Simple Steps to a Great Banner Ad

Everyone is using them now and if you are planning on creating your own banner ad then there are a few things that you ought to know.

Standard Size

Keep to standards. I know that if your ad is slightly larger it may get more attention but if we all start doing this where will it stop? Creating an ad that is larger than standard isn't the best way to get attention. And in many places they will ask that you keep to the industry standard.

Content

This has to be brief, simple, and very direct. You have got to simplify this. I know this is hard but there's not lots of space on those banner ads and the further data which you try to cram on there the less probable that somebody will read, or attempt to read it. Keep it to a few words, if you can not figure out how to say what you would like in a few words enlist the assistance of family and friends, ask them to define what it is you do, or sell in five words or less. You might find a really clever saying to use in doing this.

Color and Animation

Keep colors eye catching but easy to look at and be certain that they match your website. Perhaps it's only me that prefers this but I've clicked on banner ads that looked really great and ended up on those hideous web pages. Try to match your ads to the look of your site.

Animation, please, please, please keep this simple and a brief download. I don't know how often I've clicked off a page before the banner ad animation started. Please be certain you run your ad many times. Have others view it, be certain the download is fair. Do not assume that everyone has DSL. You also don't need to make adjustments for older computers or poor connections but the majority of the nation now has improved or accelerated connections. Ensure that your ad downloads quickly on an accelerated connection and you are doing fine.

Call to Action

Apparently we are all still highly suggestible since studies show that call to action words still work. Things such as: call now, click here, and buy today. Try to work some call to action words into your content if possible, it will not hurt.

Finally for those working in your home, or running your own company. Never underestimate the value of family and friends for critiques. They might not be able to let you know what's wrong with the way your ad looks but if they look at it and just say,"Eh, it's fine." Then do not use it. All of us instinctively know what looks right or wrong. If you ask around and do not get positive feedback from family and friends who love you and want your business to succeed then what do you believe a complete stranger will think? Also before you even begin creating your own ad, look around at what everyone else is doing. Choose what you like and do not like about other ads that you see. Then do not make the same mistakes.