I'm placing an ad
 

I'm placing an ad in our local Auto Clipper Mag. and I wanted to get
some feedback on my ad. I'm out to get the most out of my ad. The ad is only two columns wide and one high.
http://www.spokanepaintchips.com/acad.html

Thank You,
Jason Hatchett

Re: I'm placing an ad
 

Not bad, Jason but a couple of minor points:

1. The name of the company is difficult to read...it's blurry (kinda) on the left where the font seems to be squeezed or something. You might consider lightening the shadows to define the text or change the font to something more defined.

2. Dawn's picture. She's obviously an attractive person but that picture does not do her justice. She needs to smile openly (it is better for appearing approachable) and have better lighting as it is much too dark and loses a lot of definition.

Wish you all the best!

Sandi Bowman

Re: I'm placing an ad
 

Another minor point...

The benefits, etc. on the right -- you could make them easier to read by making them 'flush left' (and still in the right hand column) instead of centered, as they are now.

Also, to get the most out of your ad, see if the mag can do a a/b split-test for you so you can test 2 different headlines. -- You'd need another phone number though -- and maybe another url to make the test valid.

The mag probably can't do a test (or, more accurately, they CAN do it but don't know what it is, and/or it's too much trouble for them to think about). It would take you an hour to explain it to them, and they'd think you were crazy -- but still, it IS a great marketing move (the split test).

-- TW

Re: I'm placing an ad
 

Sorry to be a pain, but you increase the RESALE value of a product, not the resell value.

If you're using these colors in a mag, I'm afraid you may be in for a real shock when you see the actual ad in print. Especially the company name, which will bleed all over the place. Very hard to get a good register reading in a publication like this.

Pete

Re: I'm placing an ad
 

Hi, Jason - I did a quick "variation" for you - http://www.luxurycarbargain.com/scratches.pdf - you are welcome to use it if you like it (could be a part of a test campaign.)

Best
Margaret

My Suggested Changes
 

Jason,

Thanks for asking for feedback.

For mine... lose the photo of Dawn. It takes up valuable space you can use to Sell. Instead of asking me to visit a website to see Before and After photos, use those in your ad. B&A photos do more selling for you than words will - and people will believe them.

While it's good you have a headline, it is ruined by the big ass company name. Who cares? Final Touch doesn't help me. Instead... Call 555-5555

So the largest parts of the ad would thus read...

Got paint Chips & Scratches On Your Car? We Can Help
Call 555-5555

Then, in smaller text along the bottom where you have see before and after photos, you can have "Final Touch, automotive paint chip and scratch repair."

So...

Headline across top
B&A on the left under headline - call 555-5555 also under headline on right.
Under phone and along the right, the bullet points.

Website...

For mine... lose the bible quote. It doesn't Do anything. Is out of place. Fails the Who Cares / So What test.

The B&A photos are too hard to see. Too much glare / reflection. And only of the one car. Surely, you have others, considering you do all those dealers?

The blue link at the top on black background makes the edges seem blurry to the eye. Bad color combination. As is the blue links on red background for the side menu table cells.

Michael Ross

Re: I'm placing an ad
 

Is it ok if I didn't like the ad much?

If I saw that ad, I wouldn't pay attention to it. (And my car has a scratch or two!)

1. Final Touch is in gradient. It may or may not come out well on paper. Final Touch is too big and too center too. You need to change its size, colouring and position.

2. Yellow background is a bit too strong. It makes me pay less attention to the text. Especially in a busy magazine. Whats better? A thick broken border like coupons have. Will instantly make people pay attention to your ad. And a background that makes it easy for the ad to be read. (If you want to go for contrast - try black background with white or yellow text. But yellow background with black text is not easy on the eyes.)

3. Picture of Dawn. I don't think its a bad idea. But an even better idea is her picture in action - removing the scratches from a car. Or as Michael suggests - good before and after pictures will do better. But I don't recommend pulling the picture down altogether.

4. Most of your benefit bullet points do nothing for me. They are ho-hmm.
* Increase the resale value of your vehicle
By how much?
* Very inexpensive
How inexpensive is very inexpensive?
* Satisfaction Guaranteed
Or do you refund the money? Whats the guarantee?
* Dealer recommended
Huh? As a individual car owner, am I even supposed to connect dealer as car dealers? And which dealer recommends?
* License & Insured
But how does that help me?

You've given answers to all these questions that I raise on your website. But not on the ad.

--

My approach would be:

1. Headline: Got Paint Chips & Scratches on Your Car? Let Final Touch Fix It For You

2. Before & After picture - a good one

3. Followed by a testimonial - something like:
"My car had 4 scratches. Final Touch fixed it for a mere $90. And my car's resale value increased by $650! Every one should call them before they sell their cars!" - Joe Blogs

4. Followed by Call to Action and phone number. Something like:
For $85-125, you could raise the resale value of your car by $500 or more! Call 509-993-5832 and ask for our [magazine name] special and we will come and fix your car at your home!"

If there is no space for it all, remove the text in gray.

(My approach can be improved upon too - but its the best I can do in 10 minutes. Your benefit is: spend $100 to improve car value by $500. Your USP is: you will go to their place and fix the car. Focus on those 2 things. Everything else like dealer recommended etc is un-needed.)

Re: I'm placing an ad
 

Another ad approach:

Dawn's picture. And then text that persuades people:

Your car has a solid engine. She gives a mileage of 32mpg. And has only run 12,000 miles. Yet your resale value of the car is $1200 less... because of those 3 pesky minor scratches.

You can quickly and inexpensively increase the value of your car by calling:

Final Touch, the automative paint chip and scratch repair company

-- that visits your home to fix your car!

Followed by buller point benefits if there is space. Or just your phone number and call to action if there is no space.

Re: I'm placing an ad
 

Ad... the following ideas...

Jason,

http://www.spokanepaintchips.com/

Needs to Focus more on Testimonial Advertising...

You just can't beat Word of Mouth advertising techniques...

As a Big part of your type of business...

If Growth and expansion is one of your goals...

Testimonial ads are king. I've seen testimonial ads boost the number of B2B sales leads my clients' ads generate by up to 700%. ...
http://www.sales-lead-experts.com/ti...dvertising.cfm

How to Profit From Testimonials… Even With No Testimonials ...

Offline, Online or wherever...
http://www.copyblogger.com/no-testimonials/

And as many know, including yourself...

Get inside of David Frey's... Free membership site and Steal some of his Proven tips & ideas... ;)

If you follow David's advice and Focus on his endless techniques...

Including on Testimonial Advertising...

You'll do Amazingly! well in any real business...
http://www.marketingbestpractices.com/
http://www.marketingbestpractices.com/members/login.cfm

If you're short on space in your ad...

Tie them back into your URL with a redesigned Testimonial focus...

Seriously consider Local SEO blogging with wordpress for your business and your blog will probably bring you in more Free advertising than your current print ad that you posted...

Just my opinion...

Phil