Internet Advert Content Tips

The web is "information driven" and you must supply quality, updated information or content in order to succeed.

Bear the following in mind about web users before putting together your copy:

Web users don’t read.
Web users have a very short attention span. You need to engage their attention immediately or they will move on.
Online copy is judged by its layout and must appear easy to read before web users choose to read it.
Keep your target market in mind. Who is your target audience? (Most likely a busy parent). What do you want them to do? (Contact you or visit your website?) What information would tell them they have found what they are looking for and make them feel confident that you are the right person to contact.
Stick to the basic facts.

Think of the simplest and easiest way to get your core information across to the web user. Don't make your web user (parent) work hard to find out what it is your business offers!

Bear the following in mind when writing digital copy:

Write in fragments or short sentences.
Always put your primary focus first.
Use digits instead of words to write out numbers.
Highlight important information-carrying words. Don't highlight entire sentences, stick to 2 or 3 word phrases.
Use clear, emphasised titles for page headings and important subheads.
Use ordinary language (avoid industry jargon and acronyms that are not widely understood).
Use active voice and action verbs.
Use bullet lists instead of paragraphs.
Do not use more than 2 levels for lists or headings.
Use descriptive link text that describes the information on the linked page.
Maintain quality with good spelling and grammar.

Prefer to hire the services of a digital copywriter? Our copywriting rate is R300 per hour for keyword rich copy writing for digital media. Submit an enquiry here.

Images should be at a resolution of 72dpi and not more than 30k file size for quick download onto a web users browser.

Read our Guidelines on Reducing Images for Emailing

Testimonials

Include name of author of the testimonial and the date given where possible. A picture of the person would be an added bonus. If you do not have any, then we recommend you contact some past clients and ask them if they could email you some feedback (preferable) or give you feedback over the phone. You can then write it down and use it on your website and/or your listing with us.

Here are some tips on banner advert design.

Effective banner ads:

Offer a discount or coupon or alternatively offer value add information or free stuff
Ask a question or use a catchy phrase to arouse curiosity
Convey 1 idea or point or offering
Use a good, simple image to communicate quickly, easily and memorably
Target a specific audience with their needs in mind
The link takes the reader to the page with the information directly relating to the banner offering
Have a call to action prompt (eg click here, click to view, more information, download here, claim your coupon here)
Media rich banners (created in flash or shockwave) are very effective but can be quite costly to design and are not easily visible by low bandwidth users. For animated gifs, keep the number of slides to a maximum of 2 and limit animation to 4-7 seconds
Colours most effective in grabbing users’ attention are yellow, green and blue.