With social media feeds packed with content, it’s easy for your ads to get lost in the noise. People scroll fast—so if your ad doesn’t grab attention immediately, they’ll keep moving.
The good news? A few simple strategies can help you create ads that make people stop, take notice, and take action.
Know Your Audience
The best ads speak directly to the right people. Before creating your ad, take a moment to think about who you’re trying to reach. What challenges do they face? What would make them stop scrolling and pay attention? The more you understand your audience, the easier it is to create an ad that feels relevant and personal. Choose images, words, and messaging that connect with them on a deeper level.
Make the Visuals Stand Out
People scroll quickly, so your ad needs to grab attention instantly. Bright, high-contrast colors can make your ad pop, while bold, easy-to-read text ensures your message is clear at a glance. High-quality images make a difference, too—but avoid overly polished stock photos. Ads that feel real and relatable tend to perform better and build more trust with your audience.
Hook Them in the First Few Words
Your first line is everything. If it doesn’t spark curiosity or interest, people will scroll past without a second thought. A strong hook could be a thought-provoking question like Struggling to grow your Instagram? It could also be a bold statement that challenges expectations, such as Most businesses waste money on ads—don’t be one of them. Or, tap into a relatable problem, like Tired of running ads that don’t convert? The goal is to make your audience pause and want to learn more.
Keep It Short and Clear
People don’t read long ads—they skim. Get to the point quickly by focusing on one key idea. Use short, punchy sentences that are easy to digest, and make sure your call to action (CTA) is crystal clear. Instead of vague messaging, be direct about what you want your audience to do. For example: Want more sales without wasting ad dollars? Try this strategy today. When your message is simple and actionable, it’s more likely to drive results.
Test and Improve
Even the best ad ideas don’t always work on the first try. The key to success is testing different versions and seeing what resonates with your audience. Try swapping out different images, experimenting with various headlines, or tweaking your CTA to see which one drives more engagement. Track your results, learn from them, and refine your approach. The more you test, the better your ads will become over time.
Final Thoughts
Scroll-stopping ads don’t happen by accident. They combine audience insight, bold visuals, strong messaging, and strategic testing to maximize results.