As a former copywriter, I have often been asked what my favorite tagline is from all the millions of advertisement I have already seen. Something I wished I had written.
For me, it’s hands-down Cebu Pacific’s tagline from the early 2000s:
“It’s time everyJuan flies.”
It’s short. It’s catchy. It actually delivered results. And best of all, it was empowering to every common Filipino like me.
Yeah, I wish I wrote it.
Many people believe they are not capable of writing effective advertisements.
I often hear individuals express doubt about their ability to create ads that truly deliver results. This doubt is often reinforced by the old saying that good writers are born, not made.
I encourage you to set those thoughts aside and approach ad writing with an open mind and a willingness to learn.
If you are involved in Internet marketing, you likely encounter numerous advertisements each week. If your goal is to get better at writing ads, take time to examine the ones you come across.
Instead of quickly scrolling past, pause and study the ones that catch your eye. Save the ads that stand out to you and create a collection for reference. We copywriters call it the swipe file because, well, we swiped them.
Once you have gathered a few examples, go back and analyze them carefully. Identify what made them appealing to you. Was it the headline, the tone, the offer, or the way it addressed a problem? Write down the elements that stood out and consider how they might resonate with others as well.
Now that you have a better understanding of what makes an ad work, begin applying those insights to your own efforts. Start by inserting your product or message into some of the templates or formats you admire. Make small adjustments at first to personalize them.
Over time, you will gain the confidence and creativity to develop your original ads that have the same impact.
This is a useful way to stimulate creativity. Many people struggle to come up with fresh advertising ideas. Looking at successful examples can help break that block and provide a clear starting point.
The goal is not to copy, but to learn and adapt. Use the inspiration to develop your unique voice and message.
Ad writing plays a crucial role in the success of your online business, so it is worth dedicating time and effort to improve this skill. With consistent practice, you will be surprised at how quickly your ideas begin to flow and how much more effective your ads become.
Try it. I think it’s time YOU write.