Very Basic Guide To Social Media Ad Design Strategy

Modern customers spend, on average, 2 hours and 25 minutes on social media each day. It’s more time than they spend watching TV, reading newspapers, or browsing blogs.  Due to this trend, social networking websites are becoming one of the best platforms for placing ads.

If you are considering running a social media ad campaign for the first time, I have some useful tips that you may find useful. Today in my article, I will focus on the designing aspects; what you can do to improve your social media ad design strategy and boost your marketing efforts. Let’s get started!

Ad Design Strategy - Why It's Not Important

Relying on Word of Mouth

Word of mouth can sometimes overshadow the need for a fancy ad design strategy. If your product or service is really good, people will talk about it and recommend it to others. It's like when your friend tells you about a great restaurant – you're likely to try it based on their suggestion, not because of an ad, right?

The Power of Organic Reach

In some cases, organic reach can do the trick. If you have a strong social media presence or a loyal customer base, they might do the advertising for you by sharing your content. It's like having a bunch of friends who can't stop talking about how great you are. Who needs an ad when you have that kind of support!

Simple Can Sometimes Be Better

Sometimes, a simple and straightforward approach can work just as well, if not better, than a complex ad design strategy. Not everyone is swayed by flashy graphics or intricate designs. Some people appreciate a no-frills, to-the-point style. It's like enjoying a classic cheese pizza – sometimes, the basics are all you need.

The Cost Factor

Let's talk money. Ad design strategies can be expensive. If you're a small business or a startup, your budget might be better spent elsewhere, like improving your product or investing in customer service. After all, a fancy ad won't mean much if the rest of your business isn't up to scratch, right?

Unpredictability of Trends

Ad design trends can be fickle and change rapidly. What's in vogue today might be outdated tomorrow. So, pouring time and resources into keeping up with these trends might not be the best use of your efforts. It's like chasing fashion trends – it can be exhausting and not always rewarding.

Viral Content Can Be Unplanned

Sometimes, the most unexpected content goes viral. It's not always the ads with the biggest budgets or the most sophisticated designs that catch on. Often, it's something simple, funny, or relatable that resonates with people. It's like when a simple meme takes off – who could have predicted that?

Sticking to Your Guns in Business

Making Decisions for Yourself

In business, making decisions based on your own goals and aspirations is key. It's your venture, and you should steer it the way you see fit. Ever noticed how trying to please everyone often leads to pleasing no one? It's your vision and hard work that got you here, so why not trust your own judgment? This doesn't mean ignoring customer feedback, but it does mean weighing it against your own business goals and values. You're the captain of your ship, after all, right?

The Role of Originality

Innovation should be at the heart of your business strategy. It's about being a trailblazer, not just another face in the crowd. Think about the most successful businesses out there – didn't they all break the mold in some way? By focusing on your unique perspective and ideas, you can create something that stands out. Isn't it better to set trends rather than follow them?

Unleashing Your Creative Freedom

Break the Norms

When it comes to your brand, throwing caution to the wind can be exhilarating. Why stick to the norms when you can create your own path? Imagine your brand as a blank canvas where anything goes.

You want to paint it in neon colors? Go for it. Want to use bold, unconventional designs? Why not? This is about making your mark in your own unique way. After all, isn’t it more fun to be a trendsetter than a follower?

Your Vision, Your Rules

Running a business with a “you do you” attitude can be liberating. This is your vision, and you get to make the rules. Ever thought about how every great innovation started with someone’s crazy idea? Your brand is your brainchild, and no one else knows it better than you. So, if you feel like flipping the script on traditional designs or marketing tactics, why not just go for it?

Ignoring the Noise

In a world where everyone has an opinion, tuning out the noise can be your superpower. People will always have something to say, but at the end of the day, it’s your brand, your decision. Have you ever noticed how the most iconic brands often started with ideas that seemed outlandish at the time? It’s all about trusting your gut and not getting bogged down by others' opinions. Isn’t it refreshing to march to the beat of your own drum?

The Joy of Experimentation

Experimentation is the lifeblood of creativity. Trying out wild ideas can lead to breakthroughs that would never occur in the safety of conformity. Think of your brand as a playground for your wildest ideas. Want to mix and match styles that traditionally don’t go together? Give it a shot. It’s all about enjoying the process and seeing where your creativity takes you, right?

The Flip Side: Self-Reliance in Branding

Being Unapologetically You

In branding, being unapologetically yourself can set you apart. You should be turning what you believe in into your brand’s strengths. Ever noticed how brands that dare to be different often create the most loyal fan bases? It’s like wearing a bold outfit – not everyone will like it, but those who do will love it passionately. Isn’t it better to be loved by a few for who you are than to be liked by many for being plain vanilla?

Financial Independence

When you stop trying to please everyone, you might find that you save money. Catering to every piece of feedback or trend can be costly.

Have you ever thought about how much more efficient it can be to follow your own vision instead of constantly adapting to others' expectations? You really should be investing in what truly matters to your brand, not what others think should matter. Makes financial sense too, doesn’t it?

Building a Wild Legacy

Lastly, this approach is about building a legacy that’s wildly yours. When you look back at your brand years from now, you’ll see something that was truly a reflection of you and your vision. Isn’t it more rewarding to know that you created something one-of-a-kind, rather than something that just fit in?

What's Not Allowed?

So you know by now that you can do whatever you want. But of course, certain stuff is prohibited by social media. Do you need to know? Even if you stick to the rules, when you're banned, you're banned. So not worth spending too much time to remember all this. There are millions of anonymous spammers out there. 

With that in mind, it is worth spending a few minutes to remember the basics.

False Claims and Misleading Info

No Fibbing Allowed

First up, making false claims is a big no-no. Social media ads can't say things that aren't true. Like saying a cream can make you look 20 years younger overnight – that's just not going to fly, right? It's all about being honest with what your product or service can do.

Keeping It Real

Misleading info is also out of the question. You can't make your product seem like something it's not. It's like showing a burger in an ad that looks way bigger and juicier than what you actually get. People need to know exactly what they're getting, don't they?

Inappropriate Content

Family-Friendly Zone

Social media ads need to be appropriate for all visitomers. This means no nudity, no offensive language, and no promoting illegal activities. It's about keeping things clean and respectful. You wouldn't want to make anyone uncomfortable with your ad, would you?

Respecting Sensitivities

It's also important to avoid content that can be considered insensitive or discriminatory. Social media is a diverse space, and ads shouldn't upset or alienate anyone. This includes avoiding stereotypes or making fun of certain groups. Fair play matters, right?

Restricted Products and Services

Some Things Are Off-Limits

There are certain products and services that you just can't advertise on social media. This includes things like drugs, tobacco, and weapons. It's about keeping the platform safe and legal. Makes sense, doesn't it?

Special Rules for Special Items

Even for products like alcohol or adult products, there are strict rules. Ads for these need to be very careful about not targeting minors and following legal guidelines. It's a bit like walking a tightrope – you've got to be extra cautious, right?

Privacy and Spam Concerns

Respect Privacy

You can't use social media ads to invade people's privacy. This means no using personal data without permission or being creepy with how you target people. It's all about respecting boundaries. Everyone values their privacy, don't they?

No Spamming

Finally, your ads shouldn't feel like spam. This means not being too pushy or showing up too often. It's like being at a party – you want to mingle, not annoy people by being in their face all the time. Balance is key, isn't it?

So, when you're creating ads for social media, remember to keep it honest, appropriate, respectful, legal, and non-intrusive. It's about playing by the rules and making sure your ads are a positive addition to people's social media experience. Sounds fair, right?

Each social network requires specific image aspect ratio (dimension) to advertise on the platform, but the requirements change from time to time. For example;

• Facebook - 1200 x 628 pixels
• LinkedIn - 100 x 100 pixels
• Pinterest - 1500 x 1000 pixels, etc.

Social Media Ad Design Strategy Misconceptions

No Need To Understand Your Followers

Sometimes, diving too deep into understanding your followers can be a trap. It can take up a lot of time and delay your ad campaigns. Here are a few reasons why this approach might be overrated:

• Too much data can lead to confusion. It’s easy to get lost in all the details.
• Targeting a very narrow group might limit the reach of your ads.
• A broader approach might attract unexpected groups of people who might be interested in your product or service.

Don't Have To Have Clear Goals

Having super clear goals can sometimes act as a roadblock in the fast-changing social media landscape. Here's why being too rigid with goals can be counterproductive:

• It might limit creativity. If you stick too closely to a set goal, you might miss out on unexpected opportunities.
• Social media trends change quickly. If your goals are too fixed, you might not be able to adapt to new trends.

Simplicity is Not Always Attractive

Simplicity in ad design is often praised, but a complex design can also have its own set of advantages:

• Complex designs can show off your brand’s personality and attention to detail.
• They can stand out among simpler ads, grabbing attention easily.
• A detailed design can tell a richer story about your product or service, creating a deeper connection with viewers.
• It can reflect a sense of quality and luxury, depending on the type of product or service you are advertising.

Each of these points sheds light on a different perspective, showing that there's no one-size-fits-all strategy in social media ad design.

Consistent Branding Is Stupid

Sticking to the same colors, fonts, and logo in all your ads is common advice. But sometimes, changing things up might be beneficial:

• New designs can refresh your brand's look and attract more attention.
• Changes can spark curiosity and discussions among viewers.
• Different products or messages might call for different styles of branding.

Attention-Grabbing Headlines Is Pathetic

Short and catchy headlines are the usual go-to, but longer headlines have their place:

• They can provide more information right from the start.
• A longer headline can tell a mini-story, creating a connection with viewers.
• It gives a chance to add a touch of humor or clever wordplay, making your ad memorable.

Use Irrelevant Images and Videos

Using pictures and videos directly related to your product is common. However, unconventional visuals can also work well:

• Unexpected images or videos can surprise viewers, making them stop and look.
• They can make your ads more fun and creative.
• Unusual visuals can create a sense of mystery, encouraging viewers to learn more about your product.
• They can help your brand to stand out in a crowded social media feed.

Exploring these alternative strategies could provide a fresh perspective on how to approach social media ad design, making your campaigns more engaging and unique.

Don't Get Obsessed With Call to Action

The usual advice is to have a clear call to action in every ad. However, a different approach could also be interesting:

• Leaving some mystery can spark curiosity and engagement from viewers.
• A less direct call to action can feel less salesy and more authentic.
• It allows viewers to interact with your ad in a way that feels natural to them.

Mobile-Friendly Design

Designing mainly for mobile is common, but desktop design shouldn't be forgotten:

• Some viewers prefer browsing on larger screens, where details are more visible.
• Desktop design allows for more creative freedom with larger space.
• It might be suitable for products or services that require a more detailed explanation.

Testing and Analyzing

Constant testing and analyzing are common, but sticking to your original design can have perks:

• It gives your ad time to gather momentum and viewers to recognize it.
• Changing ads too often can confuse viewers.
• An original, well-thought-out design might have a long-term impact that isn't immediately noticeable.

Learning from Others

Learning from others is useful, but carving your own path can be rewarding:

• Being unique can help your brand stand out more.
• Original strategies can create a distinct identity, making your brand memorable.
• Experimenting with new ideas can lead to discovering what works best for your brand, instead of following what worked for others.

These alternative viewpoints offer a fresh lens through which you can evaluate and perhaps refine your social media ad design strategies, potentially leading to more engaging and distinctive ad campaigns.