We all use classifieds ads in newspapers and on the internet to sell and advertise but often we are frustrated with the results we receive.

It is my hope to enlighten you and relieve some of your frustrations in the world of advertising. Below I will state 6 rules of advertising in hopes of bringing you success.

Rules of Classified Advertising

1. The headline of an ad must catch the readers attention instantly. As a writer you must use words that get peoples attention. You want to make them feel that they have found the place that they are looking for. On the internet people are scanning at the speed of light, if you dont capture there attention they are off to the next page. Secret words that always create big headlines are: breakthrough, the truth about, insider-secrets, announcing, amazing secrets, how to, top secret, discover, free, advice to, love, little-known secrets, sale.

2. The body of the ad must keep their attention: Use words that excite people, and make your product seem amazing and one of a kind. You need to sound excited about your product or no one else will be excited. Words that can explain your product: first class, excellent, outstanding, Americas number one, the ultimate, unrivaled, unmatched, the top, unbeatable, the best anywhere, supreme.

3. The ad must target potential customers for your product. If you place your ad in the wrong location you will merely end-up with tire-kickers. Or in other words-people who are just wasting your time. Be selective and creative as to where you place your ad. One example, I recently placed in ad in the childcare section of a classified paper. Not because I was looking for care, but I was intending on approaching moms who wanted to work at home and did not want childcare. Many moms dont want to work but unfortunately have to for financial reasons.

4. Be consistent. This is the most important thing I can say about advertising. Do not pull your ad off the shelf because your item has shown no interest. Statistics show that it takes an average of 7 times seen before a consumer will react.

5. Add a Guarantee. Sales Jump when you insure confidence with a guarantee. If people feel that you are not trying to rip them off, and there is some kind of alternative to a product that they may not be happy with they will be more inclined to buy.

6. Use ads with pictures, graphics, or colorful logos. 90% of all persons viewing pages with your ads will not leave the page without looking at graphics. It increases the chance of people seeing your product.