Use a harmonious combination of good content and striking design
- Keep it brief. Edit your message keeping only the crucial elements you need to convey. If the customer needs more information they can get it from calling your phone number or visiting your website.
- Organize the information. Use bullet points, text boxes and infographics to organize information into readable chunks.
- Write an interesting headline. Give a lot of thought to the headline. It should be pertinent to your business and the customer should have a good idea of what you do.
- Benefits: List at least five benefits you provide to customers and list them in a way that’s easy to read. This is a quick way to tell the consumer why they should choose you.
- Know your audience. Research the demographics of your audience. Keep the message and tone in line with the customer mentality you want to reach.
- Put yourself in your customer’s shoes. Don’t use over the top language and don’t be too focused on sales. Think of what would benefit you, be straightforward and practical.
- Draw attention to specials. If you have any specials or discounts, make that pop out. It’s an incentive for the consumer to get in touch sooner rather than later.
- Beat the competition. Describe what you do that makes you a better choice than your competition.
- Include a call to action. Keep your words in the active voice, avoid a passive voice. Make the next steps clear: Tell the reader to order now, call now, or sign up.
- Keep it legible. What’s the point if the customer can’t read it? Use a legible font and make sure it’s at a legible size.
- Use the word ‘you’. Using the words ‘you’ or ‘your’ indicates you’re speaking directly to the reader, not to some abstract, unknown ‘they’ or ‘them’.
- Relevant information. Make sure your customer knows how to find you, how to get in touch with you, what services you provide and any other pertinent information.
- Good testimonials. Testimonials are a great way to communicate the value of your products or services. Use the testimonials that are written clearly, professionally and focus on relevant details of your business.
- Contact info: Your business’ name, logo and contact info should be the last thing the reader sees. The reader expects to find this information at the bottom of a flyer or ad, don’t make it hard to find by misplacing it.
- Proofread. Not only should you proofread, but you should have one or two other people proofread. A misspelled word or transposed telephone number could make your efforts worthless.
Clean, simple and personal!
Think of these tips while writing your advertising/marketing materials. Remember that the final product should be clear, concise and effective in order to boost your business. A harmonious combination of good content and striking design will set you up for success.