SAN FRANCISCO SCHOOL OF COPYWRITING
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  • Courses
    • Copywriting 101
    • How to Create an Advertising Portfolio From Scratch
    • Direct Response Copywriting
    • 360 Copywriting Online
  • ABOUT
  • CONTACT
  • BLOG
    • Copywriting Lessons from David Ogilvy
    • 9 Copywriting Lessons from Robert Collier
    • 9 Copywriting Lessons From John Caples
    • 8 Copywriting Lessons from John Powers
    • Scientific Advertising: 10 Copywriting Lessons from Claude Hopkins
    • A Review of Current AI Copywriting Tools
    • Top San Francisco Ad Agencies
    • Learn How To Write Conversationally To Engage Your Audience
    • Top Skills for a Copywriter
    • Launch A Career In Advertising With These Top Portfolio Schools
    • UX Copywriting and Short Copy ​
    • Discover How To Write Killer Copy That Converts
    • What is Copywriting? >
      • What Alternative
    • 10 Great Headlines from Classic Ads
    • Why Tone Can Make or Break Your Copy
    • How to Use Statistics, Facts and Quotes to Craft Compelling Copy
    • Great Copywriters Use Verbal Imagery to Tell a Story
    • Master the Art of Headline Writing!
    • Here’s How to Get Portfolio-Building Copywriting Gigs
    • What Volkswagen’s ’Think Small’ Teaches Copywriters
    • 5 Brands with Amazing Copywriting Teams
    • Master Hard and Soft CTAs for Superior Sales Writing
    • The Ultimate Checklist for Blog Copywriters
    • 10 Mistakes Even Experienced Copywriters Make
    • Read These 4 Books to Become a Better Copywriter
    • Sales Writing: How to Create Attention Grabbing Headlines
    • How to Create Persuasive Sales Copy
    • Proven Copywriting Methods Emotional Advertising
    • How to Write Good Copy : Preparation Techniques
    • Copywriting Secrets: 8 Powerful Ways to Add Proof and Credibility
    • Copywriting Cheat Sheet: Write Powerful Copy Quickly and Easily
    • Copywriting Insights: How to Test Ad Copy for Best Results
    • Write Effective Ad Copy: No Fail Secrets and Tips
    • What Never to Do When Writing Compelling Copy for Sales
    • How to Write Copy That Sells – Use Benefits
    • 7 Ways to Improve Your Copy Immediately
    • A Day in the Life of a Copywriter
    • Coffee, Copywriting, and Freedom
    • Copy is Everywhere
    • Direct Response Copy Sells
    • The Pros and Cons of Copywriting Part–Time
    • Three Tips to Write Copy that Converts
    • Two of the Biggest Mistakes Beginning Copywriters Make
    • Why Copywriting Makes a Great Second Career
    • Why I Love Being a Copywriter
    • Landing Pages that Work - Copy that Converts
    • The Next Big Idea: Creative Advertising Ideation
    • Copywriting Certificates: Online Copywriting Classes
    • The Advertising Museum Tokyo: Copywriting Fun
    • How to Tell a Great Brand Story
    • 20 Great Headlines from Classic Ads
    • Top London Ad Agencies
    • The Top 10 Best Copywriting Books
    • Copywriting Courses & Resources
    • Copywriting Formulas to Write Faster: AIDA, Problem Solution and More
    • Sales Letters: Broken Down by Parts
    • Copywriting Research Tips, Tricks and Secrets
    • How to Grow Your Email List
    • What is Creative Advertising
    • Ideation and How to Find the Next Big Idea
    • Creative Advertising Methods and Madness
    • Paths to Becoming a Copywriter
    • Great Print Ads - Creative Advertising That Rocks
    • Great Outdoor Ads - Creative Advertising That Works
    • Underground Ads - Creative Advertising in England
    • 10 Great Email Subject Lines
    • Email Marketing Types: Long, Short, Creative and More
    • Email Copywriting Tactics
    • How to Grow Your Email List
    • Autoresponder Copywriting: How to Do It Write
    • Copywriting Examples: Social Media
    • 6 Free Copywriting Courses
    • Where You Can Get a Copywriting Certificate Online: Copywriting Training
    • Top American Ad Schools
    • 10 Ad Schools for College Graduates
    • These Direct Response Letters And Campaigns Delivered Great Results - Yours Can Too
    • How To Break Into Advertising
    • The Creative Advertising Bible: The Value Of Great Guerrilla Ad Campaigns (With Examples)
    • Content Writing Vs. Copywriting: What's the Difference?
    • SEO Copywriting: How Does Search Engine Optimization Factor Into Copywriting?
    • Show and Tell: 7 Ways to Write Strong Video Copy
    • Short, Sweet, and It Sells: How to Trim the Fat From Your Sales Copy
    • Digital VS Print Ad Copy: How to Write the Difference
    • How to Craft the Ultimate Product Description
    • B2B VS B2C Sales Copy: 6 Crucial Differences You Should Know About
    • The Next Big Idea: Creative Advertising Ideation
    • Email Marketing: 12 Tips for Getting It Right
    • Landing Pages and Lead Magnets: Everything You Need to Know
    • How to Do Better Creative Advertising: Why and How It Works
    • Where to Take Copywriting Classes in the San Francisco Bay Area
    • Why San Francisco Business Owners Need to Know Copywriting
    • How to Break Into the Copywriting Industry
    • What Everybody Should Know About Online Advertising Portfolio
    • Copywriting for Beginners: 10 Quick Tips
    • Don’t Let Imposter Syndrome Keep You from Writing Great Copy
    • How to Design Great Digital Ads
    • Ad Campaigns: Nike Just Do It
    • Copywriting Examples: Google Ads
    • Best Copywriting Resources: Magazines, Organizations and More
    • How to Practice Copywriting
    • How to Build a Brand With Copywriting
    • Copywriting Grammar Review: 10 Common Grammar Mistakes
    • Copywriting Grammar Review: When to Use Commas
    • Our Top 10 Conversion Rate Optimization Copywriting Tips
    • Urgent, Useful, Unique, Ultra-Specific: How to Boost Your Copywriting with the Four U’s
    • Great Ad Campaigns: Apple 1984
    • Great Ad Campaigns: “Mikey Likes It”
    • Great Ad Campaigns: "When EF Hutton Talks"
    • Great Ad Campaigns: "We Make Money the Old Fashioned Way"
    • Great Ad Campaigns: Daisy
    • Great Ad Campaigns: Absolut Vodka
    • Top San Francisco Ad Agencies
    • Top 6 1960s Ad Campaigns and What You Can Learn From Them
    • Top 10 1970s Ad Campaigns and What You Can Learn From Them
    • Top 7 1980s Ad Campaigns and What You Can Learn From Them
    • Top 10 1990s Ad Campaigns and What You Can Learn From Them
    • Why Does Creative Advertising Matter?
    • How Can AI Copywriting Tools Make Me a Better Copywriter?
    • Why Should You Enter Advertising Contests as a Copywriter?
    • 10 Tips for Writing Captivating Social Media Copy
    • Tips for Improved Direct Response Copywriting
    • Copywriting Pro-Tip: Highlighting Benefits Over Feature
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How to Design Great Digital Ads

Are you struggling to draw in leads this year? Consider using digital advertising! Creating a digital campaign can help you boost awareness, leads, sales, and more. 

In fact, traffic brought through pay-per-click (PPC) advertising yields 50% more conversions than organic advertising.

When developing eye-catching, results-driven digital ads, it helps to have a plan of attack.

​Your ads can help you draw more customers to your business. Without a plan, however, they could fall flat.

Instead of boosting your ROI, you could waste valuable time and effort on ads that don't appeal to your target audience.

Don't take that risk! Instead, use these 10 tips for effective digital advertising. With these tips, you can wow your audience and draw in fresh leads.

Get started with these tips today.

1. Set Your Goals

Businesses make an average of $2 per $1 spent on Google Ads.

If you want to develop a strong digital advertising campaign, start by establishing your goals. What do you want to accomplish through advertising?

You can set a different goal for each campaign you create.

For example, you might want to:
  • Build brand awareness and recognition

  • Increase traffic to your website

  • Generate fresh leads (calls, form submissions, etc.)

  • Increase online sales

  • Improve your ROI

Establishing your goals before you create your digital ads can help you develop an effective campaign.

Otherwise, your ads might seem like they're all over the place. 

Instead, give each campaign a singular purpose.

​Then, keep that purpose in mind as you create your ads and landing pages. You can create a cohesive experience for the user as a result. 

2. Understand Your Target Audience

In order to create an effective digital advertising campaign, take the time to research your target audience.

Your advertising copywriting won't appeal to every consumer. Instead, learn more about who your customers are and what they care about.

You can segment your broad target audience based on psychographics and demographics. For example, consider the customer's:
  • Age
  • Gender
  • Location
  • Marital status
  • Household income
  • Career
  • Language
  • Buying behaviors
  • Pain points
  • Interests

What problems are your customers experiencing? Try to empathize with them through your copywriting. Effective copywriting for advertising focuses on the consumer, not sales. 

In fact, over 70% of customers expect companies to understand their needs and expectations. About 80% are more likely to make purchases when brands offer personalized experiences.

Personalization can offer up to eight times the ROI on marketing spend, too!

Learning about your customers will help you personalize your messaging.

​You'll have an easier time drawing them to your business as a result. 

3. Start With Standard Banner Sizes

First, determine what platform you're using. Each platform can offer different ad formats and placements.

For Google, the standard banner sizes include:
  • 728×90px (leaderboard)

  • 300×600px (half page)

  • 300×250px (medium rectangle)

  • 336×280px (large rectangle)

You can see the full list of Google's ad sizes here.

Make sure to consider desktop and mobile ad sizes.
You don't have to use every ad size. Instead, start with the basics.

Then, review the data from your campaigns. 

Your data will tell you which ad sizes are the most effective at generating clicks and conversions.

From there, you can make adjustments to optimize your campaigns. 

4. Establish Hierarchy

Once you determine which ad sizes you're using, you can size with dimensions in mind. 

Effective digital advertising relies on the right balance of text and imagery.

Otherwise, you could overwhelm the consumer. They might not know where to click.

Your ads will need three main components:
  • Branding

  • The value proposition

  • Your call to action

Use your company logo to build brand awareness and recognition. Make sure your logo is big enough to see without dominating the ads.

Your value proposition will give consumers a reason to click on your ad. If there's no value, they might take their business elsewhere.

Think about the product or service you're advertising. Use offers and prices to incentivize customers. For example, you can use language like "limited time offer," "50% off," or "high-quality."

The value proposition should draw more people to your ads.
Finally, you'll need a strong call-to-action (CTA). Your CTA should align with the campaign's overarching goal.

For example, if you want to boost sales, use "Buy Now" or "Start Shopping."

As you start designing your digital ad, make sure you have a clearly defined frame.
​
The reader's eyes should draw toward a subject within the frame. You can allow graphics to extend to the edges of the box, though.
 

5. Keep It Simple

As you use these tips for developing your digital advertising campaigns, don't forget KISS. KISS stands for "keep it simple, stupid."

Most people will only glance at your digital ads. If they're messy or filled with content, you could overwhelm the consumer. They'll keep scrolling.

Keep your advertising simple. Remember to focus on the goal you're trying to accomplish.

Within a single glance, consumers should know what your brand is and the message you're trying to convey.

You can simplify your ads by:
  • Using five words or fewer in the headline

  • Using a strong, concise CTA

  • Featuring real-life product shots within the ad

  • Adding your brand logo

If you're trying to boost sales, focus on the product image. Then, use your advertising copywriting to focus on the value.
​
Remember to keep it short, sweet, and to the point!

6. Consider Your CTA

An enticing call-to-action can either make or break your advertising campaigns.

First, make sure to add a distinct button to your visual ads.

Adding a button will entice people to click on it. You can increase your click-through rate and direct more people to your website.

Use a strong, bold color that stands out from the rest of the ad. 

Then, consider your CTA language.

You can use phrases like:
  • Watching Now
  • Shop Today
  • Click Here
  • Learn More
  • Register Here
  • Save 20%

Get creative with your CTA language without getting wordy. Make sure the CTA matches the goal you want consumers to complete.

Then, add a little urgency. Urgency will push people to act as soon as possible.

You can add urgency by focusing on exclusive deals, limited-time offers, or an end date. 
​
Here are a few tips for creating copy that converts.

7. Improve Readability

Remember, most people will skim-read your ads. With working on copywriting for advertising campaigns, you need to keep it concise. 

First, take the time to tailor your message with your target audience in mind. What unique value proposition do you want consumers to focus on?

Understanding your customers will help you choose the right selling point.

For example, you might want to focus on no hidden fees, fast service, or free deliveries.

You can also personalize your ads by focusing on a specific location.

​Use your advertising platform to focus on a specific city or region. Then, use location-based language within your ads.

Dos and Don'ts

Remember, you'll want to make sure your ads are easy to read.

First, make sure the headline and body copy are different sizes. Keep your text under four lines. If you get too wordy, people might stop reading.

Avoid using cursive or script fonts, which are sometimes too difficult to read. Try to avoid thin font weights, too. 
Don't write in all caps, which can make it seem like you're yelling.

Adjust your font sizes to make sure they're easy to read as well. 

Advertising copywriting can take a little practice. Once you perfect your writing skills, you'll have an easier time generating conversions.

First, try to focus on the benefits you're offering (not just the features). Focusing on the benefits can help people see the value you offer.

Try to add a little humor to your ads. Humor can make your ads memorable. You could develop brand recognition as a result.

Don't forget to focus on a single message within your ads. Otherwise, you could struggle to grab the reader's attention. You might risk confusing them, too.
​
You can use A/B testing to determine which headlines and CTAs grab your audience's attention best!

8. Maintain Brand Consistency

As you start developing your online advertising campaigns, take a moment to consider your brand.

Brand consistency is key if you want to build awareness and recognition.

Otherwise, you could risk confusing customers. They'll move between your ads and landing pages, only to think you're a different business.

Brand consistency could boost revenue by up to 23%. Create brand guidelines to keep your branding consistent. 
​
Don't forget to include your logo within the ads.

9. Use Eye-Catching Imagery

A picture says a thousand words! As you create your digital ads, think about the message you're trying to convey. Then, try to find an image that says the message for you.

Avoid using stock photography, which can seem ingenuine. Instead, use unique, compelling, branded visuals to draw customers in. 
​
Try using animations within your ads, too. Animations are eye-catching and engaging. 

10. Match the Landing Page

What happens when the consumer clicks on your ad? Consider the landing page you'll send them to. Adjust the landing page language and imagery to ensure it matches the ad.

Matching your ads and landing pages can create a more cohesive experience.

You can keep consumers focused on the one goal you want them to complete, too.
​
Then, A/B test and keep making improvements. 

Awesome Advertising: 10 Tips for Effective, Results-Driven Digital Ads

Creating digital ads doesn't have to feel like a challenge. Instead, keep these 10 tips in mind. With these tips, you can create effective, money-making digital campaigns.

Searching for more helpful tips and tricks? You came to the right place. 
​
Sign up for our copywriting course today to get started.
FREE COURSE
  • Home
  • Courses
    • Copywriting 101
    • How to Create an Advertising Portfolio From Scratch
    • Direct Response Copywriting
    • 360 Copywriting Online
  • ABOUT
  • CONTACT
  • BLOG
    • Copywriting Lessons from David Ogilvy
    • 9 Copywriting Lessons from Robert Collier
    • 9 Copywriting Lessons From John Caples
    • 8 Copywriting Lessons from John Powers
    • Scientific Advertising: 10 Copywriting Lessons from Claude Hopkins
    • A Review of Current AI Copywriting Tools
    • Top San Francisco Ad Agencies
    • Learn How To Write Conversationally To Engage Your Audience
    • Top Skills for a Copywriter
    • Launch A Career In Advertising With These Top Portfolio Schools
    • UX Copywriting and Short Copy ​
    • Discover How To Write Killer Copy That Converts
    • What is Copywriting? >
      • What Alternative
    • 10 Great Headlines from Classic Ads
    • Why Tone Can Make or Break Your Copy
    • How to Use Statistics, Facts and Quotes to Craft Compelling Copy
    • Great Copywriters Use Verbal Imagery to Tell a Story
    • Master the Art of Headline Writing!
    • Here’s How to Get Portfolio-Building Copywriting Gigs
    • What Volkswagen’s ’Think Small’ Teaches Copywriters
    • 5 Brands with Amazing Copywriting Teams
    • Master Hard and Soft CTAs for Superior Sales Writing
    • The Ultimate Checklist for Blog Copywriters
    • 10 Mistakes Even Experienced Copywriters Make
    • Read These 4 Books to Become a Better Copywriter
    • Sales Writing: How to Create Attention Grabbing Headlines
    • How to Create Persuasive Sales Copy
    • Proven Copywriting Methods Emotional Advertising
    • How to Write Good Copy : Preparation Techniques
    • Copywriting Secrets: 8 Powerful Ways to Add Proof and Credibility
    • Copywriting Cheat Sheet: Write Powerful Copy Quickly and Easily
    • Copywriting Insights: How to Test Ad Copy for Best Results
    • Write Effective Ad Copy: No Fail Secrets and Tips
    • What Never to Do When Writing Compelling Copy for Sales
    • How to Write Copy That Sells – Use Benefits
    • 7 Ways to Improve Your Copy Immediately
    • A Day in the Life of a Copywriter
    • Coffee, Copywriting, and Freedom
    • Copy is Everywhere
    • Direct Response Copy Sells
    • The Pros and Cons of Copywriting Part–Time
    • Three Tips to Write Copy that Converts
    • Two of the Biggest Mistakes Beginning Copywriters Make
    • Why Copywriting Makes a Great Second Career
    • Why I Love Being a Copywriter
    • Landing Pages that Work - Copy that Converts
    • The Next Big Idea: Creative Advertising Ideation
    • Copywriting Certificates: Online Copywriting Classes
    • The Advertising Museum Tokyo: Copywriting Fun
    • How to Tell a Great Brand Story
    • 20 Great Headlines from Classic Ads
    • Top London Ad Agencies
    • The Top 10 Best Copywriting Books
    • Copywriting Courses & Resources
    • Copywriting Formulas to Write Faster: AIDA, Problem Solution and More
    • Sales Letters: Broken Down by Parts
    • Copywriting Research Tips, Tricks and Secrets
    • How to Grow Your Email List
    • What is Creative Advertising
    • Ideation and How to Find the Next Big Idea
    • Creative Advertising Methods and Madness
    • Paths to Becoming a Copywriter
    • Great Print Ads - Creative Advertising That Rocks
    • Great Outdoor Ads - Creative Advertising That Works
    • Underground Ads - Creative Advertising in England
    • 10 Great Email Subject Lines
    • Email Marketing Types: Long, Short, Creative and More
    • Email Copywriting Tactics
    • How to Grow Your Email List
    • Autoresponder Copywriting: How to Do It Write
    • Copywriting Examples: Social Media
    • 6 Free Copywriting Courses
    • Where You Can Get a Copywriting Certificate Online: Copywriting Training
    • Top American Ad Schools
    • 10 Ad Schools for College Graduates
    • These Direct Response Letters And Campaigns Delivered Great Results - Yours Can Too
    • How To Break Into Advertising
    • The Creative Advertising Bible: The Value Of Great Guerrilla Ad Campaigns (With Examples)
    • Content Writing Vs. Copywriting: What's the Difference?
    • SEO Copywriting: How Does Search Engine Optimization Factor Into Copywriting?
    • Show and Tell: 7 Ways to Write Strong Video Copy
    • Short, Sweet, and It Sells: How to Trim the Fat From Your Sales Copy
    • Digital VS Print Ad Copy: How to Write the Difference
    • How to Craft the Ultimate Product Description
    • B2B VS B2C Sales Copy: 6 Crucial Differences You Should Know About
    • The Next Big Idea: Creative Advertising Ideation
    • Email Marketing: 12 Tips for Getting It Right
    • Landing Pages and Lead Magnets: Everything You Need to Know
    • How to Do Better Creative Advertising: Why and How It Works
    • Where to Take Copywriting Classes in the San Francisco Bay Area
    • Why San Francisco Business Owners Need to Know Copywriting
    • How to Break Into the Copywriting Industry
    • What Everybody Should Know About Online Advertising Portfolio
    • Copywriting for Beginners: 10 Quick Tips
    • Don’t Let Imposter Syndrome Keep You from Writing Great Copy
    • How to Design Great Digital Ads
    • Ad Campaigns: Nike Just Do It
    • Copywriting Examples: Google Ads
    • Best Copywriting Resources: Magazines, Organizations and More
    • How to Practice Copywriting
    • How to Build a Brand With Copywriting
    • Copywriting Grammar Review: 10 Common Grammar Mistakes
    • Copywriting Grammar Review: When to Use Commas
    • Our Top 10 Conversion Rate Optimization Copywriting Tips
    • Urgent, Useful, Unique, Ultra-Specific: How to Boost Your Copywriting with the Four U’s
    • Great Ad Campaigns: Apple 1984
    • Great Ad Campaigns: “Mikey Likes It”
    • Great Ad Campaigns: "When EF Hutton Talks"
    • Great Ad Campaigns: "We Make Money the Old Fashioned Way"
    • Great Ad Campaigns: Daisy
    • Great Ad Campaigns: Absolut Vodka
    • Top San Francisco Ad Agencies
    • Top 6 1960s Ad Campaigns and What You Can Learn From Them
    • Top 10 1970s Ad Campaigns and What You Can Learn From Them
    • Top 7 1980s Ad Campaigns and What You Can Learn From Them
    • Top 10 1990s Ad Campaigns and What You Can Learn From Them
    • Why Does Creative Advertising Matter?
    • How Can AI Copywriting Tools Make Me a Better Copywriter?
    • Why Should You Enter Advertising Contests as a Copywriter?
    • 10 Tips for Writing Captivating Social Media Copy
    • Tips for Improved Direct Response Copywriting
    • Copywriting Pro-Tip: Highlighting Benefits Over Feature