Designing Recruitment Posters That Work
Recruiting participants is not just a step in the research process — it’s the cornerstone of any study that relies on human input. Your recruitment materials are the first point of contact, a virtual handshake that sets the tone for your study. But let’s be real: recruitment isn’t easy. Getting the right participants takes more than a generic call for action — it’s about crafting a message that feels personal, engaging, and worth responding to.
Why posters?
In a world inundated with emails, social media ads, and endless scrolling, a well-placed poster can stand out. Physical posters don’t compete with the noise of digital distractions, allowing people to engage with the message in a more focused way.
Recruiting participants starts with grabbing their attention, sparking their interest, and building their trust — all through a single piece of communication. First, let’s break down what information is essential for a successful recruitment poster and how to make it stand out.
What Information Should You Include in a Recruitment Poster?
1. The title
Imagine walking in the shoes of a random person encountering your poster. What would make them stop and take a closer look? Your title should be clear and attention-grabbing, instantly communicating what your study is about. For example:
• Teenage Research Participants Needed
• Join Our Food Allergy Study!
The goal is to create a hook that resonates with your intended audience.
2. Who Can Participate?
Clearly outline the eligibility criteria. Use straightforward bullet points or engaging questions to help potential participants quickly self-assess:
• Participants must be 18 years or older, speak English, and have experience using Medium.
Or try a conversational approach:
• Do you have experience using Medium? Let’s chat!
• (Note: Participants must be 18+ and able to communicate in English.)
3. Procedure
Include a concise explanation of the study and who’s conducting it. Write about the methods (for example, a one-hour interview on Zoom, an anonymous 20-question survey, etc) for people to know what they will be signing up for.
4. How to Participate
Make the next steps easy and intuitive:
- Provide a contact method or sign-up link, such as a Google Form or Qualtrics survey. You can also include a QR code for people to scan to access the form!
Build Trust
In an age of online scams and spam, trustworthiness is non-negotiable. Consider the following to establish credibility:
Be specific about your purpose: Include a concise explanation of the study and who’s conducting it. Write about the methods (for example, a one-hour interview on Zoom, an anonymous 20-question survey, etc) for people to know what they will be signing up for.
Use institutional branding: If possible, include your school or department’s logo. This small addition can make a significant impact on credibility.
Designing the Layout: Where Does Each Piece Go?
Title is King
Your title is the most prominent element and should grab attention immediately. Use bold, large fonts and place it at prominent places of the poster.
Next Step: Who can Participate? and How to Participate
“Can I participate?”
This might be the first question someone asks if your poster successfully catches their eye. So, why not give them the answer right away? Clearly state who you’re looking for and the criteria for participation.
Sometimes, you can even switch things around and put this information near the top of your poster. This way, you immediately grab the attention of those who can relate — and they’ll know right away that this study is for them!
The call to action — how people can sign up or reach you — should also be stated clear and simple.
Visuals and Logos
- Make it visually appealing: Consider including a polished illustration or eye-catching design.
- Add a trusted symbol: A school or department logo can reinforce reliability (check with your institution’s IRB or advisor for permissions).
Where to Get Visuals
• Sketch your own: If you enjoy drawing, take a few minutes to create something unique and personal.
- Use AI tools: Platforms like DALL·E can generate images based on your topic, giving your poster a professional yet creative touch.
A Final Tip: Less is More
Keep your poster clean and easy to read. Avoid overwhelming it with text — think of it as a snapshot of your study that invites people to learn more.
Recruitment posters are more than just informational sheets; they’re your first interaction with potential participants. With thoughtful design and a touch of creativity, you can ensure your message gets noticed, trusted, and acted upon. Happy recruiting :)
Ariel Wang is a Computational Media PhD student at the University of California, Santa Cruz
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