In Focus

7 ways to get more out of your creative

Remember "searchability"

Search and display shouldn't conflict, but rather work like tag team partners -- the more seamless the transition between them, the better. In fact, the more successful your entire campaign is, the greater role search will play.

How?

People hear about products in different ways. Sometimes it's in an ad. Sometimes it's in a news article. Sometimes it's a personal recommendation. And when they hear about said product or brand, they typically don't drop everything they're doing and run straight to the point of purchase (if only). That means they go searching for it at a more convenient time.

So make sure that you factor "searchability" into your campaign. If you look at your banner, print, or video ad, can you imagine what the viewer might be searching for after seeing it? If not, you may need to be a little more specific if you want consumers to ever find your product. Clear brand or product names are essential, as are any other key parts of the message, like the name of a special promotion.

This "searchability" is even more important for companies that don't have a lot of brand awareness. After all, if you know the brand well and can recall it, you can always go search its site. And that idea sets up the next point nicely.

 

Comments

Doug Schumacher
Doug Schumacher May 11, 2009 at 12:30 AM

That's great, Langston. I don't think a lot of agencies are doing that at this point. And it also combines well with testing various directions.

Langston Richardson
Langston Richardson May 10, 2009 at 4:03 PM

Doug,

I like your article here. Especially the "Develop Banner Ads First" portion. This is something that we have both brand marketers and creative focus on first as it helps launch good idea thinking and helps narrow down the concept into a pitch bite consumption.

Langston Richardson
ECD, infuz
Twitter: @MATSNL65 @infuz

Doug Schumacher
Doug Schumacher April 29, 2009 at 6:38 PM

Muchas gracias on the comments, guys.

Russell, I try. ;) A lot of good writers out there (like you). Helps keep the blade sharp.

Russell Scott
Russell Scott April 29, 2009 at 6:10 PM

Excellent and insightful advice. ROI is often a difficult value to quantify...but in keeping it in the creative equation as you so eloquently recommend, it is stacking the odds that much more in your (and your client's) favor.

(You are one heck of a good writer, btw!)

Matt Wasserman
Matt Wasserman April 29, 2009 at 10:21 AM

Great, great article. A very practical, common sense approach. Thank you.