Written by
Funny Ads Club
Published on
August 27, 2024
Let’s face it, nobody likes boring ads.
They’re about as effective as a chocolate teapot when it comes to grabbing attention and driving sales. So, how do you turn those yawns into yips and those groans into grins? With a sprinkling of humor, of course!
In this article, we’re going to dive into the wonderful world of writing humorous ads that pack a punch and leave your audience chuckling all the way to the checkout.
You know what they say, “You had me at the headline.” Okay, maybe nobody says that, but they should! If your headline doesn’t grab attention, then your ad is already dead in the water.
Take a leaf out of David Ogilvy’s book and craft a headline that stops the scroll and tickles the funny bone. Whether it’s a clever play on words, a witty observation, or an unexpected twist, your headline is your foot in the door. If it lacks oomph, no one's stepping inside.
Humor can be a slippery eel. What’s side-splitting to one person might be crickets to another. Before you start cracking jokes, get to know your audience. What makes them laugh? What are their pain points? What keeps them up at night (aside from the neighbor’s yapping dog)?
Once you’ve got a finger on the funny bone of your audience, you can tailor your humor to hit the mark every time. After all, there’s no point belting out puns if your audience is more into dry wit.
You know what’s not funny? Predictability. Surprise and delight your audience by taking them on a comedic rollercoaster they never saw coming. Whether it’s a hilarious analogy, an outlandish scenario, or a zinger of a one-liner, keep ‘em guessing and keep ‘em giggling.
David Ogilvy himself was a master at turning the everyday into the extraordinary. Take his lead and inject a healthy dose of the unexpected into your ads. It’s the quickest route to memorable and shareable content.
What do memes, viral videos, and trending topics have in common? They’re the lifeblood of internet culture, and they’re a goldmine for injecting humor into your ads. Injecting a bit of pop culture into your ads can instantly make them feel relevant, fresh, and downright hilarious.
Whether it’s a playful nod to a viral sensation or a clever riff on a popular meme, weaving pop culture into your ads can make them feel like they belong to the Zeitgeist. Just remember to stay on top of current trends, as yesterday’s chucklesome content can swiftly become today’s cringefest.
Humor is like a soufflé—it can go from mouth-watering to a soggy mess in a matter of moments. So, when you’re whipping up those comedic ad masterpieces, remember to keep it light and breezy.
The goal is to tickle, not bludgeon, the funny bone.
Once you’ve crafted your ad, take a step back and ask yourself, “Is this too much? Or just enough?” Keeping your humor in check ensures that you don’t veer into eye-rolling territory. And nobody likes a groaner—unless it involves a dad joke, of course.
With these nuggets of advertising wisdom from the legendary David Ogilvy, you’re now equipped to sprinkle your ads with humor that’ll have your audience reaching for the tissues to wipe away tears of laughter.
So, go forth, dear Ad Wizards, and breathe new life into your ads with the magic touch of humor. Remember, a chuckle is worth a thousand sales pitches!
