When was the last time you cracked open your local Yellow Pages? Chances are it’s been awhile. But if you do decide to take a look, you’re likely to see some pretty serious mistakes in the print ads inside. So whether you’re spending money on print ads or advertising online via social media, there are some important lessons you can learn from these ill-advised local ads.
One of the most important parts of any banner ad is the headline, and headlines are also often the first thing wrong with local small business ads. Too many ads have a headline that’s irrelevant to the product or service being offered. Something like, “Our Family Serving Your Family,” might sound nice, but it does nothing to communicate information about your business to a potential customer. Instead, make your headline about accolades you’ve received or milestones you’ve reached. You can even use a customer review quote! Next, beware of bullet-point lists of your products or services. Chances are your competitors are using the same tactic, and neither of you will stand out. Instead, mention the one thing that makes your business stand out among your competitors. What are you doing that they’re not? These simple mistakes can be easily fixed and even turned into major strengths of your ad campaign!
Read the full article here: Five Essential Elements of a Terrible Small Business Ad