Best Ad Types for Different Audiences • Divas With A Purpose

There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all ad. Every one of us reacts to different stimuli, engages with different media and spends time in different environments. By focusing on certain types of adverts, you can target certain types of people. This post delves more into how different types of ads can be used to attract certain types of customers.

Search ads

Search ads work best on intent-driven users who are actively seeking out certain products or information. You might want to consider running a search ad campaign if:

You’re a local service-based company targeting customers in a specific geographic area.
You offer emergency services (locksmith, auto repairs, dentist etc.).
You sell a niche product that requires customers to have a certain level of education about that product already (such as machine parts).
You run professional services such as accounting, legal support or consultancy.

Successful search ads involve targeting the right keywords. Consider high competition keywords that you might otherwise find difficult to get high organic rankings for. Companies like Algebra can help you with targeting.

Social ads

Social media ads instead tap into users interests, behaviors and demographic data. With these ads, you’re better off focusing on impulse purchases or product/services that you want to build brand awareness for.

Different social media platforms have different types of audiences. TikTok for example is mostly young consumers. LinkedIn is wholly for professionals and so is the best platform for B2B advertising.

If visuals are key to selling your product or service (i.e. tattoos, cakes, interior design), advertising on Instagram could be a must. Make sure to take your time to carefully pinpoint each ad campaign at the right interests and demographic.

In-app ads

In-app ads target people who are already using mobile devices, so it makes sense to use them to advertise other apps. It’s important that your adverts are placed on relevant applications – for example, an ad for a professional development app shouldn’t be placed within a gaming app for kids.

It’s possible to geographically target in-app ads, so this could also be a good medium for targeting customers in your area for local services.

Print ads

Many companies have abandoned print ads (including posters, flyers, magazine ads and billboards) now that digital technology has become so popular. But these ads still have a time and place. In fact, because fewer companies are using print advertising, it’s sometimes easier to stand out.

Billboards and posters can be targeted in locations where certain people gather. For example, travel deal adverts could be excellent for placing in train stations or on streets with traffic jams where commuters are likely to be dreaming of a vacation.

Magazines are meanwhile excellent for connecting with niche consumers who have disposable income. You can find magazines centered around everything from PC building to gardening. If they’re willing to spend money on a magazine, they may be willing to buy your product, provided that it’s relevant to the theme of the magazine.

Radio ads

A lot of people still listen to the radio in the car or at work. Radio ads can therefore be effective for selling products like car repair services, travel deals and professional services.

Of course, different types of stations also attract different types of listeners. Stations that play new music tend to attract younger audiences, while stations that play older music attract older listeners. Certain genres may also appeal to certain ages, genders and locations.

Radio ads are not so effective for products that rely on visuals to sell them. For items like clothes and make-up, you may find other mediums are better.