Thread: B&W newsletter ads?

Hello
I was thinking about putting an ad in my local community newsletter. Its a pretty basic newsletter that is printed in black&white. The ads are about 3in X 3in. Most of the ads have cartoon pictures or no picture at all. any ideas on hoe to make a bellydance ad, that small in B&W? and hwat should it say? I have limited space so it has to be short and sweet, but grab attention. If any one has a small B&W ad they want to upload to show me that would be great! Thanks

Toria

Are you looking to advertise performances or lessons? I have one, but it's for classes.

performances

Originally Posted by Lauren_

Are you looking to advertise performances or lessons? I have one, but it's for classes.

As for what it should say:

1. WHAT you are selling
2. WHY buy it (express as benefits to the customer: elegance, fun, entertaining, etc.)
3. Contact info
4. CALL TO ACTION: what do you want them to do as a result of viewing your ad? Go to your web site? Call you? For example, "Call now!" or "See www.mywebsite.com for details!"

Ditto what Shira said.

Originally Posted by *Shira*

As for what it should say:

1. WHAT you are selling
2. WHY buy it (express as benefits to the customer: elegance, fun, entertaining, etc.)
3. Contact info
4. CALL TO ACTION: what do you want them to do as a result of viewing your ad? Go to your web site? Call you? For example, "Call now!" or "See www.mywebsite.com for details!"

It's a good exercise to glance through the local paper yourself and notice what sort of ads your eye is drawn to. Where are they placed? What do they contain? How much wording? The things I think stand out are:

- Clear photo - a face is eye-catching. For a small ad, just show face/torso. Because you're advertising yourself, I think a photo is doubly important.
- one-word or short phrase in big, clear font...such as 'Bellydancer!' or 'Hire a bellydancer!'
- Minimal small print. Just a catch phrase, single sentence or a few bullet points works well. Clear font.
- Very clear contact details, esp. a website (people often like to browse without the feeling of committment a phone call can bring)

A special offer or call to action might also help - put it in a banner or starburst for added impact. For eg: 'Special discount for Christmas bookings!' or 'December bookings filling fast, call NOW!'.