|
BANNERS
|
|
Banner ads are those clickable gif files at the top of
some websites. Banner advertising is currently the most
popular form of advertising on the web. There is much
debate on its effectiveness and appropriateness, but
it's definitely here to stay. Here are some tips about
banners: |
|
1. Put a blue border around the banner ad. This
"reminds" the viewer that it's clickable. You can add a
blue border within the gif file itself or have the html
page create a blue border using an HTML tag code. |
|
2. Include the words "Click Here" or "Tap Here"
somewhere in the banner ad itself. This increases the
click rate significantly. |
|
3. Link the banner ad to a specific page, not just to
the home page of a website. Make sure the page the
surfer lands at after clicking on the banner ad is
EXACTLY what they should be seeing. It helps to
coordinate an HTML page for each banner ad. This so, the
person is brought right to the "special offer" or
feature/product/service that was advertised on the
banner ad. Nobody wants to plow through a home page to
get to what they want to see. |
|
4. Create 10-50 banner ads around a similar theme or
look. Tout various features of the same product or use
different ways to express the service, but use similar
type faces, colors, images, etc. This provide
continuity/familiarity, yet each ad is different enough
to attract attention and make it's point. |
|
5. Change or cycle your banner ads every two weeks. The
click rate on the same banner ad drops significantly
after two weeks. |
|
6. Add a "click here for offer XYZ" below the ad itself.
Using standard html/text, 'reinforce' the clickability
of the banner ad, by adding a linked message in small
text below the ad/gif itself. |
|
7. Use animated gifs in the banner ad. Motion attracts
attention and may impress on the surfer that you've got
something special. Animated gifs are becoming a standard
on web pages. |
|
8. Use a deadline / last day / last chance approach in
your banner ad. This prompts the surfer to take
advantage of your special offer right now. (make sure
it's legitimate of course...) |
|
9. Think of the banner ad as a mini billboard. It has to
grab not just inform. Just like a billboard has to grab
the attention of a driver whizzing by at 60 miles an
hour, your ad needs to grab the web surfer's attention
quickly. Be clever - anything to get them to notice your
ad and click on it. Anything! |
|
10. Offer an inducement in your banner ad. Special
contest, win a prize, take a profile, free offers, etc.
grab attention and are worth offering. Remember, you are
competing for the surfer's attention. No matter how good
your product / service / link is, it won't get the
surfer to tap on your ad unless you've piqued his / her
curiosity. |
Banners