Creating effective mobile ads requires understanding the key elements that make a banner ad successful. Despite being one of the oldest and most criticised forms of digital advertising, banner ads remain popular and effective when executed correctly. Here’s how to craft banners that stand out:
Banner Ads: Basics and Importance
A banner ad is a rectangular image or animation designed to attract users and prompt them to click through to the advertiser’s app or website. Like any design object, banner ads must be visually appealing (or, paradoxically, studies show they don’t always have to be), noticeable, and efficient in driving high conversion rates.
With the right choice of success components, you can create a banner that competes with more interactive formats, combats banner blindness, and achieves the perfect balance between CPCs and CPAs.
Key Elements of a Successful Banner Ad
Text
While text isn’t the Holy Grail of a successful banner, it plays a crucial role. Here are the essential qualities of effective banner text:
- Concise: Aim to provoke curiosity rather than explain everything upfront.
- Readable: Ensure readability with a single colour base layer, appropriate spacing, and a clear font.
- Call to Action: Include a compelling call to action or an irresistible offer.
- Honest: Ensure the message aligns with the content of the landing page to avoid misleading users.
- Integrated: Incorporate text into the image for a cohesive look and positive perception.
Simplicity in Design
A clean and simple design is crucial. Avoid overly loud or complex visuals to prevent banner blindness. Here are some tips:
- Colour Scheme: Stick to a limited palette.
- Logo: Always include your logo to boost brand awareness.
- Call to Action: Make it a visible button, even if the rest of the text is integrated.
Mobile Optimisation
Ensure your banner looks good and functions well on mobile devices. Here’s how:
- View on Mobile: Test the ad on various mobile devices to check readability and design.
- Text Size: Adjust text size if necessary, even if it means reducing the number of characters.
- Interactivity: Use HTML5 for interactivity and animation, but avoid excessive frames—no more than four per banner is recommended to maintain user attention.
Variations and Testing
Never assume a single design will be universally effective. Create multiple versions:
- Text Options: Develop several text variations.
- Image Choices: Experiment with different images and colour schemes.
- Call to Action: Test different calls to action, including positive and negative framing.
Always conduct A/B/C/D/E testing to find the most effective combination.
Landing Page Considerations
Ensure the destination page matches the banner’s promise and is user-friendly:
- Mobile-Friendly: The landing page should be adaptive and mobile-friendly.
- Security: Ensure the website has a valid security certificate and privacy policy.
- Functional Links: Verify that links work on all devices and lead to the intended location.
The landing page content should correspond with what’s on the banner to maintain user trust and satisfaction.
Recommendations for Mobile Banner Ads
To summarise, successful mobile banner ads require careful attention to design, text, and usability. Keep your design simple, ensure your text is clear and compelling, and always test multiple variations. Make sure your banners are optimised for mobile devices and lead to a corresponding, user-friendly landing page. By following these guidelines, you can create effective banner ads that drive high engagement and conversions.
