<![CDATA[********************************************************** Creating effective Ads ********************************************************** Today’s article deals with a subject that we all need to read, study and understand…how to create an EFFECTIVE ad. Online advertising on the Internet leaves a lot to be desired. We have ads that emulate Windows-warning boxes. We have pop-ups and pop-unders. All of these are developed with the intent to make people notice them. However, most of them only end up irritating them. Advertisers, especially those with small budgets, can’t afford to waste money on ineffective buys. In order to optimize your advertising buys, you need to concentrate on improving your creative. Here are some tips that might help: Step 1: Define clear goals of your advertising campaign The most important aspect of any advertising campaign is to have a clear objective in mind. You may be targeting a specific group of people, your initial aim may be to target at least 1000 internet surfers and so on and so forth. Have a well defined, clear purpose. Step 2: Identify the most effective sites for achieving your goals Sites that are most relevant to your product or service will, more than likely, be your best bet; but also consider larger sites or networks that can target the audience you’re trying to reach. They can be very cost-effective. If you have multiple products or services that appeal to various target markets, you’ll have to consider sites that reach all those various segments. Step 3: Craft your message to fit the needs of the audience you’re targeting This comes down to understanding the audience of the sites you’re advertising on. The message you use on a technology site to appeal to technologically savvy customers won’t have the same appeal for visitors on a small-business site. Focus your campaign. Step 4: Content of your Ad Pay particular attention to the content of the Ad. The content should be such that it clearly distinguishes your product or service from your competitors’. Have a catchy headline. The headline is probably the most important part of the Ad