If you want to boost your marketing results try using leaderboard ads. It can help you reach more people and get more clicks. Don’t have any idea where to start? We’ll showcase inspiring leaderboard ad examples from various industries to show you how they boost engagement and create a positive user experience. We’ll also share design tips to help you craft eye-catching leaderboard ads.

What Are Leaderboard Ads?

Leaderboard ads are those wide banners you often see right at the top of websites. They’re like the headliners of online advertising, grabbing your attention as soon as you land on a page. These ads typically measure 728 pixels wide and 90 pixels tall, giving them ample room to showcase eye-catching visuals and compelling messages.

Their prime location at the top of the page is what makes them so effective. They’re the first thing visitors see, ensuring maximum visibility and engagement.

Unlike some other ad formats that can feel intrusive, leaderboard ads blend in seamlessly with the website’s design. They stay put at the top, allowing users to browse freely without any interruptions.

For small business owners, this means a chance to make a big impression without disrupting the user experience. Leaderboard ads can help you reach a wider audience and achieve your marketing goals, whether that’s building brand awareness, generating leads, or boosting sales.

How Top Brands Master Leaderboard Ads

Let’s take a look at how some of the biggest names in the business use leaderboard ads to achieve their marketing goals. These real-world examples will show you how to create ads that not only grab attention but also seamlessly integrate into the user experience.

Target the Right Audience

Amazon is a masterclass in targeted advertising. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, they create distinct leaderboard ads for their different services, like Amazon Business or Amazon Prime. This ensures each ad resonates with its specific target audience, leading to higher engagement.

Amazon also uses A/B testing. They experiment with different layouts, headlines, and calls to action to discover what works best. This data-driven approach helps them continuously improve their ad performance.

Connect Emotionally With Your Audience

eBay’s banner ads go beyond just showcasing products. They tap into emotions and create a sense of need. Whether it’s highlighting seller protection or offering practical guides, eBay’s ads engage and inform, creating a connection with their audience.

Think about the underlying emotions and needs that drive your customers. Use your leaderboard ads to tap into those feelings and create a connection with your audience.

Clear Messages, Relatable Visuals

Instagram uses leaderboard ads to promote safety features and combat misinformation. Their ads are clear, concise, and visually appealing, using relatable imagery to connect with their audience.

Keep your message simple and easy to understand. Use visuals that resonate with your target audience and support your message.

Keep it Simple

Google’s banner ads use clean designs, straightforward messaging, and clear calls to action to make their ads effective and memorable. They focus on a single message and use visuals and text that support it, ensuring a strong impression on the viewer.

Don’t overcomplicate your leaderboard ads. Focus on a single message and use visuals and text that support that message.

Match the Platform

LinkedIn’s leaderboard ads are tailored to their professional audience. The ads focus on providing value and expertise to businesses, aligning with the platform’s nature.

Consider the context of the platform where your ads will be displayed. Make sure your messaging and visuals align with the expectations and interests of that platform’s users.

By studying these examples, you can create leaderboard ads that drive meaningful results for your business.

Leaderboard Ads and User Experience

As a small business owner, you already know that a good user experience on your website is important. It keeps people engaged and more likely to become customers. But it also affects your website’s search engine ranking.

A well-designed leaderboard ad seamlessly integrates with your website’s content. It doesn’t obstruct or distract visitors. This subtle approach creates a positive user experience, encouraging people to stay on your site and explore further.

Slow-loading ads frustrate visitors and can hurt your search engine rankings. Optimize your ads for fast loading to avoid any delays. Moreover, people browse the web on various devices. Ensure your ads look great and function properly on all screen sizes.

Irrelevant ads annoy visitors. Target your leaderboard ads to the right audience, showing ads that match their interests to increase engagement and avoid frustration.

Remember, a positive user experience benefits everyone. It keeps your visitors happy, boosts your SEO, and ultimately, helps you achieve your business goals. Keep user experience in mind when creating your leaderboard ads.

Creative Design Tips for Effective Leaderboard Ads

Visual Appeal Matters

Think of your leaderboard ad as a mini billboard. It needs to be visually appealing to grab attention in the busy online world. Use high-quality images, interesting videos, or eye-catching animations that resonate with your target audience. A visually striking ad will make people stop scrolling and want to learn more.

Keep Your Message Clear

Avoid jargon or overly complicated language. Your message should be concise and impactful, instantly communicating your value proposition. Think of it as a quick elevator pitch. You have just a few seconds to capture attention and get your point across.

Include a Strong Call to Action

Tell your audience what you want them to do. A strong call to action (CTA) like “Shop Now,” “Learn More,” or “Sign Up” guides visitors toward the next step. Make your CTA button stand out and use action-oriented language to encourage clicks.

Maintain Brand Consistency

Your leaderboard ad should reflect your brand’s personality. Use consistent colors, fonts, and design elements that align with your brand identity. This helps build recognition and strengthens your brand message.

Test and Refine With Your Audience

Try different headlines, visuals, and CTAs to see what resonates best with your audience. A/B testing is valuable for gathering data and continually improving your ad performance.

Create Leaderboard Ads That Drive Action

You don’t have to reinvent the wheel in digital marketing. The leaderboard ad examples we’ve explored today show that with a bit of creativity and strategy, you can create ads that stand out.

Keep your audience in mind, craft a clear message, and prioritize a seamless user experience. By following these principles and experimenting with different approaches, you’ll unlock the full potential of leaderboard advertising.

Plus, Diib is here to support you. We provide the insights and tools you need to optimize your website and achieve your business goals. So go out there, create amazing leaderboard ads, and watch your business thrive!