Picture Ads! Display Advertising for Beginners
LYNNIE VERSION
Would you like to read this article in more grown-up words, still easy to understand? Jump here.
Hi! I’m Lynnie! Today I’m telling you about display advertising. It’s way number twelve on Lynnaider’s list!
Way 12: display ads (paid)
When you read a news article or a blog, you often see picture ads around the words. Those are display ads! They reach people while they’re reading something else.
Two ways to aim them
Topic ads. Grown-ups call them contextual ads. They show up on pages about things like what you sell. Sell hiking gear? Your ad might show up next to an article about mountain trails!
Reminder ads. Grown-ups call it retargeting. These reach people who already visited your website! It works with a pixel. That’s a tiny bit of tracking code on your site that remembers visits. Later, when those people read other websites, your ad can pop up and remind them of you. “Hey, remember me?”
Getting known first, selling second
Display ads are better for getting known than for quick sales. People came to read, not to shop! So they rarely buy right away.
But reminder ads are different. They reach people who already showed interest by visiting your site. That’s why retargeting usually works way better than normal display ads.
Google’s Display Network is the biggest and most used place for display ads. It puts your ads on tons of websites and apps. You manage it from your Google Ads account.
What content you need
A picture or short video, with a clear headline and one thing to do. People scroll past fast, so it has to be understood in a blink! And most display ads have no sound, so the picture has to say everything.
Tips for a clear display ad:
- Show your product big and clear.
- Use a short headline with one main benefit.
- Add your brand name or logo.
- Add one action, like “Shop now.”
- Make the sizes the platform asks for, or use its “responsive” ad that fits itself.
Beginner’s tip
Little budget? Choose reminder ads over normal display ads! Reaching people who already know you is a much better use of money than saying hi to total strangers.
An example
Someone visits your online shop for handmade leather wallets. They look at two wallets, and leave without buying. A few days later, while reading a blog, they see an ad with one of those wallets! They remember your shop, click, and buy it.
The reminder ad just tapped them on the shoulder!
Oopsies
- Normal display ads with a tiny budget. The money gets spread way too thin.
- Busy pictures with lots of words nobody can read in a blink.
- Expecting quick sales from people who never heard of you.
When to use them
Reminder ads become useful once lots of people visit your website. You need visitors to remind!
They’re best for businesses with their own website, like online shops, digital products and services, among the ten ways to earn.
And display ads are about your product and brand. No face needed!
What’s next?
The next article is about way number thirteen: paid articles inside online magazines. The whole lesson is in the book on our products page. Want a grown-up to help plan reminder ads? Go to our services page.
What grown-ups usually ask (and I answer)
Will there be step-by-step lessons for each of the ten ways?
Maybe! If lots of people want them. Join the waitlist and you’ll know first.
What is display advertising?
Picture ads on other websites, like news pages and blogs.
What’s the difference between topic ads and reminder ads?
Topic ads show up on pages about similar things. Reminder ads reach people who already visited your site.
Is display advertising good for sales?
Mostly for getting known. Reminder ads are better for sales!
Which platform is used most?
Google’s Display Network.
What makes a good display ad?
A clear picture, a short headline and one action. No sound needed!
Should beginners start with display ads?
With a small budget, start with reminder ads.
Where can I get help if I don’t have much money?
Lynnaider shows you how to start each of the ten ways for free, or for very, very little money. You’d be surprised! And a free robot helper called Lynnaider Compass helps you step by step!
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and should not be regarded as legal, tax, or business advice. Pursuing an online business does not guarantee income; results depend on many factors including the business environment, individual effort, skills, and consistency. Some links on this site may allow Lynnaider to earn a commission at no additional cost to the reader.
