi-Fold Brochure:

    • Four larger panels.

    • Best for showcasing visuals, such as property photos, product images, or service highlights.

    • Works well when you want fewer words and more emphasis on branding and visuals.

  • Booklet-Style Brochure:

    • Multi-page, stapled format.

    • Best for businesses with a wide range of services or detailed product lines.

    • Works well for catalogs or educational resources.

Design Advice:

  • Use white space to keep the brochure easy to read.

  • Include high-quality photos and your brand colors.

  • End with a clear call-to-action (ex: “Book your appointment today at belisenotary.com”).

Conclusion

Each piece of marketing stationery has its lane:

  • Business cards = contact info

  • Flyers = quick information

  • Postcards = instant action

  • Brochures = detailed storytelling

When used together, they create a layered, professional marketing presence that attracts attention and communicates effectively.

B. Elise