How to simplify your ads

Simple tip to help you scale

Author

Austin Engelhardt
November 05, 2024

Quick Marketing Tip of the Week

Experiment with static ads for your next offer. You might be surprised at how well a simple, straightforward message performs against a complex video. Sometimes, less really is more. Especially when attention spans less than 2 seconds.

Why Simple Ads Can Be Your Best Q4 Strategy

Hey everyone,

I've been digging into what makes a truly effective ad for Q4, especially as we’re seeing an influx of holiday campaigns. Today, I want to share why simplicity often wins out over flashy production and storytelling, especially when time and attention are short. We’re talking about ads so simple that they work almost by accident—like a sticky note with a single, bold offer. Here’s how to make simplicity a strategic advantage.

Example of a Simple, Effective Ad

Take a look at this example. It’s nothing more than a clean, clear offer, but that’s part of its strength. Now, I’ll explain why this approach works.

Key Reasons Simple Ads Succeed

Here are four main takeaways from why simplicity wins and how you can apply this to your own ad strategy:

  1. Immediate Attention Matters Most

    • People scroll fast, so your ad has to make an instant impression. Simple ads with a single, bold message, like “20% Off” or “Today Only,” stop the scroll because they’re easy to digest. The message is clear, direct, and doesn’t allow the viewer to get distracted.

  2. Immediate Value Beats Long Pitches

    • For straightforward offers, skip the fluff. While some audiences might enjoy a lengthy, broad, discount-driven campaign approach, they are less likely to purchase. This keeps the ad short and keeps viewers engaged without any setup that could lead to ad fatigue.

  1. Visual Simplicity Works

  • Static images or minimalistic graphics are powerful (If you want sales). Something like a sticky note with “Free Shipping Today Only” is hard to miss and doesn’t try too hard, which is exactly what makes it work. Simple creatives keep the focus on the offer itself.

  1. Know When Less Is More

  • Before you publish, think about your audience’s needs: Do they need clarity, or is there room for a story? For offer-driven ads, simplicity typically works best, while story-driven ads are better suited for brand awareness. Not every campaign needs to be educational. If you want sales, sell your product and the solution to the problem you’re solving.

Final Takeaway: Simplicity as a Strategy

Next time you’re building an ad, consider if simplifying could be the smarter play. A clear, direct offer often pulls more weight than a complex story, especially during high-demand periods like Q4. It’s all about letting the offer speak for itself, which keeps viewers interested and leads to quick, effective results.

If this helped, share it with someone who’s working on their own holiday campaigns. I’ll be back soon with more insights on how to scale your ads.

Before You Leave: Here’s How We Can Work Together

Until next time,
Austin