That kid also knows that most of the people in the cars aren't on their way to the local pizza place. Most of the people probably aren't even hungry. But some of the people driving by just might change direction after seeing a giant dancing piece of pepperoni waving at them. Maybe.
That's what a banner ad is like.
A banner ad is an ad in the shape of a banner (long and skinny). You'll usually see a banner ad at the top of a website, trying to lure you away from the website you've gone to. If you click on the banner ad –- as the banner ad will usually tell you to do –- you get whisked away from the website you originally went to, and end up on the banner ad's website.
And unlike the kid in the pepperoni suit who waves at everybody whether or not they're even hungry, the really smart banner ads are strategic. So if you're searching for running shoes, you won't see a banner ad for lipstick. Instead, you'll see an ad for running shoes, or maybe running shorts, since those are related.
But why would someone let someone else put a banner ad on their website if the banner ad is specifically designed to lure people away? That's like Jake's Pizza letting someone from Zeke's Pizza stand at their door trying to get them to go to Zeke's place instead.
The answer is cash. If you want to put a banner on someone's site, you have to pay them to do so. Then, if your banner actually entices someone to leave site A to go to your site, at least the person who runs site A will have been paid by you for having your banner ad on their site.
So a banner ad simply tries to get you to go somewhere you weren't originally going.
And that's why a banner ad is like the kid in the pepperoni suit.
Copyright (c) Grant Pasay 2005. All rights reserved.
Make A Banner Ad
Just how true a saying is that? Whether in the wheat fields of Georgia or at home on the Internet, a good idea will generate good income. Such is true of banner advertising.
To begin, you will want to define goals for your campaign. Ask yourself the following questions: What do I wish to accomplish using this campaign? What step do I want online users to take when they first see my ad? Once you have defined your answers, it is time to develop your advertising message.
Here are some proven ideas that you can adopt to create an effective banner ad campaign:
1) Study some of the best online. Refer back to some of the best banner ads that you have seen previously. Take a look at MSN and look at the various banner ads. Identify at least three banner ads that catch your attention best. What is the common ground in the three ads? This will enable you to identify what techniques are most effective, as well as what design style attracts you best.
2) Send a clear message in graphic design. Your main goal is to have people take a particular action after viewing your ad. You want to present a strong, clear message to capture interest. Present your primary message as the strongest visual element in your ad.
3) Use seven words or less. This works best for a small visual space. Use fewer words and make the font size bigger. This delivers better impact. Remember that less is more in this case.
4) Think power words. Words like free, outstanding, secret, awesome, affordable and endearing - these all deliver a terrific message. You want to grab attention as quickly as possible.
5) Go easy on animation. You want the animation to draw the eye without offending the viewer in any way. Be subtle when in doubt. For the animation speed, look for something that changes at a slow to moderate pace. Consider setting your animations so that they stop after three cycles; some sites may insist on this.
As you create your design, remember that you will make a stronger impact with less cluttered messages. Go light on the number of elements, the colors, fonts, graphics and words that you use in your ad. You want to bring across a strong primary message.
You will make a favorable impression with your banner advertising if you pay careful attention to detail. Less is more, be subtle in animation and use clever wording for best impact. Prospects will act quickly and be impressed with your creatively designed banner advertising.
Both Grant Pasay & are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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