My only dilemma is how to answer when asked if I have a "live-in attendant." But I've now come to say I have 'live-out' live-ins!

Q: I make flyers then post them all over, but I seldom get responses. What am I doing wrong?

A: Here are some tips for making flyers more effective.

DO make your flyers on 8.5" x 11" sized paper.

DO use a computer to design the flyer. If you don't have one, find someone who does to ensure a visually appealing notice.

DO put your greatest selling point in large, bold type: "FREE ROOM & BOARD" or "EARN $3000/MO." Put your specifics on the second line in smaller type: "Woman with disability seeks live-in caregiver."

DO use clear, bold, easy-to-read fonts (sans serif preferred). Limit the variety of fonts used to three.

DO include all pertinent information: pay, days, hours, location, duties, etc. Block similar information together using smaller type such as, "LOCATION: Southside of city; 2 miles from City Hospital; 3 miles from University; on bus line."

DO use bold, brightly colored paper to draw attention to flyer. "Astrobright" colors are found at most copy centers. I like Solar Yellow, Liftoff Lemon, and Terra Green. They are bright and cheery, yet light enough to be readable.

DO include a photograph if it will help "sell" yourself. Since people often associate caregivers with the elderly, a photo showing you as a vibrant, happy, active, well-groomed, or professional person may allay those concerns.

DO use tear-off tags at the bottom of the flyer with your first name, phone number and/or e-mail address.

DO post the flyers in appropriate places. If you don't seek to hire the people who generally frequent a particular location, don't post flyers there. It may sound simplistic, but not everyone thinks this through.

DON'T's:

DON'T print your ads on 3" x 5" index cards. These may work for finding free kittens but not for finding PCAs!

DON'T design the flyer using Magic Markers and Glitter Sticks.

DON'T make your headline "ATTENDANT NEEDED" or "DISABLED MAN NEEDS HELP." Remember, the reader is always thinking, "What's in this for me?"

DON'T use fancy type or scrolling fonts. Never use cursive-style type. Readability is the key.

DON'T clutter the flyer with clip-art, borders, and smiley faces. It's an ad, not an art project.

DON'T use dark colored paper. It makes the type too difficult to read.

DON'T include a photo of yourself if you only have one that might intimidate respondents, such as a photo of you in bed with a myriad of equipment around you.

DON'T put your phone number in the flyer with no tear-off tags at the bottom, as readers will take the entire flyer with them for your number!

Making effective flyers take time and talent, but it is worth every ounce of effort!