Circular vs Handbill: When To Use Each One? What To Consider

When it comes to advertising and marketing, there are many terms that are used interchangeably. Two such terms are circular and handbill. But what exactly do these terms mean, and which one is the proper word to use? Let’s explore.

A circular is a type of printed advertisement that is distributed to a large number of people. It is often in the form of a flyer or brochure, and it typically contains information about sales, promotions, or events. A handbill, on the other hand, is a smaller version of a circular that is typically distributed by hand. It is often used to advertise a specific product or service.

So, which one is the proper word to use? The answer is that it depends on the context. In some cases, circular may be the more appropriate term, while in others, handbill may be more fitting. Both terms refer to printed advertisements, but the size and distribution method may differ.

Now that we have a better understanding of what circular and handbill mean, let’s dive deeper into the differences between the two and explore the pros and cons of each.

Define Circular

A circular is a printed piece of promotional material that is distributed to a large number of people. It is typically a single sheet of paper or cardstock that contains information about a business, event, or promotion. Circulars are often used to advertise sales, discounts, or new products and services.

Define Handbill

A handbill is a small printed advertisement that is typically distributed by hand. It is usually a single sheet of paper, smaller than a circular, that contains information about a business, event, or promotion. Handbills are often used to advertise local events, political campaigns, or small businesses.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

When it comes to writing, using the right words in the right context is crucial. In this section, we will explore how to properly use the words “circular” and “handbill” in a sentence.

How To Use “Circular” In A Sentence

The word “circular” is often used to describe something that is round or shaped like a circle. However, in the context of advertising, “circular” typically refers to a printed piece of promotional material that is distributed to a large number of people.

Here are some examples of how to use “circular” in a sentence:

• The store sent out a circular advertising their latest sale.
• She picked up a circular from the grocery store to see what was on sale.
• The company printed 10,000 circulars to distribute around town.

As you can see, “circular” is typically used to refer to a printed piece of promotional material that is distributed to a large number of people. It is important to use the word in the correct context to avoid confusion.

How To Use “Handbill” In A Sentence

The word “handbill” is also used to describe a printed piece of promotional material. However, unlike a circular, a handbill is typically smaller in size and is often distributed by hand.

Here are some examples of how to use “handbill” in a sentence:

• The street performer handed out handbills advertising his upcoming show.
• The political campaign distributed handbills door-to-door to promote their candidate.
• She found a handbill for a local restaurant tucked under her windshield wiper.

As you can see, “handbill” is typically used to refer to a smaller printed piece of promotional material that is often distributed by hand. Again, it is important to use the word in the correct context to avoid confusion.

More Examples Of Circular & Handbill Used In Sentences

In order to gain a better understanding of the differences between circulars and handbills, it can be helpful to see how each term is used in a variety of sentences. Below are several examples of both circular and handbill used in context:

Examples Of Using Circular In A Sentence

• The store sent out a circular advertising their upcoming sale.
• She received a circular in the mail promoting a new restaurant in town.
• The political campaign distributed a circular outlining their candidate’s platform.
• The company created a circular to inform employees of changes to the benefits package.
• He found a circular in the newspaper announcing a clearance sale at the electronics store.
• The school district mailed a circular to parents regarding changes to the academic calendar.
• She picked up a circular at the grocery store with coupons for various products.
• The local library distributed a circular detailing their upcoming events and programs.
• He received a circular from the bank explaining a new policy on overdraft fees.
• The community center created a circular to promote their summer camp program.

Examples Of Using Handbill In A Sentence

• The street performer handed out handbills advertising his show.
• The political candidate’s team distributed handbills door-to-door.
• She found a handbill on her car windshield promoting a local business.
• The protest organizers created handbills with information about the march.
• He received a handbill in the mail for a new restaurant opening in the area.
• The small business printed and distributed handbills to promote their grand opening.
• She picked up a handbill at the community center with details about an upcoming art exhibit.
• The theater company handed out handbills on the street to promote their latest production.
• The charity organization created handbills to raise awareness for their cause.
• He found a handbill at the coffee shop advertising a local band’s upcoming concert.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to advertising, circular and handbill are two terms that are often used interchangeably. However, this is a common mistake that can lead to confusion and ineffective marketing strategies. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using Circular And Handbill Interchangeably

One of the most common mistakes people make is using circular and handbill interchangeably. While both are used for advertising purposes, they are not the same thing. A circular is a printed piece of paper that is distributed to a large number of people, often through the mail or in newspapers. On the other hand, a handbill is a smaller piece of paper that is typically handed out to individuals on the street or in public places.

Using these terms interchangeably can lead to confusion among your target audience. If you are distributing handbills but referring to them as circulars, for example, people may be confused about what you are actually offering. This can result in a lack of interest and a waste of your marketing efforts.

Assuming Circulars Are More Effective

Another common mistake is assuming that circulars are more effective than handbills. While circulars may reach a larger audience, they are also more likely to be thrown away without being read. Handbills, on the other hand, are often seen as more personal and can be more effective at grabbing the attention of individuals.

It’s important to consider your target audience and the message you are trying to convey when deciding which type of advertising to use. In some cases, circulars may be more effective, while in others, handbills may be the better choice.

Not Tailoring Your Message

A third common mistake is not tailoring your message to your target audience. Whether you are using circulars or handbills, it’s important to consider who you are trying to reach and what message will resonate with them. A generic message may not be effective at grabbing the attention of your target audience.

Take the time to understand your target audience and craft a message that will speak to their needs and interests. This will help ensure that your advertising efforts are effective and that you are reaching the right people.

Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes

To avoid these common mistakes, consider the following tips:

• Be clear about the difference between circulars and handbills, and use the correct terminology when referring to each type of advertising.
• Consider the strengths and weaknesses of each type of advertising, and choose the one that is most likely to be effective for your target audience.
• Take the time to understand your target audience and craft a message that will resonate with them.

By avoiding these common mistakes and following these tips, you can ensure that your advertising efforts are effective and that you are reaching the right people with the right message.

Context Matters

When deciding between using a circular or a handbill, it’s important to consider the context in which they will be used. The choice between the two can depend on a variety of factors, including the target audience, the purpose of the marketing material, and the distribution method.

Target Audience

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing between a circular and a handbill is the target audience. If the target audience is a specific group of people who are likely to be interested in the product or service being advertised, a handbill may be more effective. Handbills can be distributed directly to individuals in a targeted area, such as a specific neighborhood or event, allowing for a more personal connection with potential customers.

On the other hand, if the target audience is more general, such as shoppers at a mall or customers of a particular store, a circular may be a better choice. Circulars can be distributed in bulk to a wider audience, making them a more cost-effective option for reaching a larger number of potential customers.

Purpose Of The Marketing Material

Another important factor to consider is the purpose of the marketing material. If the goal is to promote a specific sale or event, a handbill may be more effective. Handbills can be designed to focus on a specific message and can be distributed quickly and easily to a targeted audience.

However, if the goal is to provide general information about a product or service, a circular may be a better choice. Circulars can include more detailed information about a company and its offerings, making them a more comprehensive marketing tool.

Distribution Method

The distribution method can also play a role in the choice between a circular and a handbill. Handbills are typically distributed by hand, either by individuals or through door-to-door delivery. This makes them a good option for targeted distribution to a specific area or group of people.

Circulars, on the other hand, can be distributed through a variety of channels, including direct mail, newspaper inserts, and in-store distribution. This makes them a more versatile option for reaching a wider audience.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Context	Recommended Marketing Material
Local Farmer’s Market	Handbill
National Retail Chain	Circular
Trade Show	Handbill
Direct Mail Campaign	Circular

As shown in the table above, the choice between a circular and a handbill can vary depending on the context in which they are used. By considering the target audience, purpose of the marketing material, and distribution method, businesses can make an informed decision about which option will be most effective for their specific needs.

Exceptions To The Rules

While circulars and handbills are generally used for specific purposes, there are some exceptions where the rules for using them might not apply. Here are some examples:

1. Target Audience

One exception to the rule is when you have a specific target audience. If you have a specific group of people you want to reach, you may want to use one type of advertising material over the other. For example, if you want to target a specific neighborhood, you may want to use a handbill instead of a circular. This is because handbills are more personal and can be distributed door-to-door.

2. Event Promotion

Another exception is when promoting an event. If you are promoting an event, such as a concert or a sale, you may want to use a circular instead of a handbill. This is because circulars are larger and can provide more detailed information about the event. They can also be distributed in more locations, such as bulletin boards and public spaces.

3. Cost

Cost is also an exception to the rule. If you are on a tight budget, you may want to use a handbill instead of a circular. This is because handbills are generally cheaper to produce and distribute. They are also easier to create, as they require less design and printing work.

4. Urgency

Finally, urgency is another exception to the rule. If you need to get a message out quickly, you may want to use a handbill instead of a circular. This is because handbills can be distributed more quickly than circulars. They can also be distributed in more targeted locations, such as outside a specific event or location.

Practice Exercises

Learning how to use circular and handbill effectively can be challenging, but practice makes perfect. Here are some exercises to help you improve your understanding and usage of these terms:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Fill in the blank with the appropriate term:

1. The local grocery store sent out a ________ in the mail advertising their weekly specials.
2. The political campaign distributed a ________ on the street corner to promote their candidate.
3. I received a ________ in my newspaper this morning with coupons for local businesses.

Answer Key:

1. circular
2. handbill
3. circular

Exercise 2: Sentence Writing

Write a sentence using each term correctly:

1. circular
2. handbill

Answer Key:

1. The company sent out a circular to all of its customers announcing a new product.
2. The street performer handed out handbills advertising his upcoming show.

By practicing these exercises, you can improve your understanding and usage of circular and handbill. Remember, a circular is a printed advertisement or notice that is distributed to a large number of people, while a handbill is a small printed advertisement or notice that is distributed by hand.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the difference between circular and handbill lies in their respective formats, distribution methods, and purposes. While circulars are typically larger in size and contain more detailed information about a product or service, handbills are smaller in size and are designed to be distributed quickly and efficiently.

It is important for businesses to understand the differences between these two marketing materials in order to effectively communicate with their target audience and achieve their marketing goals. By using the appropriate format and distribution method, businesses can maximize the impact of their marketing efforts and increase their chances of success.

Key Takeaways:

• Circulars and handbills are two types of marketing materials that serve different purposes.
• Circulars are larger and contain more detailed information, while handbills are smaller and designed for quick distribution.
• Businesses should choose the appropriate format and distribution method based on their marketing goals and target audience.

Overall, a clear understanding of grammar and language use is crucial for effective communication in marketing and beyond. We encourage readers to continue learning about these important topics in order to improve their communication skills and achieve success in their personal and professional lives.