6 Types of Online Ads That Make Sales Skyrocket

Let’s discuss the types of ads that are really good at making sales skyrocket! Think of this as a casual chat over coffee about how ads can directly ‘nudge’ potential buyers all over the world so they immediately click, sign up, or buy.

In this fast-paced world, advertising isn’t just about showing up or making people “aware” of our brand. More than that, there are many types of ads specifically designed to directly “speak” to the target audience and get them to take the action we want, which is buying!

So, here are some of the ad “champions” that are highly effective in bringing in sales in the global market:

1. Social Media Ads: Hanging Out in the Right “Crowd”

Who isn’t on social media nowadays? From the young to the elderly, everyone is there. That’s why placing ads on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or LinkedIn is like opening a store in a global town square.

The brilliance of social media ads is that we can choose exactly who we want to show up in front of. Based on age, interests, location, even their online behavior. So, your fashion product ad won’t mistakenly reach someone looking for car parts, for example.

The result?

The people who see your ad are indeed those with high potential to be interested and eventually buy. Plus, the ad formats are diverse, from intriguing carousel photos, engaging short videos, to ads that directly invite chat. This is an effective way to directly “tempt” potential buyers while they are casually scrolling.

2. Search Ads / PPC: Appearing When People Are In Need

Imagine, if you need something, you immediately open a search engine, right? Well, this type of ad appears exactly when someone is typing keywords relevant to your product or service.

A simple example, if someone halfway across the world types “buy discounted running shoes”, and you sell discounted running shoes, your ad can appear at the very top! This is called Pay-Per-Click (PPC) advertising on platforms like Google Ads. You only pay if someone clicks your ad.

This strategy is super effective because you reach people at the perfect moment, which is when their buying intent is at its highest. It’s like opening your store door when there are customers peering around looking for the exact item you sell.

3. Direct Response Ads: Inviting Immediate Action!

The main focus of this ad isn’t just to be remembered, but to make people do something right away. Its characteristic feature is having a very clear Call-to-Action (CTA).

For example, the ad might say “Click Here to Claim Your 50% Discount Now!”, or “Sign Up for Free to Try Our Product!”. These ads can appear anywhere, from websites, emails, to social media.

The goal is one: to trigger instant action from the audience.

This is very effective for promotions with time limits or special offers that shouldn’t be missed. You directly invite potential buyers to seize the opportunity, so they don’t think too long.

4. Display & Retargeting Ads: Reminding Those Who Forget or Hesitate

Have you ever been Browse a news website, and a banner ad appears for a product you just saw on another online store? That’s one example of display and retargeting ads.

Display ads are visual banners placed on various websites or apps. Their function can be to increase brand awareness, but the more powerful use is for retargeting.

So, if someone has visited your website but hasn’t made a purchase, this retargeting ad will “follow” them when they are online elsewhere.

This is a subtle yet effective way to remind them about the product they were interested in and encourage them to return to complete the purchase. It’s like you’re the friendly store staff reminding the customer, “Still interested in that item, sir/ma’am?”.

5. Affiliate Marketing: Assisted by Influential “Freelance” Salespeople

This is an advertising model where you collaborate with another party (an affiliate) who will promote your product. You only pay them a commission if their promotion successfully brings in sales.

These affiliates can be bloggers, review website owners, or social media influencers who have loyal followers. They will recommend your product to their audience, and if someone buys through their special link, they get a cut.

This is a cost-effective and low-risk method because you only pay based on tangible results (sales). You leverage the trust their audience has in these affiliates.

6. Influencer Marketing: Recommendations from Likable Figures

Similar to affiliate marketing, but the focus is on an influencer figure who has significant influence over their audience. They will create creative content (photos, videos, reviews) featuring your product.

Audiences who already trust this influencer tend to be more easily interested and influenced to try or buy the recommended product. This feels more personal and authentic compared to traditional advertising. You leverage the influencer’s “power” and connection with their followers.

Question:

Which Type of Online Ad Makes Sales Skyrocket Quickly?

Okay, let’s immediately break down which ones are the most “speedy” among the ad types mentioned when it comes to making sales skyrocket in a short time.

When talking about the speed of bringing in sales, among the six types we discussed, those whose impact is usually felt fastest are:

1. Search Ads / PPC
2. Direct Response Ads (which often appear on various platforms, including social media and websites)
3. Social Media Ads (especially those designed with the goal of direct conversion)

Why These Three Are Fastest?

• Search Ads (PPC): These are the fastest because you are targeting people who already have the intent or are actively searching for products or services like yours. They are already at the “bottom of the funnel” for purchasing. Once they see your relevant and appealing ad, they are highly likely to click and make a purchase if your offer is right.
• Direct Response Ads: As the name suggests, “direct response”. These ads are designed with a very strong Call-to-Action (CTA) and are often accompanied by offers that make people feel they need to make a decision immediately (e.g., limited-time discounts). This triggers impulsive action or quick decisions from the audience.
• Social Media Ads (for Conversion): Social media platforms have incredibly detailed user data. This allows for very precise targeting to people whose profiles best match your target market and who exhibit online behavior indicating a tendency to make online purchases. Plus, the ad formats are varied and can be tailored to directly guide users to the product page or checkout.

While other types such as Display Ads (general), Affiliate, and Influencer Marketing also effective for sales, their impact may not be as instantaneous as PPC or Direct Response Ads, which are specifically designed to trigger immediate conversions.

General Display Ads are more about brand awareness, while Affiliate and Influencer marketing require time for the audience to be influenced and take action, although in certain cases can also generate quick sales depending on the strength of the affiliate/influencer and the offer.

So, if your primary priority is a sales surge in a short period, focus on advertising strategies that directly “meet the ball” when potential buyers are searching or that trigger immediate action through strong offers and CTAs.