Advertisement format | Your handy guide to learning all about it!

Advertisement format | An overview

English is beyond rote learning and mugging up topics. It is concerned with the holistic development of students with practical learning. That is why the English paper includes a writing section where students get to practice story writing, notice, note-making, article writing, letter writing, and advertisement writing, among others. This improves their creative skills and written communication abilities. This blog will help students learn about one topic of the writing section — advertisement format and different types of advertisement samples. Keep scrolling!

What is an advertisement?

An advertisement is a type of public announcement delivered through popular media channels such as newspapers, magazines, pamphlets, billboards, placards, radio, television, etc. If you have seen an advertisement in a newspaper or any other medium, you may have noticed that it is short yet covers all important details. Let’s now check out the different types of advertisements and various advertisement formats.

What are the types of advertisements?

There are two types of advertisements, including-

• Classified advertisements
• Commercial advertisements

Classified advertisements 

Classified advertisements are written for classified sections of magazines and newspapers that are read by the general public. These advertisements are short and crisp. Various types of classified advertisement are-

• Situation/vacant
• Lost and found
• Sale and purchase
• Accommodation/to-let
• Educational   
• Tuitions  
• Packers and movers  

Commercial advertisements

Commercial advertisements are used by organizations to promote their brands or products. These advertisements focus on selling or promoting products using bold visuals, discounts, slogans, and catchphrases. 

Components of a classified advertisement format with samples

A classified advertisement format must have-

• A maximum of 50 words.
• A clearly stated category such as “vacant,” “wanted,” “to-let,” etc.
• Contact addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses, if any.
• An outlined box within which you write the content.

Advertisement format | Situation vacant

• Put the heading as “situation vacant.”
• Start the content body with “wanted” or “required.”
• Add the name of the post vacant, the number of vacancies, name and contact details of the employer, job details including qualifications required and salary, how to apply, and last date to apply. 
• Don’t forget to add the box.

Sample-

SITUATION VACANT Software engineer required for Abc Solutions. The candidate should have a master’s degree in computer science with a minimum of 3 years of experience in coding. Salary has no constraint for suitable candidates. Send an updated CV before 20 June 2022 to HR@abc.com

Advertisement format | Lost/found 

• Put the heading as “lost/found.”
• Add a description of the object/person lost, details pertaining to when last seen, rewards, if any, and contact details. 
• Don’t forget to add the box.

Sample-

MISSING PERSON The general public is hereby informed that a 10-year-old girl from Allen Park, Delhi-22 went missing 2-days ago. The girl’s name is “Alia,” has a dusky complexion and is wearing a pink frock. Anyone aware of the whereabouts, please contact: Rahul, phone no. 95320001xx. Cash reward: ₹30,000 for the finder.

Advertisement format | Sale and purchase

• Put the heading as “sale,” “purchase,” or “wanted.”
• Add details of the subject on sale, price, and contact details.
• Don’t forget to add the box.

Sample–

FLAT FOR SALE New flat for sale on Park Street. Three bedrooms with attached toilets, big living room with dining area, fully furnished and well-lit. Very close to the commercial markets and the airport. Expected price: ₹45 lacs. Contact A.K Jha, Phone No: 78445566xx. Address: 250, Middleton Row, Kolkata.

Advertisement format | To-let

• Add “to-let” as the heading.
• Add details of the type of accommodation, the number of rooms/floors, location, expected rent, type of tenant required, and contact details of the person to contact. 
• Don’t forget to add the box.

Sample–

TO-LET 2 BHK flat available for rent in XY Apartment, Sector 1, Connaught Place, Delhi. In close vicinity to commercial markets, metro stations, and hospitals. The apartment has full security and free parking space. Expected rent- ₹45,000 p.m. Contact Khushi Singh; Mobile no: 9901xxxxxx.

Advertisement format | Educational institutions

• Start with “educational.”
• Add details about the institute — the courses it offers, faculty, infrastructure, fee, last date to submit the application, address, and contact information. 
• Don’t forget to add the box.

Sample–

EDUCATIONAL Delhi Commerce Institute offers a one-year diploma course in business management. Eligibility: Passed class XII. Batches of 25, divided into 4 groups for practical training. Excellent faculty. Quarterly fee: ₹3000. Last date to apply: 22nd July. Contact Khushi Singh, Director DCI; Mobile no: 9901xxxxxx or visit www.dciindia.in

Advertisement format | Tuition

• The heading should be related to the classes offered, for example, “English classes.”
• Add details about the duration and nature of the course, qualification of the teacher, last date to apply, and contact details of the teacher/tuition academy.
• Don’t forget to add the box.

Sample-

ENGLISH TUITION CLASSES English tuition is available for students of class Xth. No more than three students will be taught. Classes are available thrice a week (Mon. to Fri.) between 5 pm and 7 pm. Best result assured. Those interested contact: Kavya, B.A. in English; Mobile no: 912234566 for more details.

Advertisement format | Tours and travels

• Start with the heading “tours and travels.”
• Add details about the tour package, including duration of the trip, stay location, price of the package, perks and benefits, and contact details.
• Don’t forget to add the box.

Sample–

TOURS AND TRAVELS Attractive package to Ooty is available at Rahul Travel Agency. Three days and two nights. Breakfast and dinner included, stay at a 3-star hotel, sight-seeing included. Get it today at ₹6999 only. Contact Rahul Kapoor, Rahul Travel Agency, 9879987xxx

Components of a commercial advertisement format with samples

A commercial advertisement must have-

• A catchy headline
• Offers and discounts in bold
• Metaphors or alliterations
• Proportional fonts
• Name, contact, and other details
• An outlined box

Sample of a commercial advertisement

Enjoy snow in this melting heat with a perfect getaway at  MUSSOORIE Get up to 50% discount on MUSSOORIE HOLIDAY PACKAGES Packages starting from ₹3,999 per person (Includes accommodation, sightseeing, breakfast, and dinner) Indulge in trekking, fishing, hiking, river rafting, and paragliding Hurry up! Contact us at 76738940xx  Rahul Travel AgencyConnaught Palace, New Delhi-2, India

Tips for effective advertisement writing

• Make a brief and simple advertisement: Keep phrases short and simple to understand. Long phrases are a big no. The main focus should be on the issue. 
• Captivating headlines: The headline should garner the attention of readers and address the issue. 
• Informative: Informative content means that the advertisement should include all important details. 
• Language: Use simple language. There should be no jargon or complex ideas.
• Always add a box. 
• Do not ever forget to add contact details. 

Key takeaways

• If you want to nail the writing section of English, you need to learn every topic thoroughly.
• Advertisement is one topic that students get stuck at in the exams. So, give it some more time to master this area.
• Always remember that practice makes you perfect, so sit down with these samples and practice using these advertisement writing formats.

Did we miss out on anything while covering this topic? Let us know in the comments below or reach out to us.

Liked this blog? Read next: Formal letter format | How to make your writing skills perfect?

FAQs

Q1. What is the word limit of an advertisement?

Answer- An ideal advertisement should not be more than 50 words. 

Q2. Is a matrimonial advertisement a commercial advertisement? 

Answer- No, matrimonial advertisements are classified advertisements that are available in classified sections of newspapers and magazines. 

Q3. What is the advertisement format for classified advertisements?

Answer- The advertisement format for the classified advertisement includes a headline like “vacant,” “lost/found,” “sale,” etc. Then, add all the important details in the content body of the advertisement, including contact details, and put the advertisement in the box. Make sure the advertisement is around 50 words.