006: 🙃 Always K.I.S.S. your ads...

Hello, you powerful Creatives!

Welcome to Volume 6️⃣ of Creative Cuts 🔪 - your weekly dose of creative strategy from your friends at Creative OS.

We’re going to go over an ad with you like usual and give you some great takeaways where you:

• Understand the quality of the assets

• Strength of copy

• Psychology used to convert customers

• And how you can leverage these tactics easily

Now that you know what you’re in for, onto the show 👊

Best,

Chase

Geologie’s Ad 💪

What’s working ❤️‍🔥:

• Clear Before/After Imagery: Using before and after images is effective because it visually demonstrates the product's potential impact, which is persuasive for potential customers.

• Prominent Call-to-Action (CTA): "TRY BEFORE YOU BUY" is a powerful CTA that can entice users to engage with the product with low initial commitment. Be wary of this if your business can’t afford it.

• Cost Transparency: The ad states "JUST PAY SHIPPING TODAY!" which provides upfront cost information and can reduce hesitancy related to hidden fees. This is a tactic that this company has clearly tried and is effective when you have a business that supports it. Examples:

  • “1.63/day”

  • “You only pay for what you use”

  • “30-day money back guarantee”

• Product Display: The range of products is clearly shown, suggesting a tailored solution for different hair care needs allowing them to have a bigger total addressable market.

What could be better 🔨

• Cluttered Composition: The ad contains several elements that compete for attention, which may overwhelm the viewer. Simplifying the design could improve focus on the key message. (you’ll love how AI dealt with this)

• Unclear Membership Terms: The ad mentions "MEMBERSHIP TERMS REQUIRED" in small print at the bottom. This could raise suspicions about possible hidden commitments and deter potential customers.

• Inconsistent Branding: While the products are neatly displayed, the branding of "Geologie" seems disconnected from the overall ad design. More cohesive branding would enhance recognition and trust.

What to do📈:

1. Simplify the Layout: Restructure the ad to create a clear visual hierarchy. For instance, prioritize the before/after imagery and streamline the text to reduce clutter. KISS is always best.

2. Clarify Terms: If you’re going talk about the membership AT ALL - then make membership terms more transparent. Consider using an asterisk to direct users to a straightforward explanation of the commitment.

3. Enhance Branding Consistency: Align the ad's color scheme and typography with the brand's identity to strengthen brand recognition and cohesion across marketing materials.

   1. This isn’t always necessary but could be helpful for a micro-change.

4. Refine Messaging: Balance the text to ensure that the CTA does not overshadow the product benefits. A more straightforward message could be "Experience Your Hair Transformation with Geologie – Start with Just Shipping Cost".

5. Optimize for Accessibility: If you are going to have T/C’s then ensure that the text size is readable across all devices to make the ad more accessible and trustworthy.

In a revised version of the ad, I would envision the following:

• Top: Maintain the before and after imagery but with a cleaner frame and less pronounced branding name. This keeps the focus on the product's effects.

• Middle: Position a more subtle and streamlined CTA, such as "Discover Your Best Hair – Risk-Free Trial".

• Bottom: Neatly arrange the product lineup with a clearer emphasis on each product's unique benefit, and include a clearer explanation of the trial terms next to the CTA.

• Footer: Use a less intrusive space to inform about shipping costs and membership details, perhaps with a link to learn more.

Some fun with AI 🤖 after we put our suggestions in and asked for a new ad:

That’s all! If you’re looking to find inspiration or get the best ad templates out there, come hang out with us at Creative OS and tell your friends!