How To Write Kick-Ass, Profit Pulling Adverts For Your Business?

Doesn't that just grab you by the eyeballs and make you stop dead in your tracks? I mean it's a little harsh ? grammatically speaking ? but holy smokes, it does it have 'stopping power'...

Now I'll share with you a few secrets for creating good adverts. So let's dive right in because we're all busy people ;-)

First you need to be introduced AIDA.

- A stands for ATTENTION, as in get some or you lose your chance
- I stands for INTEREST, as in now keep me interested.
- D stands for DESIRE, as in ok, make me want what you've got.
- A stands for ACTION, because people need to take some for things to happen.

Got it? That's all there is to it?Easy right?

If it were that easy we'd all be rich and you wouldn't need marketing consultants like me. Truthfully, just invest a few thousand hours studying, read all the classic books on advertising that date as far back as 1920 (when advertising really became a science) and you'll have the subject down cold.

And on the off-chance you don't have that much free time, I'll give you some wickedly powerful pointers that will let you leapfrog over the other guys. So let's begin?

Headlines R Us (or is that You?)

It all starts with a headline. You know, the first thing the prospect sees. The title at the top of the page, that's the headline. The first few words they hear on the radio, that's a 'headline' too. Take this article for example, the headline was the first thing you saw. A good headline can almost stand alone and you just 'get it'. It's an advert for the advert.

Studies have shown the headline results in approximately 80% of the results. So the headline makes all the difference. In one test a changed headline improved response over 2000% (over 21 times!)

Here's an example of a really bad headline? YOUR COMPANY NAME

That's right, your company name is not a good headline. In fact your name, your contact details, how long you've been in business and all those other boring bits of data you often put at the top of adverts, is a waste of time?and money UNTIL the prospect wants to know who you are ? only then are they important.

Next...Make Them An Offer They Can't Refuse

Then you have to make a good offer. Don't beat around the bush. People are busy, your headline stopped them, now they're looking ? so make your pitch. Give them the best you've got. Make them an offer they can't refuse?

Describe the benefits of having your product or service in a way that the prospect can experience. Don't focus on the specific features ? focus on benefits. People buy benefits. Here's an example:

[Feature] 1/4 Inch Masonry Drill Bit.

[Benefit] 1/4 Inch hole... Probably to hang a picture ? so the real benefit was admiring the picture or proving to your spouse that you really are handy around the home...

Finally...Action!

And once you've helped them see themselves experiencing your product or service tell them what you want them to do ? call, click or visit today. Or words to that effect. Remember, advertising that does anything other than sell is a waste of money for most of us ? brand advertising is expensive.

Darn it...I've run out of time.

Because headlines are so critical to the success of your adverts I wanted to sign-off with this formula for a good headline: SINC (Self Interest, Curiosity & News).

If you can make the headline show the reader what's in it for them, make them curious to read more, and share something newsworthy you've likely got a winner on your hands.

Remember, the money is ALWAYS in the headline.

JAMES C. BURCHILL is a 20-year veteran entrepreneur and information technology executive who now provides strategic marketing consulting services to a select group of clients. He is a published author, a passionate advocate of technology and the Internet, as well as an avid study of classical advertising and marketing strategies (which he uses during 'Internet alchemy' experiments.) James is an expert in information and data management, Internet marketing and online networking. A self confessed 'information and technology enthusiast', James brings a wide range of valuable skills to any venture. Of singular note is James' ability to assimilate complex subject matter and produce clean clear 'easy-to-understand' messages. James has been interviewed many times and caused quite the media buzz when a client 'double-dog-dared' him to prove you can get front page coverage for $0. The details and that 'dumb stunt' are now part of EBay legend. Currently James lives in Ontario, Canada with his wife and family, their Siamese cat and one very nervous fish. Visit http://www.JamesBurchill.com for details.

---

Marketing Tips For Small Business ? Advertising That Works, Part I

Have you ever seen an ad on television that was... Read More

Wheres Me Pot of Gold and Lucky Charms?

We already know this from our history books. If you... Read More

God Bless The Refrigerator Magnet!

Ah, my very favorite promotional product of all, the refrigerator... Read More

11 Ways To Make Your Business Cards Work For You

1. Spend money on decent quality business cards. Home made... Read More

Small Business Image

The single easiest way to increase sales is to look... Read More

The Inside Secrets Of Free Publicity For Your Business

Product publicity is the "secret pathway" to business success... Read More

Promote yourself on radio for free

Unless you have become extremely popular in your personal or... Read More

See How to Advertise and Gain More Money to Blast Another Project

We have a Great News that we think that may... Read More

Persistant Advertising Will Do No Harm!

From my experience, I've been on many discussion groups and... Read More

How To Write Really Good Ads

All sales begin with some form of advertising. To build... Read More

Small Cards, Big Ideas: Alternative Uses for Business Cards

Aggressive business card marketing isn't about handing your business cards... Read More

Non-profit Coupon Books and Coupon Mailers for Small Businesses

Many groups like the Chamber of Commerce, ASB at the... Read More

Send em to the White Pages

Your business is listed in the Yellow Pages whether you... Read More

Design Your Own Newspaper Ads

Many people in business lay-out (design) their own ads. That... Read More

Media, the Internet, Yellow Pages, and Your Business

If you are reading this article, chances are you could... Read More

How To Create Instantly Compelling Ads Every Time

Use This Quick 3-Question Evaluation Process, So You Can Be... Read More

When Advertising Wears Out

One of the challenges facing marketers is determining the most... Read More

Custom LED Display

Custom LED Display, as the name specifies, facilitate control anything... Read More

Should Your Small Business Hire an Advertising Agency?

So, you own a small business, sales are down and... Read More

Driving Customers to You - Your Car as a Marketing Vehicle

You can turn your vehicle into a rolling advertisement. Costs... Read More

Dont Be a Secret Agent

This tactic of the game was hard for me to... Read More

Take Advantage of Your Foes

Let's take an example that is easy to check: I... Read More

Three Keys to Crafting Successful Print Ads

Want to create print ads that get results? Below are... Read More

Media Savvy - How To Lead, Persuade And Influence

The ability to lead, persuade and influence are integral skills... Read More

Direct Mail Rules of Thumb

First and foremost - You should identify your target market.... Read More

7 Essential Elements for Profit-Pulling Ads

Advertising will make or break your business. It is crucial... Read More

Why Most Advertisements Stink!

Question: What do you think the most important part of... Read More

Joint Ventures Increase Profits Quickly

A joint venture is when two or more businesses join... Read More

13 Facts About Newspaper Advertising

Advertising in the paper works for many people in business.... Read More

Advertising That Annoys: The Real Story

Critics conclude that entertaining or "creative" commercials sell better than... Read More

Business Plan Appeal ? Five Rules For Writing Attention Grabbing Headlines

The success of a business plan stands or falls on... Read More

How to Write Ads that Increase Your Business

I caught myself wracking my brain over what kind of... Read More

6 Must-Have Elements of a Powerful Brochure

Most brochures that businesses put out today end up doing... Read More