Last update: Jul 8, 2025·5 minutes read

10 Advertising Techniques (With Real Examples) Every Marketer Should Know

Discover 10 timeless advertising techniques—from storytelling to social proof—that still drive clicks in 2025. See real examples and learn how to use them to stop the scroll and boost conversions.

Manisha Saini
Written by Manisha Saini , Data-Driven Marketing Expert
Leszek Dudkiewicz
Reviewed by Leszek Dudkiewicz , Digital Growth Manager
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    Marketing isn’t just about what you sell, it’s about why it matters to the person seeing it.

    That’s where advertising techniques come in. From storytelling to social proof, these methods are what make people stop scrolling, take notice, and eventually click that buy button.

    In this article, we’ll break down 10 powerful advertising techniques that still work in 2025, complete with real-world examples and how you can apply them in your campaigns.

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    1. Emotional appeal

    Emotion is powerful. Whether it’s joy, nostalgia, love, or even fear, the right emotion taps into people’s desires and creates memorable campaigns.

    Example:

    Google’s “Year in Search” campaigns summarize each year with emotional global moments. People cry, smile, and share it because it feels human — not corporate.

    How you can use it:

    • Highlight a customer transformation story.
    • Use music and visuals to trigger emotion.
    • Craft Valentine’s Day campaigns that tug at the heart.

    A pro tip: Use emotional copy variations in dynamic catalog ads to match audience moods based on retargeting behavior.

    2. Scarcity & urgency

    When something feels rare or time-sensitive, people act fast. This is the FOMO effect at work.

    Example:

    Amazon’s Lightning deals with countdown timers that push users to act now. So do brands like Supreme, known for limited drops that sell out in minutes.

    How you can use it:

    • Add timers to landing pages or ad copy.
    • Use “Only 2 left in stock” messages.
    • Announce product drops for a limited time.

    A pro tip: You can set up urgency-based rules in catalog ads that show scarcity automatically (e.g. when stock is below 5 units).

    3. Social proof

    People trust people. Ratings, reviews, and user-generated content increase credibility and help undecided shoppers feel confident.

    For instance:

    Fenty Beauty uses user reviews and UGC on its product pages and in its ads. Real skin, real people, real results.

    How you can use it:

    • Add testimonials to video ads.
    • Showcase review scores in headlines.
    • Turn UGC into a campaign series.

    Did you know that the tool, Cropink, can pull in your Shopify reviews and use them dynamically in retargeting ads?

    4. Storytelling

    A story sticks. When people understand the “why” behind your brand or product, they remember it.

    Example:

    Airbnb’s “Made Possible by Hosts” campaign features real stories from hosts and travelers. It’s emotional, authentic, and speaks to human connection.

    How you can use it:

    • Share your founder's story in an ad.
    • Show behind-the-scenes of how your product is made.
    • Create a 30-second visual journey from pain point to solution.

    5. Humor

    A good laugh makes your brand feel relatable — and shareable.

    Example:

    Old Spice’s “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like” was absurd, funny, and massively viral. It made deodorant entertaining.

    How you can use it:

    • Add a funny twist to your product demo.
    • Use exaggerated metaphors or comparisons.
    • Meme it up (but on-brand).

    6. Contrast & visual disruption

    You’ve got a fraction of a second to grab attention. Use visual disruption, high-contrast colors, unexpected images, or movement, to stop the scroll.

    Example:

    Apple’s colorful iMac ad showed the same desktop in every color in a bold grid, it popped instantly.

    How you can use it:

    • Design contrast-heavy carousel ads.
    • Use movement in short video loops.
    • Add sharp visual cues (like split screens or bold typography).

    Create and test multiple visual variations from your product feed to discover what stops your audience.

    7. Problem → solution format

    This one is classic. You start with a relatable pain point. You offer a solution. The audience sees themselves in the story and wants in it.

    Example:

    “Tired of bad sleep?” ads for weighted blankets that show someone tossing and turning, followed by calm sleep with the product.

    How you can use it:

    • Start your video ad with a relatable frustration.
    • Walk through how your product addresses the issue.
    • End with a benefit-driven CTA.

    8. Personalization

    In 2025, personalization is expected. People want ads that feel like they were made just for them.

    Example:

    Spotify Wrapped isn't just marketing, it’s personal. And it drives massive sharing and brand love.

    How you can use it:

    • Recommend products based on past behavior.
    • Use personalized names or dynamic offers in your emails and ads.
    • Tailor your messaging based on user location, time, or past views.

    9. Anchoring & price framing

    Presenting your product as a deal (even if it’s premium) by anchoring it next to a higher value or competitor helps justify the price.

    Example:

    “Compare at $129 — Today only $89” or bundling a $40 product free with a $100 order.

    How you can use it:

    • Add “compared to” price messaging.
    • Frame the offer with savings.
    • Show before-after comparisons in results.

    10. Call-to-Action with clarity

    Your ad should always make it clear: what next? Don’t be vague.

    Example:

    “Shop now. Ships free in 24 hours.” It tells people what to do and what they’ll get.

    How you can use it:

    • Use clear, low-friction CTAs (e.g., "Try it free" vs. "Sign up")
    • Avoid generic language; be specific.
    • Match the CTA to where they are in the funnel (awareness vs. conversion).

    Do’s & don’ts of using advertising techniques

    Here are a few quick rules to keep your ads high-converting and brand-safe:

    Do's
    • Lead with value: Make it clear what the user gains, not just what you sell.
    • Match tone to the audience: Emotional appeal for one brand may feel cheesy for another. Know your vibe.
    • Test variations: Headlines, CTAs, images, swap, and test. Even small tweaks can lift performance.
    • Keep mobile in mind: Design and text should look great on a small screen.
    • Use real people: Whether it’s UGC, testimonials, or reviews, authenticity wins in 2025.
    Dont's
    • Overdo scarcity: “Only 1 left!” Every time, it feels fake and kills trust.
    • Ignore creative fatigue: Running the same ad for weeks? Your audience is tuning out.
    • Clutter your message: One strong message beats five weak ones crammed together.
    • Forget your funnel: Don’t push for sales if they’ve never heard of you. Warm them up first.
    • Rely only on emotion: It works, but it needs structure, like a strong CTA or value proposition.

    Tip: Platforms like Cropink make it easy to test, tweak, and scale creative variations, so your do’s stay effective and your don’ts stay in check.

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    Final thoughts

    There’s no magic formula for advertising success, but there is a pattern.

    The best campaigns don’t rely on just one technique. They mix emotion, credibility, clarity, and creativity to guide the customer from scrolling to clicking to buying. That’s the real power of these 10 advertising techniques, they work together.

    Maybe your audience needs a nudge with social proof. They may act faster when you frame scarcity just right. Or they may wait for an ad that feels personal enough to convert finally.

    Whatever the case, the best brands test, refine and evolve, and they do it fast.

    FAQs

    What is the most effective advertising technique?

    There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your audience, product, and platform. That said, emotional storytelling, social proof, and personalized ads are consistently top performers — especially when combined.

    How do I choose the right advertising technique for my brand?

    Start with your customer journey. Are they discovering you for the first time? Go with visual contrast or emotion. Closer to checkout? Use urgency, price framing, or a strong CTA. Testing different combinations is key.

    Can I use multiple advertising techniques in one ad?

    Absolutely. In fact, the best ads often layer techniques. For example, a story-led video that includes a testimonial ends with a clear CTA and emphasizes a time-limited offer, hitting multiple angles at once.

    How does Cropink help with advertising techniques?

    Cropink helps e-commerce brands automate and personalize catalog ads using these exact techniques, like inserting real-time social proof, scarcity messages, or emotional headlines. It’s built to scale high-performing creative without extra effort.

    Do these techniques work for both Facebook and Instagram ads?

    Yes! These techniques work across Meta platforms and even beyond, like TikTok, Pinterest, and Google. The format may change, but the psychology behind them stays the same.

    How do I test which technique is working best?

    Run A/B tests. Change one element at a time — the headline, CTA, tone, or image. Use platform analytics or tools like Cropink to track click-throughs, engagement, and conversions for each variation.

    Are these techniques just for big brands?

    Not at all. These strategies work for small businesses too, sometimes even better, because they feel more personal and authentic. You don’t need a massive budget; just the right message and creative angle.

    Manisha Saini
    Written by Manisha SainiData-Driven Marketing Expert

    Manisha is a Data-Driven Marketing Expert who turns numbers into narratives and ad clicks into conversions. With a passion for performance marketing and a sharp eye for analytics, she helps brands cut through the noise and maximize their impact in the digital space.

    Follow me:LinkedIn
    Leszek Dudkiewicz
    Reviewed by Leszek DudkiewiczDigital Growth Manager

    Leszek is the Digital Growth Manager at Feedink & Cropink, specializing in organic growth for eCommerce and SaaS companies. His background includes roles at Poland's largest accommodation portal and FT1000 companies, with his work featured in Forbes, Inc., Business Insider, Fast Company, Entrepreneur, BBC, and TechRepublic.

    Follow me:LinkedIn
    What is Cropink?

    Cropink is an app that turns raw product feed into appealing Facebook ads enriched with product data. It helps to drive engaging campaigns without creative limitations and keeps everything in sync.

    Beautify your product catalog in minutes

    No credit card required

    What is Cropink?

    Cropink is an app that turns raw product feed into appealing Facebook ads enriched with product data. It helps to drive engaging campaigns without creative limitations and keeps everything in sync.

    Beautify your product catalog in minutes

    No credit card required

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