March 6, 2024
Did you know an estimated 11% of internet users are now blocking display ads and many more are simply ignoring them? With visuals being the heart and soul of display ads, it's clear that the design holds the key to breaking through the noise. Interestingly, 50% of companies believe that design plays a critical role in their success. This highlights the transformative power of design in shaping first impressions and influencing how consumers perceive a brand.
The architecture of your ad matters immensely because the value proposition and the call to action (CTA) are your front-line soldiers--they need to stand out distinctly. IWhen you place your logo discreetly at one of the edges, it's visible but not the centrepiece. This strategic placement is important to think about and analyse because your main message, the heart of your ad, needs to shine without any visual obstruction. The clarity of what you're offering and what you want the viewer to do next is paramount. If these elements are lost in a busy image or tucked away in a corner, the essence of your message might as well be whispered in a roaring stadium.
Perception is painted with the brush of colour, and understanding its psychology can make a world of difference. Studies have shown distinct colour preferences between genders, with men favouring blue (57%) and green (14%), and women drawn to blue (35%) and purple (23%). But here’s why these preferences matter so much: they help you understand ads that resonate on a deeper, almost instinctive level with your target audience. The choice of colours in your ad makes it pretty of course, but it also makes it powerful, because it taps into emotions and associations that can drive engagement.
In the realm of display ads, words are the carriers of your message, and how they're presented can make or break your ad. A clear and legible typographic hierarchy is a bridge between your message and your audience. Regardless of how stunning the visuals might be, if the audience can’t effortlessly read or understand the message, the ad fails its fundamental purpose.
When you’re working on yard signs for instance, bold colours and large, readable fonts work best. It also pays to incorporate a simple yet powerful image related to your message or brand because it can significantly increase the sign's visibility and impact. The objective? To craft an ad that not only catches the eye but also captures the mind and heart of the viewer. It's about creating a moment of pause in the endless world of ads, a visual invitation to explore what you're offering further. In a landscape where being seen is just the beginning, the ultimate goal is to be remembered, to leave an imprint that transcends the digital space.
As more and more internet users become adept at tuning out ads, the challenge is not just to be seen but to be significant. Through thoughtful design that speaks the visual language of your audience, your ads don’t just exist; they engage and inspire action. This is the reward of diligence, of understanding and leveraging the power of design in display advertising.
