Sarah Palin hockey moms look-a-likes

Signal, benefit, proof. Three elements that make print and online ads more effective.

Signal: Sarah Palin's name in the headline and her full color likeness make you stop and look at this newspaper ad in the Oklahoma City Oklahoman.

Benefit: Sarah's big smile promises a fun time for Hockey Moms Night with the Blazers.

Proof: for $10 you're promised the fun of a hockey game and intermission entertainment of Sarah Palin look-a-likes, even if Sarah was busy stumping in Pennsylvania.

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.

Pure Prada

Another winner from the San Francisco Chronicle. Powerful branding in this sophisticatedly stunning ad for Prada. Look closely and you'll see the address, phone and web address in the lower lefthand corner.

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.

Discover the Perfect CD

Make me look by featuring a photo of something I'm not expecting.

Flipping through the pages of the Commercial Appeal in Memphis, Tennessee, you may wonder who is that under the pit helmet crouched in a sea of grass peering at me through binoculars?

A lot of people these days are looking for higher interest rates for short term investments. No doubt this ad will get many of us to stop and look and then want to learn more about 4% rates.