Image: adapted from https://leafletdistributionteam.co.uk/printing/
Leaflets are printed sheets of paper with information about products, services, a charity, a political party, and many other types of oranizations. Leaflets are popular marketing and advertising tools. We sometimes refer to a leaflet as a flyer or circular.
The verb ‘to leaflet’ also exists, although it is less common that the noun. To leaflet means to give out leaflets to people, businesses, and homes, i.e., to distribute them.
The word first appeared in the English language in 1878. At the time, it was a botanical term. It wasn’t until 1867 that leaflet was used in printing and publication.
Leaflet Distribution Team, a leaflet distribution London company, has the following definition of the term:
“Leaflets are marketing tools companies use to influence consumer purchasing decisions. They consist of printed papers that contain information about products, services, or brands.”
Leaflets work
Leaflet distribution is a very effective way to get the word out about your products, services, or brand. They are also used to increase consumers’ awareness of your business. A company’s or product’s brand is its image and personality. A brand conveys a promise made by the seller that the product or service that you purchase will meet a certain standard.
For small and medium-sized businesses, leaflets are ideal because they are much cheaper than, for example, TV, radio, or newspapers adverts.
If your leaflets are well designed and distributed by a professional company, they can boost your sales significantly.
Some companies offer a complete package, i.e., leaflet design, printing, and distribution.
Leaflet vs. pamphlet vs. brochure
Leaflets, pamphlets, and brochures are popular marketing tools. Although they are used in similar settings, their meanings are not the same.
Pamphlet
Pamphlets typically have several pages – usually five or more. They are small, unbound booklets that contain, for example, advertising or educational material.
Educational pamphlets are popular tools for non-profit organizations. A typical waiting room at a GP’s (general practitioner’s) practice has several pamphlets designed to inform patients, carers, and other people about vaccines, diseases, healthy habits, and other health related topics.
Leaflet
A leaflet is a single sheet of paper. It may be printed on just one or both sides. Leaflets are typically distributed in large numbers and printed on thin paper.
Marketing professionals use leaflets for basic level communication. Even though e-marketing has become increasingly popular since the turn of the century, leaflets are still among today’s leading marketing tools.
Brochure
Brochures are small books or magazines that contain images and information about products or services. They are bigger than pamphlets. Most brochures are bound with staples.
Like leaflets and pamphlets, brochures are popular promotional documents, used mainly to introduce products, services, a company, or other types of organizations.