Have you booked advertising space and now need to write an advert? Advertising can be an expensive form of marketing so your advert really needs to pack a punch and be as effective as possible.
Before you begin writing your advert consider the following:
- Define your objective – are you advertising to build awareness or to generate enquiries or sales?
- Consider your target audience – what problems can you solve for them?
- Check our the competition – see what adverts work well and consider how you can make your advert stand out.
Now you’re ready to begin.
9 steps to write an advert
Step 1
Devise a short, attention-grabbing headline that clearly communicates your message and draws people to your advert. Aim for approximately five words.
Step 2
Build on the heading with two or three sentences explaining your product or service offering – focus on your key selling points.
Step 3
Use simple vocabulary and avoid jargon.
Step 4
Use a high quality image to attract attention but ensure it is relevant to your message.
Step 5
Use a simple, easy to read font.
Step 6
Keep the advert clean and uncluttered so it is clear and not overwhelming.
Step 7
Don’t make false claims. Including genuine statistics or facts can make a compelling advert.
Step 8
Include a clear call to action to prompt a response – make it easy for potential customers to contact you.
Step 9
When you’ve finished your advert try and look at it as if you were a potential customer. Would it grab your attention?
Example advert
Here is an example of a series of adverts that we designed for a law firm client.
- Clear headline.
- Supporting copy follows on from the headline.
- Eye catching image that is relevant to the copy.
- Clear and uncluttered.
- Easy to find contact details.
