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Author - Real Profit
Solutions March 2006
An advertisement done properly
is a great way to grab your potential customers. Your
ad could be published on the Internet, sent through
direct mail or be placed in your local newspaper. Here
are ten quick tips to help you to make your ad stand
out.
To save part of your ad
budget you have elected to try and write your advertisement
yourself of at least go through the brainstorming stage.
Whatever the medium — a direct mail piece, an
online ad, or even a spot in your local newspaper —
you need to make sure your message is clear, concise
and understood by your target audience.
These
tips help establish your credibility and can help your
ad stand out:
1. Use Pictures.
This is key. Images make people take notice and set
the mood of your ad. Never underestimate the power of
a perfectly selected picture and how you position it
in your ad.
2. Features and
Benefits are crucial. Why would someone want
to buy your product or service? It is very important
to talk to your audience in their language to highlight
what is great and gives value to your product.
3. Mention any good solid
testimonials that you may have. The testimonials
should include specific and believable benefits your
customers have received. It is always a good idea to
collect testimonials whenever the opportunity presents
itself as they always come in handy.
4. Publish any endorsements
that your product may have acquired. Your product
may have been subjected to third party durability tests,
safety tests or quality tests. Mentioning this will
boost your product's credibility.
5. Direct the readers
of your ad to any positive surveys that you may
have done with your customers.
6. List any publications
that may have done an editorial on your business.
This could be a top 10 list, a local community article,
product review, food critic or even an online article
which you should provide a link to.
7. Profile Yourself.
Listing any books or articles that you have written
positions you as an expert.
8. Always Include Your
Website Address: This is important because you can
drive qualified traffic to any promotional materials
that you may have online. Or it just gives people an
opportunity to learn more about your company and products.
DO NOT send them to your website if your site
is not professional looking or up to date. This will
hurt your image rather than help it. Consult with a
professional
web site design company if your website needs to
be updated.
9. If Possible offer
a money back guarantee. This will remove any perceived
risk with your product for potential customers. Keep
a list of rules available regarding your money back
guarantee so as to protect yourself from unreasonable
prospects though.
10. Headlines. Your
headline should make a statement to grab attention in
as few words as possible. Very similar to a newspaper
headline. To help, flip through your local newsletter
paying attention to the headlines that make you read
and why. |
Marketing Help: 10 tips for writing a successful ad
