Door Hangers in Marketing: When to Use Them and What to Put on Them

Door hangers are one of the most “can’t-miss” local marketing tools: they’re placed right where someone will see them—on the door handle. They work especially well when you want hyper-local reach, fast awareness, and a clear next step (call/text/scan).

Summary

Best use: service-area businesses doing neighborhood marketing (home services, lawn, pest, cleaning, etc.).
Why they work: physical placement + high visibility = strong recall.
Simple rule: one clear offer + one clear action.

When door hangers are the right choice

Door hangers shine in these scenarios:

Scenario Why it works Example
“We’re working nearby” Neighbors already see activity and are curious Landscaping, tree work, roofing
New neighborhood launch Fast awareness without needing a mailing list Cleaning, pest, lawn care
Seasonal services Timed reminders drive action Spring cleanup, mosquito season
Limited-time promotions Doorstep urgency creates response “This week only” offer
Service reminders Great for repeat customers “It’s time for your seasonal tune-up”

Why door hangers work

  • They’re hard to ignore (they’re literally in your hand when you open the door)
  • They feel local (“someone is active in my neighborhood”)
  • They support word-of-mouth (neighbors talk; door hangers make your name familiar)

Door hangers aren’t about “explaining everything.” They’re about creating a simple reason to contact you now.

The best size to start with

A common, high-visibility format is 4.25 × 11—large enough for bold headlines, a strong offer, and easy-to-read contact info. Neighborhood Postcards’ 4.25×11 door hangers include a standard 1.1875” hole and are printed front & back. oai_citation:0‡Neighborhood Postcards

What to put on a door hanger

Front side: hook + offer + action

Your front should be readable in 3 seconds:

1) Hook (problem or outcome) - “ANTS? ROACHES? We can help.” - “LAWN CARE OPENINGS in your neighborhood” - “Need a same-week estimate?”

2) One offer - Free estimate / free inspection - New customer special ($ off first service) - Seasonal special (spring/fall)

3) One CTA - “Call/Text: (XXX) XXX-XXXX” - “Scan to book” - Short URL

Back side: proof + bullets + repeated CTA

Use the back for trust + clarity:

  • 3–6 bullets (what you do / what’s included)
  • 1–2 proof points (reviews, licensed & insured, years in business)
  • Repeat the CTA again

Pro tip: Put your phone number on both sides. People flip things over.

A simple door hanger layout that converts

Section Keep it to Example
Headline 5–8 words “Free Lawn Care Estimate”
Offer line 1 sentence “$25 off your first service”
Bullets 3–6 bullets “Weekly/biweekly • Edging • Cleanup”
Proof 1 line “Local • 5-star rated”
CTA 1 action “Text ‘QUOTE’ to (XXX)…”

Print details that matter (durability + visibility)

Neighborhood Postcards’ 4.25×11 door hangers are listed as: - 16pt Gloss Cover Stock - 4-color print, front & back - UV coating on both sides for durability - Fast turnaround - Standard hole size 1.1875” oai_citation:1‡Neighborhood Postcards

These choices matter because door hangers can get handled, bumped, or exposed briefly—durability helps keep them looking sharp. oai_citation:2‡Neighborhood Postcards

Distribution tips (so you don’t waste effort)

  • Be consistent: pick 300–1,000 doors in one tight area and repeat.
  • Match the message to the neighborhood: premium homes → premium offer; family neighborhoods → convenience/savings.
  • Track responses: use a QR code, short URL, or a dedicated phone number.

Always follow local rules and HOA policies, and get permission where required.

Final recommendation

Start with a 4.25×11 door hanger and keep it simple:
one service + one offer + one clear call/text/scan action. oai_citation:3‡Neighborhood Postcards
If you tell us your business type and your #1 service you want to sell, we can write a high-converting door hanger front/back for you.