Marketing Materials

Flyers, Ads, Banners, and Promotional Graphics

Marketing materials need to grab attention and drive action. Here's how to create materials that work.

Core Marketing Design Principles

Attention → Interest → Action

Every marketing piece should:

  1. Grab attention (headline, image)
  2. Build interest (benefits, details)
  3. Prompt action (CTA)

One Goal Per Piece

What should they do? Sign up? Buy? Visit? One clear action.

Benefits Over Features

People care about outcomes, not specifications.

Feature: "500GB storage" Benefit: "Never worry about running out of space"

Clear Call-to-Action

Tell them exactly what to do next. Make it obvious.

Flyers and Posters

Hierarchy

  1. Headline: What it's about, why they should care
  2. Visual: Attention-grabbing image
  3. Details: What, when, where (minimal)
  4. CTA: What to do next

Design Tips

  • Readable from distance (large text)
  • One dominant image
  • High contrast
  • White space (not crammed)
  • Contact info/URL prominent

Common Sizes

  • Flyer: Letter (8.5×11") or A4
  • Poster: 11×17", 18×24", 24×36"

AI Prompt: Flyer Design

Help me design a flyer.

Purpose: [Event, promotion, announcement]
Target audience: [Who should see it]
Key information: [What must be included]
Tone: [Professional, fun, urgent, etc.]
Brand colors: [If applicable]

Please suggest:
1. Headline options
2. Visual approach
3. Information hierarchy
4. Layout recommendation
5. Call-to-action wording

Digital Ads

Banner Ad Sizes

  • Leaderboard: 728 × 90
  • Medium Rectangle: 300 × 250
  • Wide Skyscraper: 160 × 600
  • Mobile Banner: 320 × 50
  • Large Rectangle: 336 × 280

Design Requirements

  • Logo: Visible but not dominant
  • Headline: Clear value proposition
  • Image: Relevant, attention-grabbing
  • CTA Button: Contrasting color, action words

Best Practices

  • Simple design (3 elements max)
  • Contrasting CTA button
  • Readable text (no tiny fonts)
  • File size optimized
  • Animation used sparingly

Social Media Ads

Each platform has specifications. Check current requirements before designing.

Email Graphics

Header Images

  • 600px wide (email standard)
  • Clear message
  • Works without images (alt text)

Email Design

  • Simple, single-column
  • Large buttons
  • Mobile-first (most readers on phone)
  • Minimal images (load time, blocking)

Brochures

Tri-Fold Layout

Outside: Cover + Contact + Teaser Inside: Three panels of content

Design Tips

  • Consider fold lines
  • Information flow matters
  • Each panel can stand alone
  • Back panel often first seen

Trade Show Materials

Banner Stands

  • 33.5 × 80" typical
  • Viewable from distance
  • Company/product name prominent
  • Simple message
  • Contact info at bottom

Design for Impact

  • Large images
  • Minimal text
  • Bold colors
  • Readable at 10 feet

AI Prompt: Marketing Material

Help me create a [type of material].

Product/service: [What you're promoting]
Target audience: [Who you're reaching]
Key message: [Main thing to communicate]
Call-to-action: [What they should do]
Constraints: [Size, budget, brand requirements]

Please provide:
1. Design concept
2. Headline options
3. Copy suggestions
4. Visual recommendations
5. Layout guidance

What's Next

Creating your visual identity.

Next chapter: Logo and brand basics.

Presentation DesignLogo and Brand Basics