The Simplest Way to Write High-Performing Ads for Your Business

If you’re ready to write ads that stop the scroll, grab attention, and actually bring in clients, this post is for you.

I’ll never forget writing my first ad. It wasn’t for a global brand or a flashy campaign. No, it was for my very first client—a small local business that took a chance on me.

The stakes felt huge. I’d just finished a bunch of marketing courses, made them a bunch of promises, and was eager to put all that shiny new knowledge to work. I was supposed to be the expert. But there I was, staring at a blank screen, completely uninspired.

Why Most Ads Flop (and How I Almost Joined the Club)

So I did what every desperate newbie does: I started Googling.

Some sources said, “Add a cute dog!” Others warned, “That’s unprofessional.” One article swore by bold headlines; another called them “overused.”

Panic set in. The deadline loomed, and I didn’t want to let my client down. So, I took the shortcut: I copied what the competition was doing. Slight tweaks, nothing groundbreaking. Just enough to make it look different.

We launched the ad. Days passed, and I nervously called the client to ask how it was performing...

The response?

“Oh, Chris,” they chuckled, “we’re just running this to get our name out there. It’s about visibility. It's about brand recognition.”

I nodded along, pretending to understand. But deep down, I didn’t buy it. How does “visibility” pay the bills? Spoiler alert: It doesn’t.

The Truth About Marketing Metrics

Here’s what I’ve learned since: If you’re spending money on ads, you should be able to measure their impact. Period.

Yet, so many businesses throw money at vague concepts like “brand awareness” without tying it to tangible outcomes. It’s the marketing equivalent of throwing a bunch of worms into the sea and hoping you will catch more fish in that area.

That wasn’t good enough for me—or my client.

The Turning Point: Measurable Ads

Determined to crack the code, I dug into every resource I could find, tested relentlessly, and failed more times than I care to admit. Then I stumbled upon one simple truth: What is measured improves.

Enter the secret weapon: a measurable call to action (CTA).

Every ad I create now has a direct, trackable goal. Maybe it’s getting someone to book a consultation. Maybe it’s downloading a free guide. Whatever it is, I make sure I can measure the response.

How You Can Do This Too

Want to boost your ad performance overnight? Add a clear, measurable CTA to every single piece of marketing you put out. Then track it like your life depends on it.

For example, instead of saying, “Find out more,” try this: “Claim your free consultation today. Call [number] or visit [link].” See the difference? It gives people an action to take—and you a result to measure.

When I started applying this strategy, everything changed. My first client? They saw actual leads roll in for the first time.

Of course, measuring isn't magical in itself. It is great because it allows you to adjust. If you release what you think is a great ad, but the conversion rate (the percentage of people who click on the ad) is 0%, then you can dig deeper and find out your link isn't working.

If you weren't tracking anything, it would be hard to find the same mistake.

Your Next Step

Every ad you run should deliver measurable results. No exceptions. If you want to see how this works for your business, reach out. Let’s make your ads do the heavy lifting for you.