Ad Alley

Good Results for View Home

2011-11-17T17:03:00.001-08:00

I like this Real Estate ad from Tacoma, Wa. (The News Tribune) for its simple layout, clear signal, benefit and proof. Ron Lunceford reports good traffic to the open house and dozens of phone calls for the list of other view homes and single level homes in the area. Good call to action and response from move up buyers.

Makes me want a Nissan

2011-07-09T17:36:00.000-07:00

What do you think of this 300x250 from Nissan? Notice the head-on lineup of their Top 5 sellers, color coded to make it nice on your eyes, then the Nissan logo and the subtle invite to VISIT.

Best case for an Open House

2010-11-26T17:00:00.000-08:00

"I ran an ad and didn't get any calls" or "I hosted an open house and no one stopped by."

Why is it that some ads work better than others. Why does the typical newspaper real estate ad fail to make the phone ring but others like this one by Sotheby's in Denver literally shake the earth with results?

Its simple. This one stands out from the crowd.

While most listing ads showcase a "drive by" photo... this one sports multiple photos, all carefully lit and framed to show off this Tuscan Estate's strongest features.

Granted this is the ultimate trophy house and has more than ample advantages. But even modestly priced homes have a unique selling proposition, a room or feature that makes it attractive to the right buyer. Start with a photo that sells the home's best feature, add a strong benefit headline, and back it up with well written copy that makes the potential buyer dropped what they are doing and call for a private showing-- before this gem of a home has multiple offers.

Bay Creek ad sells lifestyle

2010-11-15T17:50:00.000-08:00

Pretty amazing offer-- 3 day/ 2 night getaway with two rounds of golf and $100 restaurant gift certificate-- for visiting Bay Creek near Cape Charles, Va. It's all part of the development company's Discovery Tour.

I like this ad for its simple layout, clean design and well written copy.
This one scores a 10 in all three categories-- signal, benefit, proof. It all adds up to making you want to call.

Trunk Show needs kick

2010-10-26T10:13:00.000-07:00

Simple layout and lots of white space in this display ad for Main & Taylor in the Raleigh Observer means a lot of women will stop and look. The tall leather boots frame the left side of the ad, clearly delivering a strong signal.

Previous customer will probably understand the benefit-- lots of new styles of shoes and bags, maybe at bargain prices.

Unfortunately, non-customers will skip past this one because it lacks a clear benefit and proof.

So many places to buy shoes, so little time, makes it critical that print and online ads convince customers to shop this store rather than another.

Humor Sells Real Estate

2010-09-24T09:28:00.000-07:00

Tough economy? Wrong time to sell your home?

Maybe not, if you list with Jeff Hughes at Keller Williams Real Estate.

Instantly your eyes are drawn to the gloved hand with two fingers ready for a rectal exam. Most readers may laugh at the headline and move on, but home sellers with an expired listing may decide to call Jeff for advice.

Ads that make me laugh tend to be remembered.

Sexy Bisha

2010-09-01T12:38:00.000-07:00

So.. you find yourself thumbing through the pages of the Toronto Globe & Mail until your eyes happen upon this striking display ad for Bisha Hotel & Residences.

You are going to stop and look. If you are interested in a luxury condo where Attitude is Living Your Life, Where You Want It, As You Like It... then you will stop what you are doing to check out the website.

The black & white image featuring her daring look and the blindfold that leaves you wondering "what's this about?" cause this one to get more than average attention.

An upscale look for Bisha's luxury, cosmopolitan lifestyle.

Results may suffer, though, for unless you stop for a tour at http://www.bisha.com/ you may miss its many benefits.

What's My Car Worth?

2010-08-17T04:59:00.000-07:00

Shopping for a new car, wondering what you can get for your trade? The answer is a click away when you happen upon this 300x250 box ad on the home page of the Naples Daily News.

No style points for the look and feel of this online display ad. Graphically, you might not know the ad is brought to you by a used car dealer. But the simple question and strong call to action will deliver a higher than average click through rate from people ready to shop for a new car.

That's because we all want to know "what's my car worth?"

Alaska to Hawaii?

2010-08-12T12:39:00.000-07:00

Picture yourself getting away from it all and flying to Hawaii. That's what Alaska Airlines wants to make you think when you see this display ad in the Contra Costa Times.

As easy as 1-2-3 to take advantage of their great promotional rate of $159 each way from Oakland.

Expect good response to this ad for its simple design, creative approach, well written copy and branding.

Aristocrat

2010-05-01T12:59:00.000-07:00

Strong signal, benefit, proof in this beauty that I spotted today in the Kansas City Star.

The image of the 2010 C300 coming at you certainly stops you right in your tracks. The headline begs you to read more. And the ad copy with sign and drive lease payments of $459 per month call you to visit Aristocrat Motors to take a test drive.

Who says that print ads are dead?

Take me away to the Land of Lagniappe

2010-03-22T19:50:00.000-07:00

Wow, did you spot this beauty last weekend in the Houston Chronicle? They say any ad has 2 seconds to get your attention. Well this one had me at hello. The photo introduces us to the Lauberge du lac Casino Resort in Lake Charles, LA. The designers kept my interest with the headline: Rooms from $149. Extra helping of luxury included. But the clincher came in the body copy that promises golf, shopping and an escape to another world. Not being from Louisiana I had to check the definition for Lagniappe-- a little something extra you get when you make a purchase from a merchant in that part of the country. It all makes you want to call or visit their website to book a reservation.

Swanson ad stacks up nicely

2010-02-12T19:51:00.000-08:00

Did you spot this one from Swanson during the holidays? This full color, full page ran in major metros across the country, touting Swanson's as an essential ingredient for the holiday meal.

I like this ad for the creative design, the unusual image of platter of turkey, topped with all the fixins, creating a most unexpected shape. It puts all eyes on the sturdy can of broth at the base.

Hold the MSG, this is 100% natural broth!

Big Screen TV promotion is a big winner

2010-01-24T13:30:00.000-08:00

Nearly everyone will watch the Super Bowl on a Big Screen TV.

Rooms To Go does a super job of bundling Samsung's Ultra Slim HDTV with purchase of living room sets in a variety of price ranges.

Expect a surge in business for this retailer with the big game just a few weeks away.

By the way-- this display ad jumps off the page with its strong signal, benefit and proof. I like the bright colors and the careful use of white space.,

A little Vuitton

2010-01-03T07:32:00.000-08:00

A simple silhouette sells thousands of purses, time pieces and other fashion items that are synonymous with the name Louis Vuitton. My young adult daughter carries a LV handbag. She likes the way it makes her feel.

This ad that ran in the Dallas Morning News boosts the branding that makes LV one of the most recognizable in the world. Sold exclusively in Louis Vuitton stores. They want you to call or visit their website.

I'll bet that lots of people did.

Wow, W. Dallas Victory

2009-12-06T19:46:00.000-08:00

Whatever, whenever. Who could ask for more?

Well, take a look at this striking full page, full color ad for W. Dallas Victory Residences....

Where you will discover the wow factor that comes in living in one of the nation's most dynamic urban neighborhoods. The image instantly sells the warmth and the view. Well written ad copy transforms casual interest to desire for more. With phone and website contact info you know it's time to act. Before they are all gone.

Enter to win nets results

2009-11-29T09:07:00.000-08:00

Can't miss the excitement in this 300x250 for Excalibur in Las Vegas.

Newspaper websites across the country seem to carry this one that offers an enter to win for a chance to experience New Year's Eve in Party Town, USA.

Her smiling face and raised glass call to any and all who are interested in a chance to win.

Graphics in this ad are sin-sational.

Picture yourself playing Pinehurst

2009-11-22T17:31:00.000-08:00

So you are flipping through the pages of The New Observer (Raleigh, NC) and you happen upon this handsome b&w ad. Almost all will pause to read the headline but avid golfers will dream of standing over a putt on Pinehurst No. 2.

Kudos for the designers for choosing to use the photo to fill the ad space. I also like the artful way the headline and ad copy tell the story without detracting from the scene.

The price isn't cheap-- $222 per person per night for room, breakfast and a round of golf. Response should be strong from those who know the value of the package is priceless.

Take Your Sweetie to Tahiti

2009-10-23T19:07:00.000-07:00

Clever headlines often make you remember the ad message. This one-- Take Your Sweetie to Tahiti-- hits the mark atop this photo depicting a couple relaxing by the pool.

The offer is a screaming good deal (airfare and 4 nights from $998) and likely will cause paradise vacation shoppers to book the trip.

Bet on better response with a sentence or two selling the benefits of this South Pacific getaway package including some of the fun things Tahiti has to offer.

And from the neck down this ad needs a makeover. Change the font for the ad copy to something snappy and bold the phone numbers so they are easier to spot.

Keep your business top of mind

2009-10-18T07:21:00.000-07:00

Quick, name a Hair Salon in Norman, Oklahoma. Being Top of Mind means more customers will prefer your firm to the competition.

Small space ads like this one-- especially when they run every day-- leave a lasting impression on consumers. The repetition that comes with frequency will grow your name awareness. Watch your sales soar. Best of all you see more new customers, repeat customers and referrals and without offering big discounts to get them in the door.

I like this one for the pretty face with her trendy style. Better to put a big benefit headline at the top and move the name to the bottom. Address and phone can be set smaller. Do this so more people will pause to read it and remember your name.

Campbell's ad sells less salt

2009-10-04T10:21:00.000-07:00

This newspaper ad is suitable for framing.

What a beautiful ad from Campbell's promoting its low salt Tomato Soup. Ran to day in the News Tribune (Tacoma, Wa.).

See how they used blue skies, clear seas and the shell to show that the world's best sea salt let's them use less salt to make their tasty soup.

Powerful branding for this time of year.

How much is 25% off?

2009-09-28T20:15:00.000-07:00

The lady in the ad is screaming for joy because Jetson's in Ft. Pierce, Florida is offering 25% off matching pairs of Whirlpool front loaders.

Style points for the look and layout. The signal is clear. And the big bold benefit headline jumps off the page.

Unfortunately the message is short on proof. 25% off what? Add the regular price and the savings-- provided the specifics prove it's a smoking hot deal-- and response will spike.

Otherwise, it's just another pretty ad.

No one beats Walmart

2009-09-22T20:31:00.000-07:00

Rarely do you see a display ad in newspapers for Walmart. This one is bound to deliver strong response.

Full page format makes the message loud and clear. Instantly you know Coke products are priced to sell with a bold promise that no one beats Walmart's "unbeatable prices."

$4.98 for a case of Coke. Wow. That's scary.

And in case the competition is thinking of going lower? Walmart is willing to match any local competitor's printed ad.

With ads like this the product will be flying off the shelves.

Home buyers respond to $8000 tax credit

2009-09-06T07:48:00.000-07:00

With the Dec. 1 deadline looming for the government's $8000 tax credit, response will be high for ads like this one from ReMax in Knoxville, Tn.

This leaderboard's simple design and strong call to action-- see if you qualify... click here-- means more people will see it and respond.

The ReMax balloon and logo add credibility to the offer.

Certain restrictions apply and driving consumers to the ReMax website solves the impossible task of showing all of the details in the 728 x 90 space.

Buy plenty of impressions and expect a higher than average click through rate with this one.

What's bugging your business?

2009-09-01T06:41:00.000-07:00

Do you know what's bugging your business? Better call Kennedy and Coe. That's what many biz owners may do after seeing this cleverly designed and written ad message from the Kansas based CPA firm.

The blood sucking mosquito gets our attention for it's not what we expected as we read the pages of the Wichita (Ks.) Eagle. The headline makes us laugh because even if you don't know a lick of Latin you can translate "drained profits."

The balance of the ad copy reassures the potential client that the answers to their problems may be a phone call a way.

What are you waiting for? Pick up the phone!

Artsy ad for Tlingit glass creations

2009-08-23T20:16:00.000-07:00

What a winner from the Museum of Glass in Tacoma.

Designers used a photo to play up a piece created by Preston Singletary to show museum visitors a sample of what's in store when they tour his Echoes, Fire and Shadows, now through September 19.

The fonts, shades and colors balance the bold and simple look.

The ad copy includes plenty of particulars but misses the point that was instantly clear with a visit to the museum's website--- Preston magically mixes his Tlingit ancestry with dynamic studio glass moves.

Sell the sizzle.