Display ad for Geox shoes drove me to website

Typically my eyes will skip past an ad for women's shoes. Not this time. It wasn't the shape or style of the platformed, open toed sandals in this ad on the pages of the Calgary Herald.
What piqued my interest was the air or steam or whatever spraying from sole. I searched the ad from top to bottom for some sort of explanation. Finding none I went to the website-- geox.com--- and quickly learned the patented difference about Geox, the shoes that breathe. Shoes for every foot, work or play, man, woman or child. The best part was discovering on the website funny TV commercials including one labeled "smelly airport." Check it out.

Look in her eyes tells the story in Audi ad

What do you think of this one?

The Collection, a dealership in Coral Gables, Fl., puts you behind the wheel so you can picture yourself driving home in a new Audi. This print ad in the Miami Herald claims driving an Audi is an experience in exhilaration and the image proves it with her wide-eyed expression staring at you in the mirror. Through the windshield you see a collection of new Audi models with attractive lease payments. How about no money down and no first payment? Irresistable, don't you think?

Fun day & night for young couples in this banner ad

Great execution with this banner for Hot Springs, Arkansas. Designers hit the target audience with these action shots of a young couple riding a jet ski in the day and another soaking in the hot tub at night.

If you are one of the thousands to spot this skyscraper on the website for the Dallas Morning News-- and you were looking for a getaway-- there's a good chance you will click for more information. Smartly, they've listed the toll free number too, in case you prefer to call. America's First Resort sells fun.

Ford dealer sells the sizzle with Spring Fever print ad

What do they say, sell the sizzle not the steak? Diamond Ford does that with this Spring Fever sale in this week's New York Daily News. Graphically they hook you right away with the bright colors, fun fonts and photos. Then they tell you why you should buy from them (rather than the other guys) with low, low lease payments. Putting the monthly payment in big red digits makes them pop off the page. Don't believe every ad claim that you read? This one includes the proof in the ad copy.

Banner ad for Saks doesn't tell the story

Upscale is one word often used to describe Saks Fifth Avenue. Sorry, but some of that is lost in this skyscraper placed this week on several channels of the website for The Miami Herald.
The background image-- cobblestone pavers-- distracts from the shots of the two young women modeling the latest fashions. What do you think? Does it grab you?
Granted, many will stop and look at their faces, but how many will be compelled to click for more information? The benefit headline urges women to Stop By, Tell All, Win Big. Maybe that's enough but I was expecting more.
Okay, so I clicked on the ad and immediately found out a whole lot more. Saks' promotion is cool-- a chance to tell your story about What Style Means and win $2,000. And for inspiration shop the new collection at Saks.com.

Banner ad secret: keep layout clean, message simple

Orlando is full of fun things to do. Theme Parks, theme entertainment and theme dining. Spotted this 300x250 banner for Pirate's Dinner Adventure on the website for the Orlando Sentinel.
Fails the first test--signal the reader to stop and look-- by including too much info. Like a billboard on the highway the message here needs to be clean and simple. Break up the copy into 2-3 slides that can be delivered in transition. The benefit statement is good-- they promise fun and laughter along with your meal. But the headline is too small and the font hard to read. Contact info is complete: you can call, drive by or click on the ad and link to the website. More people will respond with a cleaner layout and simpler message.

Leaderboard clicks climb with strong cruise offer

Planning a vacation for my family this summer. Hawaii, Mexico, some place hot and sunny with lots to do. Have you checked out the prices for airfare lately? Geez, must be the cost of oil. Anyway, airfare for four and seven nights in a place near the beach has my budget in a tailspin.

So then I'm hit between the eyes by this leaderboard from vacationstogo.com on the website for the Santa Rosa Democrat. First I spot the cruise ship, next the bold promise to save 75% on last-minute cruises. I'm thinking I have to click this 728x98 banner and see what it's all about. Sure enough, they've gone overboard with steep discounts on cruises to Alaska, Mexico, Caribbean and Mediterranean Sea. Expect a lot of clicks and conversions for this campaign.

Light up the house

Home sellers take note: proper lighting and camera angle can make or break the photo for your print or online advertising. Found this beauty on Top Homes feature on The News Tribune (Tacoma, Wa.) website in a listing by Coldwell Banker Bain. The home shows fantastically from the back yard. Shot from the corner, the photo accentuates the dimensions. Taken late in the day with all the lights shining bright, the image gives the home character and personality. Every home is unique and this photo proves this one is something special.