086: Peak Performance Gear, With A Plateaued Ad Strategy

Hello, you powerful Creatives!

Welcome to Volume 8️⃣6️⃣ of Creative Cuts 🔪 - your weekly dose of creative strategy from your friends at CreativeOS.

Today, we’re going to go over an ad with you and give some great takeaways so 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

Legends Apparel’s Ad 💪

What Works Well ❤️

1. Clear Brand Positioning
“Engineered for Movement” is a strong, succinct tagline that tells the viewer exactly what B/SHOP stands for. It communicates utility, intentionality, and a premium edge—all while aligning perfectly with the visual of a functional workout movement.

2. Lifestyle-Led Visual
The use of a real person mid-lunge with a kettlebell reinforces performance without the need for explanation. It’s a sharp contrast to flat lay product shots and feels authentic. The wood floor and natural lighting create a grounded, aspirational tone.

3. Minimalist, Premium Aesthetic
The minimalist layout—one product, one person, no copy clutter—mirrors high-end athletic and wellness brands like Lululemon or Ten Thousand. This visual simplicity reinforces a premium price point and makes the viewer lean in.

4. Strong Typography and Logo Use
The B/SHOP logo, especially with the slashed “I,” is modern and distinctive. Its large, bold placement at the center of the image ensures brand recall. This visual identity is strong enough to anchor a multi-platform campaign.

What Could Be Improved 🛠️

1. No CTA or Action Prompt
There’s no “Shop Now,” “See the Collection,” or even a URL. This makes the ad more brand-awareness focused than conversion-driven. Adding a direct CTA would bridge the gap from brand equity to action—especially important on Meta or performance placements.

2. Lack of Product-Specific Focus
We see the apparel, but it’s not clear what’s being advertised. Shorts? Tank? Both? The ad would benefit from a product callout, even subtly placed (e.g. “The Motion Short” in the bottom corner), to make it shoppable and reduce guesswork.

3. Missing Benefits or Differentiators
The “engineered” language hints at technical performance, but the ad doesn’t show what makes the product unique—no mention of fabric tech, stretch, breathability, or fit. Even a single line of benefit copy could improve consideration-stage performance.

4. No Use of Social Proof
There’s zero validation or community signal. Including something like “Worn by 100,000+ athletes” or “4.9/5 stars” would build trust, especially for new customers unfamiliar with the brand.

5. Visually One-Note on Mobile
The muted tones and lack of contrasting elements make it harder to stand out in a fast-scrolling mobile feed. Adding a bit of movement (slight zoom, kettlebell swing animation) or a pop of color could enhance scroll-stopping power.

What to Do 🚀

1. Add a clear CTA like “Shop Performance Gear” or “Discover the Drop.”
   

2. Introduce a product name or label so viewers know what they’re being sold.
   

3. Include 1–2 product benefits (e.g. “Moisture-wicking stretch fabric” or “No-ride fit”).
   

4. Layer in social proof to build instant credibility.
   

5. Test versions with added contrast or motion for better mobile engagement.

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