Humor in advertisement?

[ProblemSolving]

I'm learning photography. So I posted this ad:

======================================
Title: Need a photo? I'm the BEST photographer
Hey guys,

I'll be the BEST photographer in the world. However I'm just starting out, so you can get a FREE quality photo. For now. Hurry up while it lasts.

Contact me at **********
======================================

Can it be improved?

 

Don't like ads? Remove them while supporting the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

[NewManRising]

Most advertising/copy experts advise against using humor in ads. You want to use what sells. I think your title can use some improvement. Your title/headline is the most important thing. You can use the "best photographer" line in the body but it fails to be humorous from my point of view. I know you intended to be a little sarcastic but it needs improvement on the delivery.

 

[RazorCut]

Can it be improved?

What do you think?

 

[Longinus]

It could be me, but I have trouble seeing the humor in your ad. Not something that would catch my attention.

 

Don't like ads? Remove them while supporting the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

[jon.M]

To be honest, I don't see what's funny. I just perceive it as if you're contradicting yourself in a non-comedic way.

And that's the problem with comedy in advertisements. People have different taste, and if someone doesn't think your ad is funny it will fall flat right out of the gate.

It's high risk without necessarily being high reward. Dollar shave club and Squatty Potty might be able to pull comedy off once in a while, but the question is if you can, and if there is no easier way that might work better for you.

 

[minivanman]

Want to see how a professional photographer takes pictures?

If you hire me, I will even show you my breasts. Oh what the heck, I'll show them to you anyway but give me a call at 867-5309. Don't worry, you won't have to show me your breasts.

See, that was humor in advertising but even at that, you will run in to the lady that has her nose stuck up her @ss and get all mad about it. So thats why it's hard to be funny in ads, especially these days when everyone has a chip on their shoulder.

 

[minivanman]

Oh yeah, just recently it was made a big deal because this one cafe has a sign that reads:

Burgers as big as your a$$

Some people were flipping out about it. lol I'm not real sure who thought that was funny to begin with but only because, I don't want to think about a$$ while eating my burger.

 

Don't like ads? Remove them while supporting the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

[Olimac21]

Want to see how a professional photographer takes pictures?

If you hire me, I will even show you my breasts. Oh what the heck, I'll show them to you anyway but give me a call at 867-5309. Don't worry, you won't have to show me your breasts.

See, that was humor in advertising but even at that, you will run in to the lady that has her nose stuck up her @ss and get all mad about it. So thats why it's hard to be funny in ads, especially these days when everyone has a chip on their shoulder.

This is so true, nowadays it is difficult to make a funny ad without offending someone.

 

[Chx]

Let's say you are able to incorporate a witty, hilarious and nonoffensive joke into your ad.

Will people laugh? ... Perhaps.

Will they think "Gee, I need your photography services now"? Probably not.

I'm a firm believer that humor has its place in almost all aspects of life. But does humor sell? No. At best, it should be a tool to engage your reader, but even then it is risky.

Can it be improved?

Free quality photo – you've got an amazing offer here.

Yet, much of your ad focuses on something nobody cares about (I'm the best photographer), not what people do care about (FREE STUFF!)

If your advertising format allows it, include your best photo sample in the ad. Because you're 'just starting out', people will wonder if your photos are any good. Alternatively, you could say 'building my portfolio' rather than 'just starting out' – both are true, but one paints a negative picture of you being inexperienced.

 

[YoungPadawan]

I agree with Chx. Don't use humor in an ad. An ad isn't made to entertain. It is made to sell.

Make a small investment (or go to the library) and pick up the book Ca$hvertising.

 

Don't like ads? Remove them while supporting the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.