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!

Artsy ad for Tlingit glass creations

What a winner from the Museum of Glass in Tacoma.

Designers used a photo to play up a piece created by Preston Singletary to show museum visitors a sample of what's in store when they tour his Echoes, Fire and Shadows, now through September 19.

The fonts, shades and colors balance the bold and simple look.

The ad copy includes plenty of particulars but misses the point that was instantly clear with a visit to the museum's website--- Preston magically mixes his Tlingit ancestry with dynamic studio glass moves.

Sell the sizzle.

Classy ad for Date Night

I like this one for the way it sells a good time with someone you love. Eye catching. Good ad copy. Short, sweet, but sells the value of every night's deal. Graphics that sell the experience, then the tasty treats.
Truluck's in Austin, Texas invites you make every night date night.
And I'll bet this ad fills the house.

Who's the Best Realtor?

Thousands sell real estate in Dallas, Tx. Only one can claim to be the best Realtor. Nathan Kaul with Keller Williams. Home buyers and sellers looking to hire a top gun will stop and look at this ad. And they will keep reading because the ad is attractive and the benefits are clear. Boost reader response with a quote from a satisfied customer rather than from Nathan himself.

Sweet Deals on new homes

A scoop of ice cream in the height of summer is bound to get everyone's attention. And the headline-- Sweet Deals-- begs the reader to discover more.

Copy is well written and clever.

You might think this ad should get high marks for effectiveness.

Problem is that serious home buyers, and the number grows each day as the market rebounds, might miss this display ad because it forgets a basic rule: newspaper ads have but 2 seconds to get the reader's attention. And the readers that count are the ones that are warm or hot prospects.

Make the ad larger, add a photo of a happy couple stepping across the threshold of their new home at Alamo Creek and the marketers at Shapell Homes are likely to see higher traffic counts this weekend at their model homes.

Tee It Up at Golf Town

Shopping for golf clubs? Impossible to miss this powerful ad that ran recently in The Calgary Herald.

First you can't help but notice the almost large as life over sized driver that seems to leap from the page. And the chance to save on Nike Golf-- particularly if you are a fan of the brand-- makes it tough to turn past this one.

The proof is in the ad copy with regular price, big sale prices and the savings calculated for you.

Golf town is likely to drive it long and straight with this one.

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.