The Barnyard Marketing team often meets with business owners who show us their print ad and ask, “What would you do to make this better?”
Everyone is constantly bombarded with visual content, so your ad needs to break through the noise. To make your print ad stand out, it needs to grab attention quickly, communicate clearly, and create a memorable impression. Here are eight strategies that we use to help ensure our customers’ print ads capture attention and leave a lasting impact.
1. Write a Bold and Clear Headline
The headline is the first thing people will see, so it needs to be compelling. It should immediately communicate the core benefit of what you’re offering and make people want to read more. Use powerful, action-oriented language, and avoid jargon.
Tip: Keep it short and punchy, focusing on a key benefit or unique selling point (USP) of your product or service.
2. Include Good Visuals
Visuals can make or break a print ad. Choose high-quality, eye-catching images that are relevant to your message. People are naturally drawn to visuals, so make sure the images convey the essence of your brand and grab attention. This may mean hiring a professional photographer to get a collection of high-resolution images of your product or service. Believe me, it will be worth it!
Tip: Use bright colors or contrast to make the visuals pop.
3. Keep It Simple
Don’t overload your print ad with too much text. You have limited space and time to convey your message. Focus on one key message and keep everything else to a minimum. Use white space effectively to give your ad room to breathe. Too much clutter can be overwhelming and may cause readers to lose interest.
Tip: If you’re running a sale, just highlight the discount and a call to action, rather than listing every product or service you offer.
4. Use a Clear Call to Action (CTA)
Your call to action should tell the reader exactly what you want them to do. It should be clear, urgent, and actionable. Whether it’s to request a catalog, call a number, or redeem an offer, make sure the CTA stands out visually.
Tip: Make your CTA larger or in a bold color so it draws attention. Phrases like “Call Now,” “Get Started,” or “Shop Today” create a sense of urgency and guide the next steps for the reader.
5. Leverage Your Brand Identity
Make sure your print ad reflects your brand’s personality. Consistent branding—whether through color, fonts, or imagery—builds recognition and trust.
Tip: Always include your logo and brand elements to make the ad easily identifiable as yours.
6. Use Humor or Emotions
People remember ads that make them feel something. Humor, surprise, or emotional appeals can be incredibly effective in creating a memorable ad. If it makes them laugh, think, or feel inspired, they’re more likely to engage with your brand.
Tip: A clever pun or humorous image related to your product can make your ad stand out while also making the reader smile.
7. Highlight Exclusivity or Urgency
Adding a sense of exclusivity or urgency can prompt action. People don’t want to miss out, so creating an ad that feels like a limited-time offer or exclusive deal will encourage immediate responses.
Tip: Use terms like “limited-time offer,” “exclusive,” or “while supplies last.” These phrases courage people to act quickly.
8. Include Testimonials or Social Proof
Featuring positive testimonials or endorsements can increase credibility and trust. If potential customers see that others have had a positive experience with your product or service, they’ll be more likely to engage.
Tip: Select brief, impactful testimonials that speak directly to your audience’s pain points and benefits.
Bonus Tip: Test and Measure
As with any marketing strategy, testing your ads can give you insights into what works and what doesn’t. Try different headlines, images, CTAs, and designs to see which one drives the most engagement.
Tip: If possible, conduct A/B testing with different versions of your print ad in the same publication or area.
Making your print ads stand out requires a mix of eye-catching design, clear messaging, and a solid understanding of your audience. And remember, where you place your ad (which publication) may be just as important as the design. Is your audience taking the time to read the publication your ad is in?
Need Help Designing Your Ads?
Contact the experienced team of graphic designers and marketing strategists at Barnyard Marketing. We’re happy to help.