A native ad is a card made to fit the look of the site around it. It can use the site's colors, fonts and button style. It still needs a clear Ad label. People should know what it is.
A useful card gives people a quick look at what you make. The picture, words and link should all tell the same story. Here is a simple way to plan one.
Start with your real artwork
Use a picture from the game, video, song, product or project you are sharing. You could use a game screenshot or a real product photo. Your own cover art can work, too.
Choose a picture that is easy to read at a small size. Keep key characters, products and words in view. Use art you own or have permission to use. The picture should match the real thing on your page.
Let the picture fit its space
A wide picture and a tall ad need different plans. Stretching a picture can make faces and letters look wrong. A tight crop can hide the main part of your work.
For a responsive card, the picture can keep its own shape. The words can sit below it, or beside it when there is room. Fixed-size ads need their own check. Look at each size before it goes live. Check any words or characters in the picture.
Give the words one clear job
Write a short title. Say what the project is or why someone may like it. Add a brief message if the space allows it. Use familiar words and leave room around them.
Choose one action for the button. Try the demo is one clear choice. You could use Watch the video or Listen to the song. View the shop works for a store. The button should match the real page. Call a preview a preview.
Check the card where it will run
Read the card on a phone as well as a computer. The full picture, title and button should be clear. Keep the Ad label away from important artwork and make sure it is easy to see.
An ad belongs in its own space. Keep it away from game controls, menus and dialogs. Give people room to choose the ad. They should be able to use the site around it.
- Can you see the main picture and its words?
- Does the button open the right page?
- Is the Ad label clear?
- Can people use the site around the ad?
