News Tips for creating an effective online display ad


Oct

24

2016

Simplicity is key to online ad success


The success of an online display ad campaign like any marketing plan comes down to return on investment, or ROI. How do you measure ROI? One common metric for online display ads is called the “click-through-rate,” or CTR. How many people clicked your ad after seeing it? We have found that the highest click-through-rates can be attributed to superior graphic design, quality artwork, and a compelling headline.


An average click-through-rate is .05 up to .10, which means that one person clicks on your ad for every 1,000 views, on average. A superior ad with a powerful image, short headline and call to action can expect to see a CTR of .20 or better. A very plain ad with only branding will typically receive a CTR of .05. A poorly designed ad with too many words and clutter will also typically receive a CTR of .05. 


The success of an online ad depends on the quality of the creative. Graphic design is included free with every campaign with Access Publishing and we are happy to give you our best advice. Copy changes can be made once a month at no additional charge.


In design, the first thing we ask is “what do we want people to feel?” Delight, surprise, love, and connection are good places to start thinking. To make your ad powerful, keep it simple.

Best practices for online ad design


• Think of it like a billboard

• A powerful photo – stock art is usually best

• Small company logo

• Headline with 1-4 large words

• Compelling offer – a value proposition

• Call to action, such as “Click” to link to custom landing page

Biggest mistakes with online ads


• Too many words – more than 6 in the ad

• Too many images – it looks cluttered

• Fonts too small to read

• Logo too large

Best results for online display ads


Over the last three years we have tracked the success of hundreds of online ads. Here are a few of the most effective we have seen:


Effective online ad

Paso Robles Clothing Co. – .53 CTR – great photo and call to action “shop online”


Best click though rates for banner ads

Best of the West – .24 CTR –  events are very popular


Smith-Motorgroup-PRDN-0614

Smith Motor Sports – .19 – Simple design and invitation


RaggedPoint_DsplyAd

Ragged Point – .19 CTR – Has a great offer and call to action “click for info.”


CC-Sailing-Chart-PRDN0615_1

Central Coast Sailing Charter – .17 CTR – Beautiful photo of family having fun and call to action.


Ultimate-Hobbies-PRDN0815-e1440800425504

Ultimate car audio – .14 CTR – Toys for boys of all ages.


successful online banner ads

Berry Hill Bistro .10 CTR – Close up pics of food are a good choice.


 

Mechanical specifications


The standard banner ads for Paso Robles Daily News, A-Town Daily News and Templeton Community Guide are 250 x 210 pixels. Set to 72dpi. Maximum file size is 60k.

For a free estimate for your online display ad campaign, call Access Publishing at (805) 226-9890