a sample ad...

[dr_detail]

Ok, I need some input on a placement ad. For obvious reasons, the phone number has been left off, but give it to me... throw me some feed back on this, let me know what ya think (I already know the spelling is off!). I`m looking for strictly ad composition and content value comments. Any and all input will be gratefully appreciated.

Thanks

[Big Leegr]

How big is the ad going to be? If it`s going to come out about that size, some people will have a hard time reading it. Also, where are you planning on placing it? A newspaper probably wouldn`t show off the sublte reflections/shades too well.
Looks classy. Are you going for just the upper end cars, or daily beaters too? I don`t think I`d be calling you if I had an average/abused car. I might get the feeling I`d be embarrassed to present something less than exotic to you.

Again, as stated many times, you have to know your target market. If your market is higher end cars, that`s a nice looking ad. It has a serene air of elegance to it. Stating you have 17 years of experience may also put the customer more at ease with leaving their baby with you.
Hope it works well.

[dr_detail]

Actual ad size: 3.75"x5."
Placement: upscale, full-color glossy, direct marketing magazine style mailer.

[immaculate]

I`m no expert on marketing, but I find my eyes focusing on the center of the ad where there is just "gray matter." Maybe that`s just me.

[NEW AGAIN]

Is that an actual vehicle you have detailed if not I would put a before and after picture of one that I detailed apicture say a 1000 thing just by looking @ it GOOD LUCK

[kimwallace]

I would include some reasons why a potential customer would want to use your service ...
A couple examples:
Do you want your car to look like it did the day it was new?
Do you want to increase the value of your car?
Do you want the sharpest looking car on the block?

Then add a tag line ... without leaving your home, workplace or wherever you plan to detail their vehicle.

Advertizing needs to stir something in the person reading the ad that will make them want what you have to offer. Not being critical of what you have, but the emotion that I feel when looking at the ad is," I want that car".

[johnr7]

Not to nitpik, but beautification is spelled beautif-I-cation, not beautif-A-cation.

Sorry but I`m a spelling pud.

[johnr7]

Oops, I`m the dope. Just read your whole post and saw that you know the spelling is off. Duh

[ottoman]

Couple comments/questions:
-I would like to suggest usin a close-up photo or zooming-in on the current photo, it might show the shine a little better. Everyone is crazy about cars that really shine/reflect.

-Also agree with immaculate that people tend to focus on the middle of the ad. What did you plan on doing with the middle of the ad? Offer a list of services, prices, coupon???

[dr_detail]

Originally posted by ottoman
What did you plan on doing with the middle of the ad?

Thoughts about a discount coupon in the central area were entertained. But in response; do you think it would create an ad that was no longer simplistic (a soft sell ad focused upon those "in the know") and might it distract from the caliber of clientele within the desired target market?? :dunno

[ottoman]

Originally posted by dr_detail
But in response; do you think it would create an ad that was no longer simplistic (a soft sell ad focused upon those "in the know") and might it distract from the caliber of clientele within the desired target market?? :dunno

That`s an excellent question. Maybe some other members will chime in and offer their experiences when they distributed ads with coupons. One more thing to consider, if the coupon is gonna be in the middle of the ad customers will cut the ad up to get the coupon. They may cut-out your company name and number. Maybe put coupon on bottom since that way they can cut-out the coupon but your company name and number will still be visible in the ad.

I think if you offer a coupon it shouldnt be for too much off. Maybe 10%??? This way it will still attract the high caliber clients but distract those that will only want it done once since they are saving money. Keep us informed.

[unclearty]

Maybe a different marketing idea..."Looking to sell your car?..want to get top dollar for it? Here`s what I did for another customer."
I know people like to show high end exotic cars, but what does that have to do with suburb moms who drive Sables??
Before and after shots of everyday vehicles might mean more to the types of people who are actually going to open those flyers with coupons in them.

[immaculate]

Dr. detail, it`s hard to fully visualize, but I like what ottomon suggested about the coupon on the bottom. I think if you bumped the car up to the "gray matter" and put a coupon on the bottom that it`d catch MY eye pretty well.