Next time you’re creating an ad campaign, think outside of the box. Yes, there are advantages of using traditional methods to create advertisements, but what if you were to get creative?

Think back to the day after the Super Bowl. What were people talking about besides who came out as Super Bowl champs? The commercials.

Even if you didn’t watch the big game, chances are you heard someone discussing their favorite commercials while standing in line at the coffee shop or riding in the elevator.

Why do Super Bowl commercials solicit so much attention and why are they talked about time and time again even during the off season?

They are funny, creative, attention getting and designed to leave a long lasting impression. With that being said, how can you get creative in your next advertising campaign?

Subject Matter: First, what goods or services are you advertising? Make sure the creativity of your ads is appropriate for the subject matter you are advertising. A funny spoof for funeral services probably won’t go over well with your target audience.

Target Audience: Who are your ads targeting? Make sure your ads are age appropriate for your audience and appealing to those you are marketing to.

Humor: Humorous ads are remembered, talked about and shared. A funny spoof on YouTube will quickly gain a following and be linked to from social media platforms and e-mails.

Cute: Besides funny ads, ads that show cute puppies and babies, etc. are also being talked about and shared.

Exaggeration: Use a basic idea and exaggerate it in a big way. Exaggerate your visual and not your copy or vice versa.

Drama: In advertising, drama is used to portray a conflict between two entities. For example, a wife vs. her mother-in-law. The key to making a dramatic effect is to use exaggeration, making one entity good and the other bad. Always offer a solution to the conflict.

There are many techniques used to create ads to be remembered. The above are a few ways to get you started. Spark an emotion, offer a solution to a problem and don’t be afraid to use more than one technique in a single ad.

What are some of your favorite creative ads and why?

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