6 Essentials of a Effective Ad

Six Essentials of an Effective Ad       smallbusinessgrow.com

Many Marketing "experts" will tell you that the only effect marketing tools are found on the Internet, I disagree.  In my experience I have found that there is no silver bullet to marketing.  The best approach is a multi-faceted approach.  This includes print ad's, flyers, door hangers and business cards.  The reason these methods of marketing are ineffective to many is because they don't follow the essentials of an effective ad.  

The following is a list of Six Essentials of an Effective Ad.  Click here for FREE Download

First - Your ad must grab the attention of your target market.  Don't try to appeal to everyone, know your target market and design an Ad specifically for them.  For example; If your ideal customer is a Young Professional between the ages of 25-40, making over $75,000 per year, lives in a Condo and drives a high end sports car, make sure your Ad uses some of these images, speaks their language and appeals to their sense of style when introducing your product of service. 

Second - Your ad must show the benefits of your product or service.  How is your product or service going to better their lives?  How will your service make life easier for them?  How will your product give them the edge over their competition at the office?  For example;  If you are an auto detail company, you would explain how you will make their company vehicles grab the attention of their customers with their new shine and let them know how convenient your service will be for them.

Third - Proof of your Benefit.  This comes in the form of a brief customer testimonial. For example; "I must say I was impressed at the fast and professional service I received.  One call and my car has never looked so good, you've got my business!"

Forth - Convince the potential customer to act now!  You might use an offer with a time limit, such as, Call before Friday and get a $20 discount on our Deluxe service.  You can also limit the number of customers you can service, such as;  "My time slots are filling up, so call today if you want to be put on my route!"  These are effective ways to instill a since of urgency in the potential customer.

Fifth - Make it personal.  If you can use their name, "Hi Mike..." use it, having a picture of their city is also appealing.  Avoid using corporate jargon, as a Small Business owner part of your appeal is that you are not one of the big corporations, so just talk like you would to a friend.  For example; Instead of saying, "We have representatives standing by to take your call." You might say, "Give me a call today, I'm looking forward to talking to you."

Sixth - Give a price!  There is nothing more frustrating than to get an Ad that you are interested in and not have a price for the product or service.  Don't make your potential customers have to read the fine print, or go to another source to get a price, just post it in the Ad.  Those who are interested will appreciate not having to hunt down the price.  This is also a qualifier, it will weed out shoppers and funnel buyers to you.  This also gives you a way to attract customers with special offers and pricing discounts if they call or login fast.  For example; I'm offering a $25 discount today only, just call with the promo code below and receive the discount!

These are Six Essentials of an Effective Ad, whether you are using print advertisement, or online marketing, these tips will help your Ad be more effective and close more sales.

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