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[Melissa Dominguez Company: XanGo, LLC Contribution Level: 2]

Hi everyone. I've been learning about how to write effective ads and classifieds. I've been posting classifieds on a page called USfreeads.

I'd like to know your opinion about this... I know the most important thing is the headline, to get attention so that the person reads the rest of the classified. So I've been using headlines like this:

- How to_________
- Secrets of________ Revealed!
- Who else wants to________?
- See How Easily You Can_______
- Are you tired of_______?
- WARNING: Don't eve think of______ until you______
- Now you can have/do ________
- Give me [short time period] and I'll give you [desired outcome]
- You don't have to be [something challenging] to be [desired result]

Now, on the body of my classifieds, I put bullets with the benefits. But I've run out of ideas. Basically I change some sentences, In some classifieds I focus on getting leads, on others, I focus on the money they'll make, on others I focus on giving the benefits they'll get for their business.

But I know I have to place a lot of classifieds, And I don't know if it's a good idea to repeat some classifieds? I'm not sure if that's they way to go. I need more ideas, or how can I twist it around? Should I use the same classifieds and change little things? If someone has any suggestions on what I can do, I would really appreciate it.

Thank you very much,

Melissa

[Robin VDM Contribution Level: 2]

Hi Melissa,
Before you consider making changes to what you are already doing, are you currently tracking results for each ad you are now using?

I'll generally run a new ad for one week and track the results.... Since mine send readers to a phone number for a 5 minute recorded overview, it's really easy for me to track results. I also use a classified ad website for a small city that records how many people click on the headline to read the ad...

I've used that website to test every new classified ad I've ever used over the last 5+ years....

So, the tracking I do includes:

1. How many people clicked the headline to read the ad. (That tells me instantly if I need to tweak the headline or not).

2. How many people, after reading the ad, dialed the number (That tells me if the ad itself is working the way I want).

3. How many people, after listening to the 5 minute overview, leave their information for me to return their call? (That tells me how well the message is working).

If you direct people to a website, it should be designed for them to leave their contact information so you can follow-up by email or phone...and hopefully has a way for you to track the number of visitors vs. the number of people requesting information.


I start with one new ad....if the headline needs tweaking, I do it and run for another week....and I continue until I find a headline that does what I want....

You've got some good headlines there..... only tracking the whole process will tell you what is working and what isn't ....which will allow you to make changes in a more precise manner.

If the ad website you use doesn't have the feature that allows you to see how many clicked your headline to read your ad, find another to test your ads. You can often just search for "Community Classifieds" to find some city-based websites that have that kind of tracking....

Hope that helps!

Sincerely,
Robin

[Tarron Acuff Contribution Level: 2]

I look at other ads to see what people are doing and get ideas from that..... You could always hire someone to write them for you.

[Andrew Peel Company: Magnetic Sponsoring Contribution Level: 3]

I'll keep this one simple I go here http://www.copyblogger.com/copywriting-101/ for all my copywriting ideas and development.

[Cynthia Acoff Contribution Level: 4]

Hi Melissa, you're off to a good start for writing ads. Catchy headlines, great body content. Keep the body short, simple and keep them guessing. In other words don't give all the good information, make them want to click on the link.
I too use USFreeads and the great thing about them is they to keep track your ads for you. For other classified places, you may want to track your ad yourself. For a small fee with USFreeads, you can have a ton of ads going at the same time.
Hope this helps

[Janet Johnson Contribution Level: 2]

Thanks Andrew...I like the copyblogger website!

[Carlos Anastacio Contribution Level: 3]

I highly recommend reading Dan S. kennedy "The Ultimate Sales Letter"
Almost won a contest just by this book.

http://www.mlm-downline-training.com

[JF Grissom Contribution Level: 2]

Before you consider making changes to what you are already doing, are you currently tracking results for each ad you are now using?

I start with one new ad....if the headline needs tweaking, I do it and run for another week....and I continue until I find a headline that does what I want....

You've got some good headlines there..... only tracking the whole process will tell you what is working and what isn't ....which will allow you to make changes in a more precise manner.

Cha-Ching!
This is the answer you're looking for.

Here is my process for these types of ads.

1) Figure out a niche for the product/service I'm selling. (If you sell something that can help a specific thing look for a sub-niche to focus on. IE: health products look for a specific ailment. Heartburn, warts, whatever)

2) Look for the highest searched terms related to your product in Google adwords.
Using your example: How to stop heartburn naturally. (Keywords are important because to get clicks you need to be using words that your customer is using. The Adwords keyword tools tells you that for free.)
I Use the same body and headline for all my ads. (I just change where they are located.)

3) Post the same headline and ad in different places. (If you get more clicks from one place over others then focus on that place. You should be tracking where your website visitors are coming from. Use Google Analytics for a free service. It is great for the price - FREE! hehe)

4) Track where the clicks come from. If there are not clicks check to see how many times your ad page has been viewed (Does usfreeads have this as a feature?) Then calculate your CTR (click through rate) So if the page with your ad on it had a 100 visitors since you posted and 1 clicked through to your site you would have a 1% CTR. You will get a clear picture if when 300 to 600 visitors see that page with your ad on it.

5) If your CTR is netting you 3% I would use that ad everywhere (Really it will be a good ad...). If it isn't performing change it a little and test again by waiting for about 300 page views. (Use your competitor ads that are showing up consistently in your niche as a barometer.) If you see the same add over and over again from someone else and you would personally click on it. Then study why it is compelling and make up your own to be just as compelling.

So you don't get hung up in the writers block thing I would just use the same ad, but in different places.
Just my 2 cents. =)

Tracking is more important.
Keep a journal of your ads and how well they performed and why you think they did or didn't.
Using the journal will help you from accidentally creating the same ads over and over.

[Sandeep Nath Company: MyLeadSystemPRO Contribution Level: 6]

Robin, just a short note to say thanks. Very valuable advice there with years of experience that show!

[Carlos Anastacio Contribution Level: 3]

HEADLINE: (Scream Benefits)
Ads: (make money)(save time)
Body: Sell the idea of checking out your site

How will you save them money?
How will you help them save time?
How will you help them feel better?
How will you help them get more done?
What are the top reasons to order your Product?

Hope this helps you in your ads. I've had traffic from ads I wrote 4 months ago so I know it works.

Carlos Anastacio
http://www.mlm-downline-training.com