I Created an Ad that Brands Could Hang on their Walls

Here's the art of observing visual concepts...

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2 Examples

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1 Copywriting Tip

Tip: Observe More Visual Concepts

Popular opinion says that you should read a lot to become a better writer. Fair enough.

But most people, especially writers,

still don't realize the power of exploring visual concepts.

I'm a Pinterest junkie. And last week's spec ad idea came to me while I was browsing random stuff on the platform.

I came across these aesthetic wall hangings with bold quotes on them. Imagine a simple wooden frame, a white background, and a legible font.

That's literally all it took to spark an idea.

"What would wall hangings inside a popular brand's office say!?"

The primary insight was that the only quotes or sayings we'd ever hang on a wall are ones we vibe with.

So it would be fun to do it for popular brands because, on a broader level, we all know what they stand for.

You see how I took such a simple visual to a broad idea? It's all because of the visual format.

Yes, I've seen ads.

Yes, I've seen taglines.

Yes, I've seen campaigns.

But reimagining them as something as simple as a quote-style wall poster was something new to me.

It felt like I was going to say the exact same thing people have heard a million times...

But my way of presenting it had changed.

And that's what I love about copywriting.

Once you figure out your core message(s), all you have to do is put it in front of a thousand people in a thousand different ways.

They'll consume, you'll learn, and it'll get easier to adapt.

Now, onto two of my favourite spec quotes created...

P.S. This concept is perfect for visual platforms like Instagram and Pinterest, where static images are still a big part of the feed.

2 Examples

1. McDonald's 

With something as essential as food, I took a more optimistic approach with my quote. Hence, the motivational messaging.

The idea of mixing a Happy Meal with a bad day is a great way of creating contrast while relying on the brand's IP.

2. Urban Company

Urban Company is a home services brand. I went with a wordplay approach to create an element of surprise.

At its core, a good line is about catching or holding attention. This one does the job of both.

3 Tactics for You

1. Don't Limit Your Approach

As a marketer or copywriter, visual concepts don't just mean billboards or OOH campaigns.

I came across this idea while I was searching for a wall hanged poster for my room.

Keep your eyes and ears open. And allow your marketing mind to fill in the gaps.

2. Think Visually

Think in terms of spatial context. What's a good line that becomes better when it's placed in the right way at the right location. Answer that to proceed.

This is my favourite example.

3. Complementary Concepts

The wall-hanging quotes concept is where inspo starts. You can take it one step further to include complimentary visual concepts.

Think of warning signs, chalk boards, billboards and so much more...

Well, that’s all I have for you today 🤝

What do you think about observing more visual concepts and today’s newsletter?

Hit reply & let me know your thoughts, !

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