In the advertising world, businesses are always looking for ways to engage their target audience quickly and effectively. Display ads are a powerful tool in driving conversions and brand awareness. But not all display ads are created equal-some drive engagement, while others go unnoticed. Lets explore key practices to help you design high-impact display ads that not only capture attention but also convert.

1. Visual Appeal
  • Colors that stand out help draw attention, but ensure they align with your brand.
  • Use high-quality, pictures that support the ad’s message.
  • Keep text short and concise.
  • Your logo and branding should be easy to identify at a glance.
2. Create a Strong Message
  • Ensure your headline communicates the value of your offer in as few words as possible.
  • Use language that tells users exactly what to do, such as “Shop Now,” “Get Started,” or “More Info.”
3. Align Your Ad With Landing Page

One of the most common mistakes is disconnecting the display ad from the landing page. The user experience should feel seamless.

  • Ensure that the design and message of your ad match the landing page. If your ad promises a discount, the landing page should as well, the user shouldn’t have to search for it.
  • Your landing page should load quickly and be mobile-optimized since many users will engage from their smartphones.
4. Target the Right Audience

Even the best-designed ad won’t convert if it’s shown to the wrong audience. Proper targeting is key.

  • Show ads to users who have demonstrated interest in products similar to yours.
  • Target based on location ensuring that you’re reaching potential customers in your area, possibly at competitors or other audience rich locations.
  • Display ads to users who have visited your site. Retargeting keeps your brand top-of-mind.
5. A/B Testing
  • Test your display ads to improve performance over time.
  • Experiment with different headlines, call to actions, images, and even color to see what relates most with your audience.
6. Optimize for Mobile

Per a 2023 Pew Research Center study, 85% of people own a smartphone. Mobile accounts for a significant portion of all web traffic, so make sure your ads translate well on mobile sizes.

  • Your ad should look great on any screen size—whether it’s a desktop, tablet, or mobile phone.
  • Given limited screen space, keep the copy short and sweet. Clear visuals should convey the message quickly.

Creating compelling display ads that convert doesn’t have to be complicated. It involves thoughtful design, clear messaging, and proper targeting. Follow these best practices and you can create effective display ads that can drive results for your business. Need help with your ads? NNEdigital has you covered. Reach out today!