On this page you will find tips on how to design a newspaper advert, six steps to professional design, advice on preparing a Web banner advert, and links to four PowerPoint presentations giving advice on preparing your own presentation.
Tips on how to design an effective newspaper advertisement
Use the A.I.D.A. formula:
Attention - Grab the attention of the reader by using a strong headline and/or striking illustration
Interest - Style the advert to interest the target market
Desire - Include information showing the benefits of purchase /use
Action - Leave the reader eager to buy / act and show clearly how and where to do this
Example: Advert targeted to football fans to buy new football boots
Attention - Picture of Luis Figo wearing Nike boots and scoring a spectacular goal.
Interest - These super new boots are now available in Guernsey.
Desire - Just think how a new pair will improve your game!
Action - As a special introductory offer they are available at a special price of £39.99 at Joe Bloggs Sports ....... And you get a free poster of Luis Figo with every pair purchased before end of March.
Example: Advert targeted to FEMALE football fans to buy a new football book
Attention - Picture of David Beckham.
Interest - This super new book is now available in Guernsey.
Desire - It's got tasty gossip on his personal life.
Action - Now available at Joe Bloggs Sports... And you get a free poster of David and his family with every book purchased before end of March.
Remember: - Who is being targeted by the advert?
- What will grab their attention?
- What will interest them?
- What will make them want to respond to the advert?
Six Steps to Professional Ad Design
1. Create a headline.
There are three types of headlines commonly used: Benefit Headline, Target Group Headline and Brand Name Headline.
2. Add a sub-headline.
The sub-headline is used to expand the original statement and enlarge the proposition.
3. Include an illustration.
"A picture is worth 1,000 words." Using a graphic not only makes an advertisement more appealing, it creates an instant picture of what is available to the consumer.
4. Extract good copy.
Good copy doesn't mean long copy! The copy should include a list of selling points and consumer benefits in clear language that leaves no questions in the consumer's mind.
5. Use an action line.
This copy should urge the potential buyer to respond immediately to the advertisement by creating a sense of urgency and a call to action.
6. Finish with a signature block.
Let the consumer know where the goods/services can be obtained. This should include name, address, telephone, fax, business hours and any other pertinent information relating to the retailers' location.
Follow these simple steps for professional ad design to help you realise the full potential of advertising.
You can download a PDF file showing how this advice would look in reality - Click here
Designing a Web page
This category offers entrants the chance to design a simple website for one of the sponsors
Submarine have kindly provided an overview of what we are after, which you can download and read here. The file is in Word format.
Designing a Web banner advert
1. Keep it simple
2. Use no more than 12 frames for animation
3. Keep colours to a minimum
4. Only use websafe colours
5. Use a bold type - Sans face
6. Keep type size as big as possible
7. Keep message short
8. Instant appeal to target market
Preparing a PowerPoint presentation
Click the appropriate link below to download a PowerPoint presentation giving advice on how to prepare your own.
YOU WILL NEED POWERPOINT INSTALLED ON YOUR PC TO VIEW THESE FILES
Kathy Tracey of sponsors The Learning Company has prepared a short PowerPoint presentation with guidelines about how to prepare your slides - and what to avoid!
Slides about Slides
