Newspaper ad for Hofstra U. has an edge

College on your mind? Do you need vision, energy, momentum? How about an edge? This print ad I discovered in New York Daily News for Hofstra University offers all that and more. I like this ad for its tidy layout and its focus on the smiling student who makes eye contact with readers. Designers blurred the background to make way for the ad copy (click on the ad for larger view).

Hofstra's admissions team wants you to find out more by visiting their booth at the National College Fair. Definitely a step above the creative seen in most recruitment ads.

Helly Hansen ad built like a Hummer

Wow. This Helly Hansen print ad in the Denver Post stands out from the crowd with its big bold logo as the platform for dude on the skis. The offer is plenty strong too with the Penny Sale and chance to buy select apparel at up to 40% off.

Current customers are bound to flock to the store today in Boulder. But what about new customers?

I'm not familiar with the retailer so I went online and found they sell protective technical gear for work, survival and sport. Their 3-layer apparel system keeps you dry and warm.

Tight cropping draws more eyes to her face

Can't help but look at the face of the woman in this online ad for eurydice that I spotted on philly.com. Designers chose tight cropping for the photo to maximize visual impact in this 720x90 leaderboard for the show placed smartly at the top of the entertainment page. The design and details might tempt you to click and be swept away to the theater's website where you see the larger image on the right. How very Greek.

Banner promotes two shows for the price of one

Venues with more than one act can take a lesson from Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. With a single 300x250 box ad they are selling tickets for two concerts, one for Reba McEntire, a second for Carlos Santana.

Layouts are ordinary, graphics are a bit weak but strong call to action will deliver high click and conversion rates.

Found this banner ad on the entertainment page on the website for the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel.

Chance to see Dolphins and Whales in 3D

Ticket sales are easy transactions on the web. Check out how IMAX hooks customers for Dolphins and Whales, Tribes of the Ocean 3D.

I spotted this handsome 300x250 banner on the entertainment channel of the Journal News (Westchester, NY) website.

Images of the beautiful mammals swimming in the deep blue catch your eye. Looking for something to do? Familiar with the show? You are likely to "click here to buy tickets."

Tickets, show times and directions are a mouse click away at the IMAX Theatre at the Palisades Center.

Who's that girl in the Snorg Tees banner ad?

She makes you look and then she makes you wonder why she's so happy. Must be her new shirt from Snorg Tees. I came upon this 300x250 banner on the Boston Globe website and was immediately curious. That's because the ad, its design and the image of the girl next door was more interesting that most of the other information on the page. That's what good ads do-- they make you stop and look, then build interest and cause you to take action. In this case I clicked to snorgtees.com and learned they will transfer Snorg designs to tees, hoodies, hats and more. Check it out.

Coed attracts attention for online degrees

Online degrees are just a click away with this 160x600 skyscraper on the Dallas Morning News website. Designers selected a pretty young coed to attract attention of would-be students, then tops the message with a simple call to action: Online Degrees... Click here for Top Online Schools.

Effectively this banner continues to sell, listing a few of the degrees available online.

Click thru and conversion rates will spike when you feature photos of people like those you are trying to reach.

Tell me though, what is the young lady staring at?