6 Creative Display Ad Ideas That Work

Are you blending into the background with your online marketing? Getting creative with your display ads can do wonders for your engagement and click-through rates as well as your branding. But where do you start?

First, you don’t need to hire a fancy agency or outsource a designer to push your display ads up a notch. Apps such as Canva or our Power Banner make it quick and easy for you to get professional looking banners and ads without any designer know-how needed.

Display Banner Example by StoreYa

Secondly, don’t be afraid to get a little more creative. Here are six creative display ad ideas that work to get you in the creative spirit and thinking out of the box.  

Display Ad Ideas 1: Shockvertising

Shockvertising is a technique whereby you cut through the internet-noise by using bold, shocking images to get a response from browsing online shoppers. Images that appeal strongly to the feelings of your desired target audience that will make you stand out from the crowd, be remembered and make it more likely to be engaged with.

Shock Advertising Example from Benetton Clothing

Now I am not saying you need to go full shock like some of the big brands, but find out what your specific target audience threshold is and push their limit. What would get a reaction from an 18 year old fashion shopper may not have the same shock-factor to a 40 year old dad shopping for household items.

Display Ad Idea 2: Discounts Galore

Who doesn’t love a discount? Nothing gets people clicking more than a deal that makes them feel good about shopping. Including special offers, seasonal deals and discounts in your display ads are a great way at hooking all those potential customers.

Free Shipping Display Ad Example

And don’t be shy to test your audience; try a few offers and test, test, test. Finding just the right display ad deal could double your click through rate by up to 50%.

Display Ad Idea 3: Speak Their Language

Think outside of the box about who you’re talking to and design your display ads for segmented audiences. For example: If you sell apparel for the teenage market , instead of creating display ads designed with that specific target in mind over the shopping season, you could change your wording and images to appeal to parents looking for the perfect gift for their kids.

Holiday Display Ad Examples

Using audience segmentation for display ad designs is a huge plus, especially for those online stores who offer a multitude of products aimed at a multitude of demographics: ages, genders, locations etc. When it comes to advertising, one size doesn’t fit all.

Display Ad Idea 4: Be Helpful

Use your display ads to link to highly relevant content within your niche that web browsers, aka potential shoppers, would find interesting and useful. One example of this would be if you’re selling kitchen equipment, offer up some free holiday recipes that your audience will be interested in.

Holiday Display Ad Example by Kraft

Make it clear that you are not just trying to sell them something, but offering valuable information that helps make their lives a little easier, will win you a lot more clicks.

Display Ad Idea 5: Get Your Comedy On

We are constantly being bombarded by news and ominous messaging, stand out and brighten the day of online shoppers. Don’t be afraid to show off your brand’s funny side, as long as you are on target, to be memorable.

Display Ad Example by Go Daddy

Like the above example, you don’t have to be over-the top funny. Instead, brainstorm what you think would appeal to your desired audience of potential shoppers. Stay relevant and play with cultural references, but try to stay away from slapstick themes that may have the opposite effect.

Display Ad Idea 6: Tell a Story

Entice more clicks by using your display ads to create intrigue and tell a story. Taking searchers on an adventure through your display ads onto landing pages, is a great way of getting them wanting more and investing in what you have to say.

Display Ad example by Oreo

We hope we got your creative juices flowing. Share your creative banner ideas with us by posting the link in the comments below and be sure to follow us on Facebook for more creative tips.

 

Nicole Blanckenberg

Nicole is a content writer at StoreYa with over sixteen years experience and flair for storytelling. She runs on a healthy dose of caffeine and enthusiasm. When she's not researching the next content trend or creating informative small business content, she's an avid beachgoer, coffee shop junkie and hangs out on LinkedIn.

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