Ad Alley

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

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.

Sunday, September 21, 2008

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?

Thursday, September 11, 2008

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.

Sunday, September 7, 2008

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.

Saturday, August 30, 2008

Beam me up Scotty to Star Trek Expo

Star Trek fans (like me) will stop and read this powerful black and white ad promoting ticket sales for Star Trek Exhibition in the North County Times (Escondido, CA).

Running June 20, 2008- January 4, 2009 a the San Diego Air & Space Museum, the show features the world's largest collection of authentic Star Trek ships, sets, costumes and props from all five TV series and ten films over the last 40 years.

The ad offers $3.00 off the normal $24.00 adult admission for Labor Day Weekend.

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Domino's "offer you can't refuse"

Found this one tonight on the website for the Denver Post.

It's late. I'm hungry. The pepperoni catches my eye. Pretty good deal. All I have to do is click on the banner and order my pizza online.

Amazing.

Saturday, August 9, 2008

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.

Welcome

Welcome to Ad Alley, a place where you’ll find facts and opinions about advertising—mostly print and online. I’m an ad guy and selling advertising is what I do for a living. But for me it’s always been more than about selling. The challenge—and the fun—comes in creating messages with words and graphics that trigger action by consumers. The net result for the advertiser is traffic—phone, in person or e-commerce that makes it all worth while. Return on investment is what it’s all about.

Let’s face it, advertising is a necessary evil. Given a choice most business owners would avoid advertising for its time, trouble and expense and rely on reputation and word of mouth. WOM is the best form of advertising in the world. But a long time ago somebody figured out that advertising was needed to spread the word faster and broader. Doing that cost money, sometimes a lot of money. And it’s frustrating to spend all that dough on something that sometimes works and sometimes doesn’t.

So that brings us to Ad Alley, my attempt to share best practices for advertising in print and online. Expect to find examples of good and not-so-good ad layouts; and advice on how to get more people to call or shop your store. You’re welcome to post questions and comments and I’ll do my best to reply. Along the way I’ll do my best to keep it upbeat, lighthearted and fun.