It seems that all anyone talks about is digital these days. But far from being “dead,” other mediums like print are just as effective as long as the creative is good. Too often print does not receive the same level of creative quality as other mediums. But simply follow the guidelines below and “great creative” for print and digital display will return a higher ROI on your advertising investment than you might have thought possible.
Twelve Month’s Worth of Print and Digital Advertising Norms Provide Insights
What makes effective creative for print and digital display? In analyzing top ads over the past 12 months from the world’s largest normative advertising effectiveness database, we see four characteristics of top print ads:
- Clear Benefit in Headline – Ads that score high in “Call to Action” or “Reputation” have copy that offers a crystal clear benefit. Many focus on this key benefit only.
- Singular Message – the best ads have clean, clear messaging that produces real focus.
- Singular Primary Illustration – while some top ads use more than one image, many of the best use a single, clear image to underscore the singular benefit being communicated.
- Obvious Branding – so many poor-scoring ads obscure the name of the advertiser. The best ads ensure the brand can’t be missed.
Below are examples of top performers that will illustrate the characteristics that predict effective advertising and will inspire you to emulate them.
Febreze Car – With an overall ABX Index of 134 (34% above average), this ad did surprisingly well given its slightly cluttered illustration. The very strong headline leaves no doubt as to what this product can do (Message +43%). Readers felt much better about the advertiser after exposure to this ad (Reputation +62%) and fully intended to do something about it (Action +47%).
Colgate – At an ABX Index of 133, Colgate hit this one out of the park. The copy below the illustration conveys the same message as the headline and the illustration is very strong and clear. Most notable for Colgate is the super-high Reputation score at +87% above average and Action score of +42%.
Magnum – No one can look at this illustration and not be captivated. Who can underestimate the power of great food photography and artwork? At an ABX Index of 132, Magnum (by Unilever) illustrates the singular, strong headline message with an obvious benefit for the chocolate-lover. Viewers of this ad felt better about Magnum than ever at a stunning ABX Reputation score of 201 (+101% above average).
4. Orville Redenbacher – Finally, Orville Redenbacher’s wonderful ad below illustrates the tips above even more perfectly. One benefit message is in the headline, and the same one is in the copy, and the illustration leaves no doubt. At an ABX Index score of 130, again we see a very high Reputation score (+80%) and high intent to act.
So, if you’re in the process of creating new print advertising or online display ads, think about keeping them as simple as possible with singular benefit messaging, clear illustrations and obvious branding. You’re sure to see the results of your hard work in improved creative effectiveness and business outcomes.
Are you satisfied with your current creative effectiveness? Is it resonating through Awareness and Message, and having an impact on Reputation and Action? ABX provides the largest normative database in the industry across all media types. On average you can improve your creative effectiveness by almost 20%.
If you have questions about this article or how ABX can help your brand, contact us HERE.