Why I Love Watching Ads: The Secret to Crafting Brand Strategies That Actually Work
Watching ads has been a lifelong habit that helps me analyze how brands target their audience.
Let's be honest, most people don't like ads.
We’ve all been there: you’re watching a video or browsing online, and suddenly, an ad pops up, disrupting your experience.
The instinct to skip is automatic.
But not for me.
I don’t skip ads.
In fact, I make a point to watch them.
You might think that sounds strange, but for me, it’s something I’ve always loved doing.
Ever since I was little, I’ve been fascinated by ads, how they show us how brands communicate, how they try to position themselves in the marketplace, and how they attempt to drive action.
Now, as a brand strategist, this habit has become an essential part of my work.
Watching ads helps me break down the strategies behind them and apply those insights to my own clients’ campaigns
Every time I watch an ad, I learn something new about what works, and what doesn’t.
The Anatomy of a Good Ad: Why I Don’t Hit ‘Skip’
Let’s start with why I watch ads in the first place. In my experience, I know that good ads do three key things exceptionally well:
- They Call Out Their Ideal Customer
A good ad speaks directly to a specific audience. Within the first few seconds, you can tell if you’re the right person for the message or not. Brands that get this right make their audience feel seen, understood, and valued. They create a sense of belonging in the viewer. - They Present Their Value Clearly
Ads that resonate don’t just tell you what a product is, they show you why it matters. They highlight how their product or service solves a problem or fulfills a desire. The best ads do this in a way that’s simple, compelling, and memorable. - They End with a Strong Call-to-Action (CTA)
Once they’ve captured your attention and shown you their value, the final piece of the puzzle is the call-to-action. It’s the moment where the brand guides you to take the next step. Whether it’s visiting a website, signing up for a service, or making a purchase, the CTA needs to be clear and easy to follow.
By breaking down ads in this way, I’ve learned how to apply these principles to my own work.
Watching ads isn’t just about understanding the surface-level message, it’s about dissecting the mechanics behind how brands try to reach and move their audience.
What Brands Get Wrong About Ads
But here’s the catch: not all ads are created equal.
In fact, many are just terrible.
They’re annoying, irrelevant, or just plain boring.
Watching bad ads can be just as informative as watching good ones, because it teaches me what not to do.
One of the biggest mistakes brands make is trying to speak to everyone.
When you try to speak to everyone, you risk speaking to no one.
Generic ads that don’t target a specific audience fail.
They feel impersonal, and audiences can spot that a mile away.
Another common mistake is overloading the ad with information.
In a world where attention spans are shrinking, ads need to deliver a clear, concise message quickly.
If an ad takes too long to get to the point or is not entertaining, viewers will lose interest and fast.
Lastly, the CTA is often weak or non-existent.
I’ve seen so many ads where, by the end, I’m left wondering, “What am I supposed to do now?”
A strong CTA doesn’t just suggest action; it motivates and guides the viewer towards it.
Ads as a Learning Tool: How I Use Them to Create Winning Strategies
Now that you know what I look for in ads, let’s talk about how I use this knowledge to help brands create strategies that work.
Whether I’m working on a new brand identity or helping a client refine their marketing, the lessons I learn from ads are invaluable.
Here’s how it translates into actionable strategy:
1. Targeting the Right Audience
Just like in the ads I watch, the first step in building a successful campaign is defining the ideal customer.
Who are we talking to? What are their pain points, desires, and motivations? T
he more specific we can get, the more powerful our messaging will be.
When I work with clients, I make sure we dig deep into understanding their audience before we ever create an ad or piece of content.
2. Crafting a Clear Value Proposition
Once we know who we’re talking to, the next step is showing them why they should care.
This is where the value proposition comes in.
What is it about your product or service that will make your audience’s life better? How does it solve their problem?
The clearer and more compelling this message is, the more effective the strategy will be.
3. Building a Strong CTA
After we’ve grabbed attention and demonstrated value, we need to tell people what to do next.
A strong CTA is specific, actionable, and easy to follow.
Whether it’s “Learn more,” “Sign up today,” or “Buy now,” the goal is to move the audience closer to conversion.
I always ensure that the CTA is aligned with the overall campaign goal and gives the audience a clear path forward.
How You Can Apply This to Your Own Brand
So how can you take these lessons and apply them to your own brand?
Here’s a simple framework:
1. Start Watching Ads
Seriously. Take some time to watch ads with a critical eye.
Look for the three key elements: audience targeting, value proposition, and CTA.
Ask yourself what works and what doesn’t.
Take notes on ads that grab your attention and think about why they’re effective.
2. Identify Your Ideal Customer
Before you create any ads or content, you need to know exactly who you’re speaking to.
Who is your product or service for? What do they care about? How can you show them that your brand is the solution they need?
3. Clarify Your Message
Once you know your audience, craft a message that speaks directly to them.
Make sure your value proposition is clear and compelling.
Don’t just tell people what your product does, show them how it can improve their life.
4. Don’t Forget the CTA
A strong CTA is essential for any successful ad.
Make it easy for your audience to take the next step.
Whether you want them to visit your website, download a guide, or make a purchase, guide them toward action.
Final Thoughts: Why Your Ads Shouldn’t Be Ignored
Ads are everywhere.
Instead of seeing them as distractions, I see them as opportunities to learn.
Every ad I watch, whether it’s great or terrible, helps me understand how brands can communicate more effectively with their audience.
If your ads aren’t working, if they’re not converting or reaching the right people, it’s time to rethink your strategy.
Watching ads can teach you what’s working and what isn’t in real time.
And if you need help crafting a brand strategy that actually delivers results, I’m here for you.
Together, we can take your messaging, your ads, and your entire brand to the next level.
Let’s schedule a call and start building a strategy that works.
