First, do we even want to write our own ads, what with the so-called tested ones that come with our affiliate programs? The answer to that is, "Yes!" Your individual ad writing ability can mean your ads get noticed and leave the prewritten ones behind.

Here are 10 steps to writing ad copy that will work for you and increase your profits immeasurably.

1. Narrow your market to a specific group of prospective clients. Find your niche market.

2. Analyze your website. Does it appeal to your niche market? If it does, tailor your ads to relate directly to your website.

3. Appeal to the impulse in the viewers of your ad. Call your readers to action * now*. Cause your readers to click a link to your sales letter. Emphasize the benefits of reading that letter. Offer something free in the ad itself, "just for looking". Perhaps a free copy of your newsletter or a free Ebook you've added to your site would do the trick.

4. Use outside resources to create your ad. Draw from sources like junk email and free classified ads. Analyze the work of others. Notice ideas that grab you and call you to action now.

5. Design "killer" headings. What types of headings get more attention? Headings with all capital letters? Headings that take up the entire heading field of the ad? Use caps sparingly for emphasis, and don't pile on words just for length.

6. Avoid hype. Don't over sell your product or service, discouraging your prospects even before they get to your site. Relay your excitement about your product through your own experiences, not unbelievable exaggerations.

7. Proofread. It's crucial to your success in ad writing, and online generally. Check your spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Be rigidly careful. Test links to make sure they work *and * actually lead to the places you intend them to go.

8. Test your ad for efficiency. You can't over-test. Use your ad in many media, including the newspaper classifieds. Track where your ad pulls from by using free or paid tracking services that are out there. Look to your affiliate program for good tips and instructions on ad tracking.

9. Keep a winning ad working for you. Keep submitting it to new places. A few sales will never wear out a good ad.

10. Submit only to places where your target market will be looking. This will save you time, money, and unwanted attention from would be spammers.

Now promise yourself this: You're going to get your ads noticed by writing them yourself and taking these steps to advertising success.

About the Author:
Brian Moore publishes 'BizOps Secrets', a complete ezine resource for online success. AllPro BizOps, Proven Business Secrets That Work Online. http://www.allprobizops.com

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