Take me away to the Land of Lagniappe

Wow, did you spot this beauty last weekend in the Houston Chronicle? They say any ad has 2 seconds to get your attention. Well this one had me at hello. The photo introduces us to the Lauberge du lac Casino Resort in Lake Charles, LA. The designers kept my interest with the headline: Rooms from $149. Extra helping of luxury included. But the clincher came in the body copy that promises golf, shopping and an escape to another world. Not being from Louisiana I had to check the definition for Lagniappe-- a little something extra you get when you make a purchase from a merchant in that part of the country. It all makes you want to call or visit their website to book a reservation.

Swanson ad stacks up nicely

Did you spot this one from Swanson during the holidays? This full color, full page ran in major metros across the country, touting Swanson's as an essential ingredient for the holiday meal.

I like this ad for the creative design, the unusual image of platter of turkey, topped with all the fixins, creating a most unexpected shape. It puts all eyes on the sturdy can of broth at the base.

Hold the MSG, this is 100% natural broth!

Wow, W. Dallas Victory

Whatever, whenever. Who could ask for more?

Well, take a look at this striking full page, full color ad for W. Dallas Victory Residences....

Where you will discover the wow factor that comes in living in one of the nation's most dynamic urban neighborhoods. The image instantly sells the warmth and the view. Well written ad copy transforms casual interest to desire for more. With phone and website contact info you know it's time to act. Before they are all gone.

Take Your Sweetie to Tahiti

Clever headlines often make you remember the ad message. This one-- Take Your Sweetie to Tahiti-- hits the mark atop this photo depicting a couple relaxing by the pool.

The offer is a screaming good deal (airfare and 4 nights from $998) and likely will cause paradise vacation shoppers to book the trip.

Bet on better response with a sentence or two selling the benefits of this South Pacific getaway package including some of the fun things Tahiti has to offer.

And from the neck down this ad needs a makeover. Change the font for the ad copy to something snappy and bold the phone numbers so they are easier to spot.

Campbell's ad sells less salt

This newspaper ad is suitable for framing.

What a beautiful ad from Campbell's promoting its low salt Tomato Soup. Ran to day in the News Tribune (Tacoma, Wa.).

See how they used blue skies, clear seas and the shell to show that the world's best sea salt let's them use less salt to make their tasty soup.

Powerful branding for this time of year.

What's bugging your business?

Do you know what's bugging your business? Better call Kennedy and Coe. That's what many biz owners may do after seeing this cleverly designed and written ad message from the Kansas based CPA firm.

The blood sucking mosquito gets our attention for it's not what we expected as we read the pages of the Wichita (Ks.) Eagle. The headline makes us laugh because even if you don't know a lick of Latin you can translate "drained profits."

The balance of the ad copy reassures the potential client that the answers to their problems may be a phone call a way.

What are you waiting for? Pick up the phone!

Oh Baby!

Dallas moms have plenty of choices when it comes to choosing a hospital birthing center. Some may change their minds after seeing this display ad in the Dallas Morning News.

Moms and dads to be may see themselves in this layout. The headline sells the benefits of Presbyterian Hospital. Then the ad copy closes the deal with words that assure pampering, expertise, luxurious private rooms and when necessary the high risk OB unit.

High marks for this one.

Cowabunga: good ad copy

Maybe he's your dad or a grandpa. Either way you know that if you put a skateboard in his hands he's likely going to need urgent care. That's the point of this ad from KPS Health Care in Bremerton, Wa.

The photo gets your attention because its not what you're expecting. The headline is fun and has you reading for more.

Well written ad copy makes this ad effective. Click on this ad so you can read the type: Bob has hit another phase in his life...he bought a skateboard and is trying to keep up with the kids. KPS Health Plans promises to be there with Bob every step of the way. Live it up Dad!

How do you measure success?

Some ads are meant to make the phone or cash register ring. Others like this one speak to current customers with an indelible branding message.

First People's Bank does a smart job of branding as they make a point about their 10 years in business.

I like this ad for its strong signal-- the image of the boy reaching out to tell you he's 10. And the copy is well written, inviting you to take part in the celebration.

Effective ads like this one make you feel good. Generally, ads that make you laugh or cry are the ones you remember.

Doctor, is that you?

Okay, many recruitment advertisers have take their postings to the web but there are still some great examples of powerful newspaper help wanted ads.
Take this one, for example, from the Denver Post.
Graphically this message calls to the doctor who may be the next Director of Surgery at Platte Valley Medical Center in Brighton, Co.
The photo does the selling. Her eyes speak to the hard-to-find candidate who is compelled to stop and ask: is this position the perfect fit for me.
Effective ads like this serve as interruption advertising, stopping the passive job seeker for a moment when they least expect it.

Are you feeling Goofy?

Shutters Restaurant at Disney's Vero Beach Resort is selling fun times and memories with this black and white ad posted on http://www.tcpalm.com/, website for The Stuart News. Big smiles are certain if Goofy or other Disney characters join you your table. Give this ad high marks for creativity, benefit statement and ad copy that is well written. Families looking for things to do are bound to respond to this one.

Ad sells Total Skin Review

Not your typical newspaper ad. Designers used this striking b&w photo with high contrast and deep shadows to promote Dr. Arlette's Total Skin Review in the Calgary Herald. The benefit is subtle-- better skin, look better, for the rest of your life. And the call to action is soft too. But results may be be impressive if women seeking more info go to the website and book an appointment. Tastefully done.

This ring is a jewel

Simple and straight forward, I like this ad for Jewel Smiths that ran in the San Francisco Chronicle. The photographer's macro lens captures the beauty of this creation from the custom jeweler.

Visit in person or online and imagine the possibilities... kind of catchy, don't you think?

Shark attack in Boulder

Like this one? Japango on Pearl Street in Boulder, Co. uses a creative approach to lure patrons to their sushi bar.

Readers of the Boulder Daily Camera probably aren't expecting to spot this shark leaping for the sushi but the unusual image makes you stop and look.

Attack the weekend...take a bite out of Happy Hour.

Simply irresistible.

Ad says: Enjoy trip to the dentist

Her eyes and big smile tell you to stop and look at this print ad in Treasure Coast newspapers (Stuart, Florida). Then you learn it's about Dentistry that's Worry Free.
Jupiter Dental Spa hits the mark with parents who are ready to pickup the phone or go to the website to book an appointment today.
Nice layout, ad copy and call to action.

Surrender your body Per Se

Unusual images in print ads like this one make you stop and look. Per Se, an Aveda salon spa advertised in the Hartford Courant to reach women looking for luxurious spa treatments. Per Se promises to nurture your body from head to soul. This ad continues to sell with well written copy that captures the heart (surrender your body to luxurious treatments) and finishes with an invite to book an appointment.

Ads like this one reach new customers and remind regular clientele that it's time to return.
Agree?