Do you have an awesome product or service, but somehow, people just don’t know it yet? If you’re searching for a way to wow your audience, look no further than the commercial ad! Commercial ads are some of the most effective tools for getting your brand seen, heard, and remembered. These videos don’t just introduce your product; they stir your audience’s emotions- building recognition and creating strong connections.
Whether you want a 30-second story for TV or a catchy clip for social media, a well-made ad can reach your audience and drive customer action. Let’s look at why commercial ads matter and how to make them work for you.
What Is A Commercial Ad (and How Is It Different From A Business Video)?
Commercial ads are those short, snappy video spots you see everywhere—on TV, social media, or even before YouTube videos. They are quick-hit videos (think 15-60 seconds) specifically designed to market a product or service to a broad audience. Using persuasive tactics, these creative videos grab attention and deliver a clear call to action.
Whether it’s a full-scale TV campaign or a targeted Instagram ad, the main goal of a commercial ad is to boost brand awareness and move people closer to choosing your product or service. Unlike a business video that often targets a specific audience to promote your brand, culture, or vision, a commercial ad targets a broader range of potential prospects and is focused on direct sales. Whether it’s attracting fresh leads or nudging existing ones toward a purchase, your video should work to spark interest, build trust, and ultimately inspire action.
How commercial ads differ from general business videos:
- Audience Reach: Commercials go wide, aiming at general consumers, while business videos often target specific groups—think investors, potential hires, or industry partners.
- Content Focus: Commercials zero in on promoting a specific product or service. Business videos, on the other hand, can explore broader topics like company culture, mission, or upcoming events.
- Call to Action: Commercials typically include a strong “buy now” or “visit us” CTA, while business videos lean towards brand-building and credibility, often with a softer call to action or none at all.
How and Where You Can Use A Commercial Ad
With the right placements, commercial ads can meet your audience wherever they are and drive engagement at every stage.
- TV: The classic route—ideal for broad reach but best suited for bigger budgets.
- CTV & OTT: Connected TV & Over The Top advertising on smart devices and streaming services - better targeting, broader reach, & less restriction than classic TV
- Social Media: Perfect for grabbing attention on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or Snapchat. These ads should be short, eye-catching, and tailored for mobile.
- In-Store Displays: Use commercials on digital displays to catch customers right in the decision-making zone.
- Websites and Blogs: Banner or embedded video ads work great here, especially when tailored to specific content or interests.
12 Pro Tips for Crafting Commercial Ads That Stick
A well-crafted commercial ad can grab attention and stick with viewers, but there are a few important rules to keep in mind.
1. Go Vertical: Most people hold their phones upright, so vertical (or square) videos fill more screen space and feel natural. This also means your ad is literally bigger to your viewers. Use this to your advantage by filling the frame with your most eye-catching visuals. It’ll keep people focused on what matters—you and your product.
2. Keep Text Short: People scroll fast- don’t let them miss your message! If you use text in your commercial ad, keep it short, easy to see, and to the point. Think of it like quick captions or even tweet-length phrases that viewers can read at a glance. Try to communicate one clear idea at a time- no fluff.
3. Prompt Action: Every good commercial ad should end with a clear call to action (CTA). Whether it’s “Shop Now,” “Sign Up Today,” or “Learn More,” guiding your audience on what to do next makes your ad not just a passive message but an active invitation to engage with your brand. Different platforms give you options to customize CTA buttons, so experiment, but make sure it’s always clear and visible.
4. Create an Emotional Story: People connect with emotions over facts, and studies say emotions drive consumer decisions. So, instead of a boring rundown of product features, tell a story that sparks some feelings! Whether it’s heartwarming, funny, or inspirational, a good narrative draws people in and keeps their attention. Think about how your story (and your product) can elicit the warm and fuzzies.
5. Go Bold: Be bold and take risks! Yep, I said it. Remember, the goal is to be memorable, and that might require pushing some boundaries. Surprise your audience with unique elements and unexpected storylines. Think outside the box using humor, quirky characters, or a fresh take on familiar themes. Creative ads that defy expectations will leave a lasting impression.
6. Know Your Audience: Successful commercial ads aren’t one-size-fits-all. If your audience values simplicity, keep your ad clean and straightforward; if they’re adventurous, go big and bold. Think about what matters to the people you are trying to reach, and let that guide your visuals and messaging. Now's the perfect time to pull out any market research you've done and see how it can shape your creation.
“You need to consider what your audience actually wants and how your ad can speak to that in a distinct and memorable way.” -Derek D. Rucker, Prof. of Marketing at Northwestern
7. Keep It Snappy: In this day and age, being brief is your best friend! 65% of people skip pre-roll ads at the earliest possible chance, so capture attention quickly and deliver your message before they get the chance to leave. Even a 15-second ad can tell a story! The goal is to hook them in those crucial first few seconds—so make every word count! A concise ad ensures that your audience stays engaged and walks away with the essential info they need to remember your brand.
8. Bring It Back Again: Ads are even more effective when they’re part of a series. Create a campaign with follow-up ads or recurring themes to develop your message, characters, or storyline. When people recognize your commercial ad or your characters over time, it builds familiarity and strengthens your brand’s message. This increases the likelihood that they’ll remember you when it’s time to make a purchase.
9. Add a Familiar Face: Characters work wonders when they reflect the audience. Think of someone who faces the same challenges as your viewers or who shares their personality. The more relatable they feel, the stronger the connection. Whether it’s a customer archetype, an employee, or even a mascot, a familiar face can be the bridge between your product and your audience’s loyalty.
10. Clear Messaging: Keep your commercial ad clear, straightforward, and consistent. Obviously you need your audience to easily understand your message, but don’t forget about consistency in branding. Consistent colors, logos, and taglines build instant recognition and trust. When your visual and verbal identity line up, it creates a memorable, reliable brand that sticks in consumers' minds, making it easier for them to recognize and remember you.
11. Catchy Tunes: Music can be the secret sauce of a great ad. A catchy jingle or the right track boosts recall, sparks emotions, and keeps people watching. Think of your favorite ad songs—those catchy melodies stick in your mind and often become synonymous with the brand. Music can also make your ad culturally relevant and unique. When the music is perfectly in sync with your message and brand identity, you get a memorable commercial that really connects with viewers and drives results.
12. Striking Visuals: Humans are visual creatures! Intriguing imagery can captivate your audience instantly and keep them from passing your commercial ad by. Use eye-catching graphics, vibrant colors, and high-quality visuals to draw viewers in and keep them focused on your message. (This is an area where 3D animation can really work wonders!)
Bonus Tips:
Shout Out Your Sales: Everyone loves a good deal! Highlighting a sale creates urgency and encourages quick action. Use phrases like “limited-time offer” to make it even more enticing.
Showcase Your Beliefs: Let your audience know what you stand for! Sharing your core values builds trust and helps customers feel more connected to your brand.
Holiday Hookup: Holidays are perfect for themed ads that resonate with seasonal sentiments. Whether it’s Valentine’s Day or Black Friday, tying your message to a holiday can boost engagement.
Real-Life Examples: Show how your product fits into real life! Demonstrating a specific use case makes your product relatable and helps potential customers visualize how it can solve their problems or enhance their lives.
So There You Have It!
Commercial ads are more than just quick clips—they're your business’s chance to entertain, connect, and drive action. These ads are powerful tools that can boost visibility, convey your brand’s message, and engage your audience in memorable ways. From creative storytelling to clear calls to action (and a sprinkle of your unique flair), you can create commercials that truly resonate. So, grab those ideas, get creative, and start crafting commercials that wow!
Ready to elevate your brand with eye-catching commercials? Whether you're just starting out or looking to revamp your ad strategy, remember that a little creativity and a clear message can go a long way. At Levitate Media, we’re all about blending creativity with strategy to bring your vision to life. Contact us today, and let’s get started on your next commercial ad! 🎥✨
