7 Tips for Designing an Effective Local Ad

You don’t need to be a graphic designer to make your advert work. In fact, at The Heart of Advertising, we design your advert for free when you book a slot. But it’s still good to understand what makes a great local ad — so your message hits home.

Here are 7 simple tips to help your ad stand out and generate real results:

1. Start with a Clear Headline

Grab attention in seconds. A great headline tells readers:

What you do
Who you help
Why they should care

Example: “Trusted Plumber in Chadderton – 24/7 Callouts Available”

2. Keep It Simple & Focused

Too much text = lost interest. Focus on one main offer or message.
Your goal is to spark interest, not tell your full story.

✔️ Clear service list
✔️ One offer
✔️ Easy contact info

3. Use High-Quality Images

A picture really does speak a thousand words. Use bright, clear photos that represent your business well — your van, shop front, products, or even your team at work.

Don’t have images? No worries — we can help source high-quality stock photos too.

4. Add a Strong Call-to-Action (CTA)

Tell people what to do next.
✅ “Call now for a free quote”
✅ “Visit our website to see our work”
✅ “Book by Friday and get 10% off!”

Make it specific and timely.

5. Include Your Contact Info (Make It Big!)

Make sure your phone number, website, email, and address are easy to read.
Add social media handles if you’re active online — people often check Instagram or Facebook before getting in touch.

6. Use Local Language & Trust Points

Mention your area proudly — “Serving Oldham since 2010” builds instant trust.
Also, highlight things like:

Years in business
5-star reviews
Guarantees or accreditations

7. Stick to One Brand Style

If you already have a logo and colours — great! If not, we’ll help create something clean and modern.
Consistency helps people recognise your business again and again (in print and online).

Final Tip: Trust the Process

With every booking, we include a professionally designed ad — so even if you’re not sure what to say, we’ll guide you step-by-step.

You don’t have to overthink it. Just tell us what you do, and we’ll help you say it in the best way possible.

Want to feature in our next booklet?
Email info@theheartofadvertising.co.uk today — and we’ll take care of the rest.