DANICA: betcha don't race in a bikini

The target audience here has to be male Indy Car race fans, but come on did they really need to put Danica Patrick in a bikini to promote her upcoming race at the Texas Motor Speedway? This horizontal display ad in the Oklahoma City Oklahoman touts Reason #7: DANICA to Throttle Up for the Learjet 550. Plenty of swimsuit poses on Danica's website and myspace page. Would this ad have been equally effective with a photo of her in one of her tight fitting race uniforms?

How about a Hummer?

Want to get a closer look at the 2008 H2? Happen upon this 300x250 on the website of the Austin American Statesman and you are a click away.

Four stars for signaling the reader to stop and look. Effective if you are one of the few already determined to buy a Hummer but needs a stronger benefit and call to action to cause shoppers to buy a Hummer rather than something else.

At $4.00 per gallon, how much does it cost to top the tank in an H2?

Click for tee times at Ocean Edge

Ocean Edge invites golf lovers to stay and play the new Nicklaus course with this 300x250 box ad on the Boston Globe's website.

Strong marks for making the reader stop and look, presenting reasons to engage in the message and call to action.

Hard to resist a chance to be among the first to play this new private course.

Do you feel lucky?

454,000 reasons why you should visit the Horseshoe Casino.

I was awestruck by the golden horseshoe that dominates this print ad in the Memphis Commercial Appeal. Then the headline piqued my interest. Gamblers play to win and they take comfort in knowing when someone wins big. The message here: it happens all the time. You could be next.

But we all know you have to play to win.

Ordinarily I'm not a fan of white type on a black background. The type is hard to read and the photo of the happy jackpot winner is too small and barely discernible. Click on this ad to see what I mean. That said, the gold on black combo is strikingly bold.

Casinos across the country advertise. Many of those ads feature people having fun at the tables or playing the slots. Few present the lure with as much class as this one.

New way to see Nevada

Think of Nevada and I think of Las Vegas and Reno with big hotels, casinos, shows, bright lights, lots of noise, all sorts of fun.

But there's more to Nevada than you think.

That's the message in this 160x600 Skyscraper appearing on the website for the Salt Lake City Tribune. The day hiker shown here has a top of the world view. The ad promises that could be you. Click Now to download your Nevada Visitors Guide. Nice layout. Simple message. Good call to action.

Careful, she'll make you Blush

It takes a lot to convince someone to switch hairstylists or try a new make-up bar. More than price, maybe more than promises. This display ad I found in the North County Times (Ca.) uses a stunning photo to demonstrate what to expect from Blush Beaute Bar & Salon in Temecula. I like the bold strokes that frame her face and the lavendar hues that shadow her eyes and coat her lips. This small space ad works hard to capture your attention and convince you to give them a try. You can call or stop by (walk-ins welcome) but no web address was included. Searched but couldn't find one on the net. Expect that to change soon.

Ordinarily I don't like ads that lead with company name, better to lead with a strong benefit headline. But in this case Blush says it all.

Her jeans from Luna Chics fit like a glove

Casual. Fun. Friendly. That's how Luna Chics, a women's clothing boutique in Portsmouth, NH. welcomes you when they land on their website. I found myself there after clicking on this leaderboard that I spotted on several pages of www.seacoastonline.com, the website for Portsmouth, N.H.
Luna Chics promises to find your best fitting jeans. This 728x90 banner sports a shapely example, cropped to her waist and thighs, to maximize the tight dimensions that horizontal banners offer. The copy block lists example of the items in the store but is short on the benefits described when you visit http://www.lunachicksnh.com/.
Check it out, see if you agree that the site is well done. As for this online ad I think it will generate better results if designed with a simple transition. Get her attention with the shot of the perfect fit jeans with a tempting headline: 20 brands of designer jeans...best fit guaranteed. Close with the store's logo and contact info so it's easy to call or shop.