The 3 Most Powerful Types of Ads
Looking for a sure-fire method of coming up with effective ads?
The quickest way is imitation. If you can mimic a successful ad by using a style and format that has been proven to work, your own ad will be successful, too. Review the following ad types (all three tried and tested) and see what you can do to market your business’ products and services this way.
1. The Open Letter
An open letter doesn’t look like an ad, so it gets attention. It looks personal, so it gets read. It’s open, like a postcard, so it attracts people to find out what it says. Of course, the ad still must be a good ad, incorporating all elements of solid advertising. But this method can carry your message very successfully. “An open letter to all Employees of ABC Steel Co.” can be followed by the benefits of your product or service, and signed personally by the CEO.
2. Advertorials
Like an open letter, these don’t look like ads. An advertorial simulates an article written by a journalist about your business, except that you have complete control of the ad. Of course, you pay for the ad, and there’s a little disclaimer stating that it’s an advertisement, but if you keep the other elements of a good marketing in it, you’ll be able to pull off a more legitimate looking ad that is newsworthy and more believable.
3. The Direct Response Ad
In this one-step-selling ad, you’re looking for a response immediately. These ads look old fashioned, but they work. A good headline is important, because you want readers to be interested enough to read the entire article. A strong call to action with a coupon attached, or a toll free number to call, is an intrinsic part of this type of ad.
Keep your eyes open for these three formats when you read magazines and newspapers. Try advertising the business using all three formats.
