The 5 Questions to a Successful Ad

Over the years I've placed hundreds, if not thousands of ads across the globe. I've put them online. I've put them in newspapers and magazines. I've even mailed them directly to prospects.

I've had a lot of failures, but I've had more successes. Using my experience, I've devised a simple skeleton that you can use to create your own successful ads for any business venture you're involved with.

Looking back at the most successful ads, they've all had something in common. They answered 5 crucial questions. These questions are:

1. What is the problem?
Describe the problem that you can solve with your product. Remind the reader that they've got this problem and their attention is all yours.
   
2. Why hasn't it been fixed?
The problem they have is a tough one. Remind the reader how tough it is. Get them to nod their head in agreement to what you're saying.
   
3. What is possible?
Describe the key possibilities and benefits of your product.
   
4. What is different?
This is where you introduce your product or service. Let the reader know how different (and pleasurable) life will be once they buy and use what you've got.
   
5. What next?
The call to action. Tell the reader what to do. Call you, fill out a form, eat a cookie, whatever it is you want them to do, this is where it goes.
   
This system is short, easy to remember, and best of all, it WORKS. I've used this on hundreds of ads in all types of businesses, and after seeing the results it can bring, I will continue using the same formula.

Next time you're placing an ad, give it a try.

Best regards,

Mark Edwards - Editor & CEO