7 Best Practices For Your Video Ad Creative

Video ads are a powerhouse piece of every marketer’s toolbox. Few things can capture an audience’s attention and drive engagement like video ads.

For small business owners, the challenge often lies in creating ads that stand out and effectively communicate their message to compel the audience to take action.

Here’s the good news: You don’t need a Hollywood budget to create video ads that resonate with your audience. By understanding some simple best practices, you can elevate your ads to boost your business’s visibility and, potentially, sales.

We’re here to offer some guiding principles of the essential elements of video ads, from capturing the audience’s attention in the first few seconds to crafting a powerful call-to-action (CTA).

UNDERSTANDING VIDEO ADS

Before getting into what makes for a good video ad, it???s essential to understand what it is about them that makes them unique and why they’re such powerful tools.

Unlike text or images, video ads combine visual, audio, and motion elements to create a rich and immersive experience for the audience. This dynamic nature of video allows for a more compelling storytelling experience that can more easily evoke emotion and build a deeper connection with your audience.

Video ads are also incredibly versatile when trying to reach different audiences. By utilizing different platforms, you can reach targeted audiences through streaming services, social media platforms, and mobile apps.

BEST PRACTICES FOR VIDEO ADS

Creating video ads that are engaging and resonate with your audience requires a balance of creativity and strategy. Here’s what you need to think about when planning your next video ad.

Capture Your Audience’s Attention

Video marketing is a fast-paced environment, so you need to capture your audience’s attention within the first few seconds.

The start of your videos should be visually striking and engaging so that you immediately draw your viewer in. For example, you could use bold visuals, post an intriguing question, or provide surprising statistics encouraging viewers to keep watching.

Avoid long introductions and get right into the main point of your video instead!

Craft A Compelling Story

Once you have your audience’s attention, you want to tell a compelling story that resonates with them and aligns with your brand and messaging.

Your story doesn’t have to be complex, a simple narrative structure can work well. Present a problem your audience is facing and offer a solution that your products or services can provide.

Remember that your story should be clear and coherent and guide your audience to the conclusion naturally.

Ensure Your Footage Is High-Quality

High-quality footage doesn’t mean that you need to shoot with an expensive camera. But you do want your footage to have a professional and polished appearance with clear visuals and crisp audio.

The footage you use will be a reflection of your brand and can help in maintaining the engagement of your audience. Poor production quality can ultimately distract from your message and diminish the effectiveness of your ad.

Partner with a professional video production company or use a quality camera and microphone in a well-lit environment to record.

Keep It Simple

Just like display ads, video ads should follow the principles of simplicity: they should be focused and visually clean. Avoid cluttering the screen with too much text or other elements that distract from your message. Remember to follow your brand guide and use your brand colors, logo, and fonts to subtly reinforce brand recognition.

Listen To The Audio

The music and voiceovers for your videos should complement your visuals. If they’re distracting or inaudible, your audience isn’t going to understand your message.

Optimize For Different Platforms

Optimizing your video ads for different platforms is key to maximizing their reach and effectiveness. Each platform has its own set of specifications and best practices, so it’s important to work with your advertising partner to identify the right aspect ratio for your campaign to enhance the viewer experience and boost engagement

In addition, it’s important to consider the viewing habits of your audience on each platform. For example, many social media users use their mobile phones without sound, so a vertical video with captions or on-screen text can provide them with a better experience. On the other hand, videos used on OTT/CTV are usually viewed on a TV with sound on.

Include A Clear CTA

It should go without saying, but your ad should always have a clear call to action!

Once you’ve taken your audience through your ad’s story, it’s crucial to guide them on what to do next. Your CTA can be anything from directing them to visit your website, signing up for a newsletter, or making a purchase. Clear directions for your viewers can help to convert their interest in your ad to tangible results.

Are you ready to start creating more compelling videos that stand out and drive drives meaningful results for your business? Contact the team at FDS to find out how we can help you achieve your marketing goals with your video ads!

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