3 mistakes that most ads make

Guest post by: Mark Gwilliam
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Reveal one of the most frequent mistake why thousands of small businesses flop - By Mark Gwilliam

1. Spray and Pray

Some entrepreneurs mistakenly think that the most effective way to ensure sales is to appeal to everyone. These entrepreneurs "spray" their ads widely (like haphazardly sowing seeds on a plot of land) then "pray" that some of their customers would respond (like praying that some of the seeds would land on fertile soil and flourish).

The result is unfocused, bland and uninteresting ads. In trying to please everyone, advertisers end up pleasing no one.

Ads – in order to be effective – should have a definite target, always.

2. Advertising in a Vacuum

Advertisers often make the mistake of advertising in a vacuum. They think that an impressive list of features can't fail to sell. Thus, they turn out ad after ad filled with product/service features and specifications.

What they don't realize is that such ads are sterile, boring and very forgettable; people will not remember an ad that did nothing for them except help them pass the time.

People care about themselves. Their main concern is how they feel about, how they might benefit from and how they can improve their lives through something or a particular course of action. Self-interest makes the world go round, some would say.

Therefore, your ads should be able to touch your target customers. Tell them about benefits instead of features or provoke them into feeling something or into reacting.

3. Lack of a Definite Call to and Means for Action

An ad can make a person's heart bleed, but it would still lack conversion ability without a call to and means for action. For instance, an ad that stresses the need for online marketing will not bring you any business if it doesn't tell your customers to act now and doesn't provide a simple and convenient way of doing so.

To convert, you ads must effectively urge your customers to act now and through the means you provide – buying your product or availing of your service.

Designing and making an ad is more complicated than you think. Don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it.

To grab a free copy of Scientific Advertising by Claude Hopkins, simply subscribe to my ezine at www.themarketingdude.com and look out for the additional bonuses.

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Reveal one of the most frequent mistake why thousands of small businesses flop - By Mark Gwilliam

About the Author: Mark Gwilliam

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Mark Gwilliam has worked extensively with several blue chip companies in the UK, Europe & Australasia and is an accomplished entrepreneur. He has written several eBooks & eCourses to help fellow entrepreneurs succeed, from the comfort of his home by the beach in beautiful New Zealand. Learn how to attract customers, enhance your customer relationship & propel your business. Claim 2 free gifts from Mark at www.themarketingdude.com & www.mark-gwilliam.com & look out for more special gifts to reward you for taking action!
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