“Content Recommendation” Ad Tactics (Image-Based)

This is a compilation of content-recommendation ads using two particular imaged-based tactics. By content-recommendation ads, I mean ads that are placed below...View More articles & posts on other sites (in the form of a simple photo & headline) that visually look like the content is from the site it's run on, even though the content is often completely different. These ads usually come from popular ad networks Taboola or Outbrain. The first tactic shared is one where you draw emphasis and attention to a particular part of the image using a red marker. It generates curiosity because the visitor begins to wonder why that particular part of the image is so important. Even if what's being circled seems to be evident, it still means there's likely something more to this that we don't know which still keeps things interesting. The truth is, you can go in any direction with the highlighted area in terms of your content. The key is that you get them to click-through. The second tactic involves using obscure images to grab attention. The objective is to use images that are odd enough to make you wonder what they're about, thus getting a click-through. You'll notice that many of these ads are linked to photo-based posts. If you're a blogger odd photo-based posts are very popular on content ad networks. However, you don't need to be sharing such posts to benefit from the tactic. Simply aim to use an image that pushes the limits more, say than you're typical stock photo.