Whether you call it leaflet delivery or leaflet distribution, getting your materials directly into your customers' hands is the crux of leaflet advertising. There are so many parts of leaflet distribution to understand: from who to distribute to, how to get your leaflets to them, and when is the right one to distribute. It can be daunting to understand all the jargon and make all the right decisions for your marketing campaign, so we created this ultimate guide, full of resources to help you.
We cover everything from what leaflet distribution really means exactly to its effectiveness, different distribution methods, costs, and delivery logistics.
What is leaflet distribution?
Leaflet distribution is a form of print marketing in which you deliver printed paper materials to reach new or existing customers. This includes everything from political candidates' leaflets through your letterbox to Black Friday sales printouts in your latest parcel or shopping bag to discount flyers in your town centre.
Maybe you have preconceptions based on these examples, which is entirely fair, but when you think about how often we come in contact with leaflets, it's clear just how massive a reach leaflet advertising can be. When done right, leaflets impact with your target customers cannot be underestimated.
Is leaflet distribution different from flyer distribution?
Whether you call your marketing material leaflets or flyers is primarily a matter of personal preference. Many differentiate by calling folded materials leaflets; flyers are considered single A5 pages. However, many leaflet advertisers, including Leafletdrop, produce printed material across a variety of sizes and folds, so they are able to fulfil flyers as part of their leaflet offering.
Is leaflet distribution effective?
Of course it is! Leaflet advertising has been shown time and again to be more effective than many other traditionally thought-of channels, like digital or TV ads. You can read more on the latest stats on the effectiveness of leaflet advertising from JICMail and other sources here.
Common leaflet distribution methods
Solus
Hand delivery of leaflets by yourself or a third party via mailboxes or hand-to-hand.
Door-to-door
Leaflets delivered alongside household post or through letterboxes, also known as mailbox distribution
Targeted
Strategic leaflet delivery to maximise impact.
Royal Mail & leaflet distribution
If you're thinking about door-to-door or mailbox leaflet distribution, you've probably wondered if your marketing material can be posted. The good news is it can, often through a partner like Leafletdrop. If you're aiming to work as a lone ranger, you can find all the guidelines for dispatch and drop off in our guide.
Leaflet distribution & the law
So you're mostly sold on leaflet distribution, but wait! What's the rules about these kind of things, how can you ensure you or those acting for your business are staying within the lines of the law? We've distilled what you need to know in terms of legality and general rules.
Leaflet distribution route planning
If you're taking leaflet distribution into your own hands (that is, before it gets into your customers), then you need to think about your local mailbox route. Consider how long it will take to get between different houses and streets or how easy it is to get some hours and streets. As speed is of the essence, roadworks, country roads or footpaths themselves can all drive up the cost of distribution with more hours required.
Can you use software to track leaflet distribution?
Leaflet distribution software has come on in recent years, but it's still rare for distribution tracking software to be available independently. Most third-party distributors like Leafletdrop offer some form of GPS tracking, often using an app, QR codes, and accompanying data analytics that enable you to track delivery in real-time, optimise routes, get proof of delivery and analyse the performance of your campaign.
Leaflet Delivery
National Leaflet Distribution
Get your business seen across the UK, whether targeting a national audience or focusing on local areas.
Find out moreNationwide Leaflet Targeting
Create large campaigns with the same focus of your local efforts
Find out moreLeaflet distribution tips
With all this information in mind, we hope you know a little bit more about leaflet distribution than when you started reading! There's still a lot to bear in mind, so we've shared our top five tips to making your leaflet distribution campaign a success.
