So you’re designing a digital ad! If you’re new to ad design, or used to designing ads for a bigger format like print or billboards, it can be overwhelming to try to get your whole message into that tiny space.
Our team has been in the digital ad arena for 10+ years, and we’ve learned a few tips and tricks along the way. Here’s our top five!
1. Go easy on the text
Remember that these ads are small and have limited space. You do not need your phone number or your website address; the ad links to your website — and the goal is to get them to click on the ad.
2. Have a clear Call to Action (CTA)
Whether it’s a button or just larger words stating what your main CTA or goal is, make sure it’s clear what action you want the reader/user to take.
3. Think about where it’s displayed
Many of our sites have a white background. If your ad also has a white background, your ad could get ‘lost’ or blend in. Consider adding a thin border to make it stand out — or make your ad a different color.
4. Think about the link
While the link is not visible on the ad, consider where you want the ads to direct to. If you do not have the ability to create a specific landing page, make sure that the page you direct to at least tells the reader everything they should know about your business or event, based on your ad. Consider using a UTM Builder (Google offers a free one) to make a specific URL for your campaign. This allows you to easily track the clicks that come from your ad and see where they go after arriving on your site.
5. Pay attention to ad sizes and format
Most ad platforms accept ads as a GIF, JPG, PNG, PDF. Ads should be RGB and at least 72 DPI (we recommend 300 DPI though). Many platforms have a maximum file size; our maximum file size is 256 KB. Verify that your ads are the correct size before uploading or sending.
Happy designing!