Welcome to Classified Ads Guide
Los Angeles Times Classified Ads Article
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Headlines that Sell Classifieds
from:When it comes to promoting your online business through classified ads, your headline speaks volumes about your website and your business. As online users rapidly scan web pages, they only stop when something catches their eye. For it to attract their attention, the words and font of the headline must be engaging and you must focus on powerful words that command attention.
Your headline in a classified ad can make your ad effective or make it disappear into a sea of other ads and content. People are in a hurry when they’re scouring the Internet for information and they don’t want to waste their time on irrelevant content. Most people are also impatient and will only spend a second or less to determine whether or not they want to read further.
Short and sweet
Another aspects of classified ads is the fact that they are typically very short – usually less than 100 words. Although that may sound like a lot of words, it’s really not. You have to get your point across quickly and your headline is the doorway into the rest of your ad.
With online classified ads, you will usually have about four to eight words in your subject line or headline. The words you use must be extremely engaging and unique to your product – ensuring relevancy with every word! And since five times as many people read your headline as the rest of your ad, your headline must be powerful!
So, how do you create headlines with few words that say a lot?
Headlines that work
Consider these tips to make your classified ad headline more effective:
Use powerful words in your headline. “Proven”, “Introducing”, “Special”, and “Quick”, “New”, and “Easy” are examples of attention grabbing words.
Ask a question to intrigue people to find the answer such as “Need Help With Your Computer?”.
Use commanding words that challenge readers to take action such as “Try Our Innovative Writing Techniques”, or “Give Cashmere Car Mats a Try!”.
Tell people how to do something or solve a problem. They’ll read further to find out how. “How To Create 30-Minute Meals”, “How To Learn Spanish in 30 Days”, and similar solutions.
Focus on claims such as “Flowers Guaranteed to Thrive”, or “Power Foods That Increase Energy Fast” can attract attention.
Give them something. Make an offer they can’t refuse! “Get Free Greeting Cards Today”, “Click for Your Free Weight Loss Cookbook”. People love freebies.
Use a list of words rather than an actual statement or sentence. Try something like “Cell Phones, Electronics, Cheap!” or “Necklaces, Bracelets, Rings - Rare Finds!”.
Making the most of your headlines will help you make the most of your classified advertising strategy. Using powerful words, conveying critical messages with few words, and making every word count are critical to successful headlines.
Make your headlines count and the traffic will come.
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