How to Make Your Movie Screening Flyer as Marketable as a Social Media Ad
Movie screenings are designed to generate revenue and unite communities. However, if a movie can be streamed online, convincing cinephiles to leave the comfort of their homes and abandon their mobile devices can be a feat.
Distributing flyers in public was quickly a sure way to spread the word about an upcoming event. Flash forward to 2019 and sharing details about events online has a more significant impact, reaching users quicker. So how can we empower venues to have more significant marketing impact offline?
Here’s how to make a marketing flyer for your next selection as “clickable” as an ad on Facebook.
Think: Social Media Ads
Know those pesky advertisements on Facebook and Twitter that either is irrelevant for someone in your subgroup or promotes a product you purchased last week? The event that your co-worker invited you to and pyramid scheme your high school classmate shared on the timeline are all forms of non-sponsored ads.
People aren’t inclined to click on an advertisement that bores them or takes up too much of their time to decipher what it is. Browsing ads on social platforms can offer successful ideas for your marketing flyer instead of clicking “Hide Ad.”
Less is More
It’s important to note that social media ads usually only prioritize the most critical details. Take the example below:
A brief appealing story, the company logo, the Airbnb host in her home in Puerto Rico, the benefits of signing up to become a host, a catchy tagline, and a link so that those interested can learn more.
In your flyer, follow this system: briefly answer what (film screening), who (the sponsor), when (date/time), where (address), and why (catchy tagline). Omit the ticket prices, refreshments, parking, and other additional details. This way, readers will have no other choice than to visit the company’s website or call in.
Tip: Don’t give everything away. Leave them wanting more.
Be Consistent with the Theme of Movie
Half of the tasks with marketing material is the copy. The other half is the visuals.
Design websites like Canva provide a library of templates for all design needs. It may be enticing to use the flyer template with the funkiest colors. However, it is always best to be intentional about the choice of design elements that pair well with the theme of the event (movie screening).
Take horror movies, for example. It may be best to create marketing material that gives potential patrons an idea as to what the film’s genre is.
Some tips to keep in mind:
- Do not overcrowd the flyer with shapes, images, or text. Some negative space on a flyer is a good thing.
- Use the dimensions of a flyer provided in the template. There is a reason why the dimensions for a flyer are not the same as a postcard or calendar.
- Choose legible fonts that go hand-in-hand with the theme of the movie. It’s okay to use a similar font as used on the original movie poster.
- Be consistent. Consistency applies to font styles, sizes, color, and spacing.
- Pick simple color palettes (no more than 3–4 colors). Upload an image from the movie (like the poster or trailer screengrab) to Canva’s color palette generator and use those colors in your flyer.
Tip: It helps to know your audience.
Give Readers Something to Do
Imagine mysterious flyers pop up around your local neighborhood with only the words: DISCOVER THE UNDISCOVERED and a website URL on them in bright red letters against a white background. People would be puzzled and intrigued. The smallest details will strike their curiosity, making them want to inquire more.
Social media ads do this very thing by including buttons such as “Learn More,” “Subscribe Now,” or “Click for Details.” In a way, these are calls to action and provide readers with something to do.
Printed flyers can also include a CTA such as “visit our website for more details,” “call for more information,” or “scan here for more.” In a digital age of sharing, signing digital petitions, and retweeting, people are not only used to being requested to do something but expect it.
Remember: Give away less, include a CTA, and watch the sales funnel in.
