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Display Advertisements: A Student’s Guide to Formats & Uses

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What Makes Display Ads Different from Classified Ads?

Display Advertisements are referred to as online advertisements in which marketers along with other visual ad formats use banner ads in order to advertise their products on apps, websites, and social media. It is a very popular and effective format of digital advertising. It attracts attention across the internet because of the visuals that it uses which helps to spread brand awareness as well across the internet. 


These are lucrative methods of advertising in order to look for ways to reach and acquire customers. There is a generous use of images, texts, or even videos in display advertisements to catch the attention of people. 


Display Advertisements- Types

A few of the different types of display ads classified on the basis of their management strategy are listed  below.


Banner Advertisements

One of the most common display advertisement formats is classified as banner ads since they can clearly stand out on any kind of webpage. These are named on the basis of their shapes which are somewhat like a banner. These are image-based ads that are hyperlinked and are shaped in form of a strip. These are usually located at the top of a webpage which catches the user’s attention immediately.


Rich Media

Rich media is a new tactic in which advertisers use interactive elements which include audio, video, and clickable elements in order to make the advertisement more engaging. Advertisers are able to create complex advertisements which help to elicit strong user responses.


Interstitial Advertisements

The advertisements which appear before one is directed to the original page, as a separate page are known as interstitial advertisements. These are effective if the advertisers want to capture the user’s attention since they take up the entire screen. 


Video Advertisements

Video Advertisements are slightly expensive as compared to the other display ads. By using video ads it becomes easier and convenient for the marketers to grab a lot of attention and engagement from the users on platforms like Instagram and Youtube.


Non-classified Ads- Characteristics

Some of the characteristics of the Non-Classified Ads are listed below-

  1. These could vary in size which can be as much as one column to a half-page to a full page.

  2. The editor on basis of what suits the target audience and the budget of advertising can choose the section on the page where the ad has to be published.

  3. The minimum size of a display ad according to the thumb rule should be at least 4 cm x 4 cm.

  4. There is no limitation as there is no set format while making a display ad.

  5. The display ads are used majorly by businesses like educational institutes or the branding of a popular product or educational institutes.

FAQs on Display Advertisements: A Student’s Guide to Formats & Uses

1. What is a display advertisement as per the CBSE English syllabus?

A display advertisement, also known as a non-classified advertisement, is a form of promotional content designed to be visually appealing. Unlike classified ads, they use more space, varied font sizes, creative layouts, images, and logos to attract attention. For exam purposes, they are written to promote a product, service, or event in a creative and engaging manner, usually within a specified word limit.

2. What is the correct format for writing a display advertisement in an exam?

While there's no single rigid format, a good display advertisement for an exam should always be enclosed in a box and include these key elements:

  • Heading: A catchy title in bold or capital letters.

  • Visuals: Simple sketches, logos, or creative borders to make it stand out.

  • Content: Details of the product, event, or offer presented using persuasive language and phrases.

  • Contact Information: Name of the issuing authority, company, or organiser, along with their address or phone number.

3. What is the main difference between a display advertisement and a classified advertisement?

The primary difference lies in their format and cost. A display advertisement is visually rich, uses images and logos, has no fixed layout, and is more expensive as it occupies more space. In contrast, a classified advertisement is a simple text-based ad charged by the word or line, has a very basic format, and is grouped under specific categories in a newspaper (e.g., 'For Sale', 'To Let').

4. Why are visuals and creative layouts so important in a display advertisement?

Visuals and creative layouts are crucial in a display advertisement because their main purpose is to grab the reader's attention instantly. A catchy headline combined with a simple sketch, logo, or a well-designed border makes the ad more memorable and appealing than a block of text. This visual appeal helps in conveying the message quickly and persuasively, which is the core objective of this advertising format.

5. How can a student make a display advertisement more effective within the 50-word limit for an exam?

To make a display advertisement effective within the word limit, students should focus on precision and impact. Use short, punchy phrases instead of full sentences. Incorporate powerful adjectives and a clear call to action (e.g., 'Hurry!', 'Limited Offer!', 'Contact Us Today!'). Using bullet points for features or highlights can also help organise information clearly without exceeding the word count. The key is to be creative with both words and space.

6. What are some common mistakes to avoid when writing a display advertisement?

Common mistakes include:

  • Forgetting the Box: A display ad must always be enclosed in a box to define its space.

  • Exceeding the Word Limit: Writing long paragraphs instead of using concise, impactful phrases.

  • Missing Contact Details: Failing to include the name and address/phone of the issuing authority.

  • Overly Complex Drawings: Wasting time on detailed art. Simple, relevant sketches are sufficient.

  • Vague Headline: The heading should be catchy and clearly state the purpose of the ad.

7. Can you provide an example of a display advertisement for a new cafe?

Certainly. A display advertisement for a new cafe should be in a box and could look something like this:

  • Heading: YOUR NEW HANGOUT SPOT IS HERE!

  • Sub-heading: The Coffee Bean Cafe - Now Open!

  • (A simple sketch of a coffee cup)

  • Offer: Flat 20% OFF on all orders for the first week!

  • Features: Enjoy our gourmet coffees, delicious snacks, and free Wi-Fi.

  • Issuing Authority: The Coffee Bean, 123 Market Lane, Cityville. Ph: 9876543210