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Design Ideas for Car Magnets and Custom Flyers
Last time, we talked about business cards, plastic cards, mouse pads, and notepads. This round, let’s look at two old-school marketing tools that are still surprisingly effective: car magnets and flyers. They don’t cost much, they’re flexible, and when they’re done right, they get noticed.
A car magnet can turn your vehicle into a rolling billboard. A flyer can put your message directly in someone’s hand. Simple? Yes. But the secret sauce is design. A dull flyer goes straight in the trash, and a messy car magnet fades into the background. Smart design, on the other hand, catches the eye and sticks in memory.
Car Magnets: Advertising on Wheels
Picture yourself at a red light. The car in front of you has a clean, bold magnet: “Plumbing Services – Call “the number.” You get the service, you see the number, and you don’t even have to think about it. That’s what makes magnets powerful—they work whether you’re driving, parked, or stuck in traffic.
So, what makes a good one?
Keep car magnet simple.
People only glance at your magnet for a second or two. Stick with the essentials: name, service, contact info. That’s all you need.
Go bold with colors.
Think of road signs. They use high-contrast combos—black on yellow, white on blue—because they need to be read instantly. Apply the same principle.
Put your logo to work.
Even if someone doesn’t call today, a familiar logo makes it easier to remember later. Place it somewhere visible but don’t let it take over the whole design.
Add a call-to-action.
Call now for a free quote” or “Book online today” gives people direction. A short link or a QR code can help, just make sure it’s mobile-friendly.
Match your brand’s personality.
A daycare van can get away with playful fonts and bright colors. An accounting firm? Probably not. The look of your magnet should feel like an extension of your business identity.
Custom Flyers: Still in the Game
Custom Flyers sometimes get written off as outdated, but hand someone a flyer at the right time and place, and it works. They’re perfect for grand openings, local events, promotions—anything where you want quick, wide reach.
The trick is making one that people actually read instead of tossing.
Lead with a headline that hooks.
Skip generic lines like “Now Open.” Try something that speaks directly to your audience: “Find Your New Coffee Spot in Downtown Toronto.” It’s personal, it’s inviting.
Make it scannable.
Don’t bury people in paragraphs. Break your flyer into clear chunks: headline, body text, visuals, and a call-to-action. Bullets and bold fonts help people skim fast.
Use authentic visuals.
A bakery flyer with a close-up of fresh croissants says more than three lines of text ever could. A realtor showing off a crisp photo of a house for sale? Same deal. Avoid the stock-photo clichés—authenticity wins.
Highlight the benefit.
Instead of saying, “Yoga classes available,” flip it to, “Relax, recharge, and feel amazing with our yoga sessions.” People want to know how their life improves.
Put the offer front and center.
Discounts, trials, special events—make the perk impossible to miss. A bold font, bright color, or call-out box does the job.
Finish strong with a call-to-action.
Tell people exactly what to do: “Call today to save 15%,” or “Scan the QR code to RSVP.” Don’t leave them guessing.
The Shared Design Rules
Magnets and flyers may work differently, but the design rules overlap:
- Be consistent. Keep fonts, colors, and logos uniform across your materials. It makes your brand instantly recognizable.
- Keep it short. No one reads walls of text—especially on a moving car or a flyer pinned to a coffee shop board.
Test it. Print a sample, stick it on a car, or hand it to a friend. If they can’t “get it” in five seconds, simplify.
Why They Still Matter
In a world where digital ads bombard us nonstop, a flyer or magnet cuts through the noise because it’s physical. A flyer on a counter or a magnet on a van doesn’t just vanish with a swipe. Plus, they’re budget-friendly. A single magnet can be seen by thousands in a month. A small stack of flyers can drive foot traffic to your event or shop.
Final Thoughts
Design isn’t just about looking pretty—it’s about communication. A car magnet works nonstop, every mile you drive. A flyer feels personal, like a direct invitation. Done right, they both create real connections.
So, take the time to make your designs bold, clear, and true to your brand. Whether you’re running a local service, opening a café, or promoting an event, these “traditional” tools can still be some of your sharpest marketing weapons.
And if you want to dig deeper, you can always check out the other design tools we’ve covered in earlier blogs.
