Did you know that in 2017, social media ads reached a whole new level? The year was a game changer for online advertising services and advertising networks, as brands and businesses capitalized on the power of social media to connect with their target audience in ways never seen before.

Social media ads have become an integral part of any successful marketing strategy. They allow businesses to reach a wider audience, increase brand awareness, and ultimately drive more traffic and conversions to their websites. But what made the social media ads of 2017 so special?

The answer lies in the ever-evolving nature of social media platforms. In 2017, platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat introduced innovative features that revolutionized the way ads were delivered and consumed. These updates allowed advertisers to create more engaging and interactive content, resulting in higher user engagement and better ROI.

One of the most significant trends in 2017 was the rise of video advertising. According to a study by eMarketer, the average person spent 81 minutes per day watching digital videos in 2017. This presented a massive opportunity for advertisers to captivate their audience with compelling video ads. In fact, a staggering 61% of marketers said they planned to increase their use of video ads in 2017.

Another crucial development was the increasing importance of mobile advertising. With the majority of social media users accessing their accounts through mobile devices, it became crucial for advertisers to optimize their ads for mobile viewing. Mobile ads accounted for 84% of social media ad revenue in 2017, according to a report by eMarketer.

In response to the growing demand for mobile-optimized ads, platforms like Facebook and Instagram introduced new ad formats and targeting options specifically designed for mobile users. These developments allowed advertisers to deliver more relevant and personalized ads to users, resulting in higher engagement rates and conversions.

Furthermore, social media ads in 2017 became more personalized and targeted than ever before. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram leveraged their vast user data to provide advertisers with sophisticated targeting options. Advertisers could now target their ads based on demographics, interests, and even behavioral patterns, ensuring that their ads were reaching the right people at the right time.

With the rise of social media influencers, brands also relied heavily on influencer marketing in 2017. Influencers have become trusted voices in their niche, and partnering with them allowed brands to tap into their vast network and connect with their highly engaged followers. According to a study by the Influencer Marketing Hub, marketers earned an average of $7.65 for every dollar spent on influencer marketing in 2017.

In conclusion, the year 2017 was a groundbreaking year for social media ads. Brands and businesses harnessed the power of social media platforms to create more engaging, personalized, and targeted ads that resonated with their audience. With the rapid growth of social media and the continuous evolution of advertising technology, it is safe to say that social media ads will continue to shape the future of online advertising services and advertising networks.

What were the best social media ads of 2017?

Social media advertising has become an integral part of the online advertising landscape, and with each passing year, advertisers are becoming more creative and innovative in their campaigns. In 2017, some exceptional social media ads left a lasting impact on audiences and set new benchmarks for advertisers. In this article, we will explore the best social media ads of 2017, discuss their strategies and techniques, and draw valuable insights for an effective online advertising service or advertising network.

Best Social Media Ads 2017

The world of social media advertising has evolved rapidly in recent years, with businesses and advertisers constantly seeking innovative ways to capture the attention of their target audience. As we reflect on the year 2017, we can identify some of the best social media ads that made a lasting impact. These campaigns not only demonstrated creativity and effectiveness, but also set new standards for engaging users on various social media platforms.

The Power of Video Ads

In 2017, video ads emerged as one of the most powerful forms of social media advertising. With platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter enabling autoplay videos, advertisers capitalized on this feature to deliver captivating content to their audience. Video ads allowed advertisers to tell a story, create emotional connections, and effectively communicate their brand message within a short span of time.

One notable example of a successful video ad campaign in 2017 was Airbnb’s “We Accept” campaign. This ad beautifully portrayed Airbnb’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, showcasing the stories of hosts from various backgrounds. The ad successfully conveyed the brand’s message of acceptance and became widely shared and discussed on social media platforms.

Influencer Marketing on the Rise

Influencer marketing gained significant traction in 2017, with brands recognizing the power of collaborating with social media influencers to promote their products or services. Social media influencers, who have built a loyal following and possess expertise in their niche, became brand ambassadors and created engaging content to endorse products. This form of advertising allowed brands to tap into the influencers’ audience and leverage their trust and credibility.

A prime example of successful influencer marketing in 2017 was Kylie Jenner’s collaboration with SugarBearHair. Kylie Jenner, a popular celebrity and social media influencer, promoted SugarBearHair’s gummy vitamins through her Instagram account. Her post generated immense buzz and resulted in a significant increase in sales for the brand. This campaign highlighted the effectiveness of influencer marketing in reaching a target audience through authentic and relatable content.

Creative Use of User-Generated Content

User-generated content became an essential element of social media advertising in 2017. Brands started leveraging the power of their customers’ content to create authentic and relatable ads. By incorporating user-generated content, brands were able to establish a connection with their audience and enhance brand loyalty.

One remarkable example of utilizing user-generated content was Coca-Cola’s “Share a Coke” campaign. Coca-Cola encouraged customers to share pictures of themselves with personalized Coca-Cola bottles, which featured their names or personalized messages. The brand then showcased these pictures in their ads, demonstrating the joy and happiness associated with their product. This campaign not only generated user engagement but also increased brand awareness and customer satisfaction.

Interactive Ads Engaging Users

In 2017, interactive ads emerged as a powerful tool to capture users’ attention and create an engaging experience. Brands started experimenting with augmented reality, quizzes, polls, and games to interact with their target audience. These interactive features create a sense of participation and allow users to actively engage with the brand, resulting in improved brand recall and a higher likelihood of conversion.

An excellent example of an interactive social media ad in 2017 was the Starbucks’ “Unicorn Frappuccino” campaign. Starbucks introduced a limited-edition drink with vibrant colors and a unique flavor profile. The company encouraged customers to post pictures of themselves with the drink using the hashtag #UnicornFrappuccino. This campaign not only created a buzz on social media but also allowed users to interact with the brand by sharing their experiences and opinions about the product.

The Growth of Story Ads

Story ads gained significant popularity in 2017, with platforms like Snapchat and Instagram introducing the feature that allows users to share ephemeral content. Brands quickly recognized the potential of this format and started using story ads to engage users in a more authentic and immersive way. Story ads enabled brands to share behind-the-scenes content, provide sneak peeks of upcoming products, and create a sense of urgency for users to take immediate action.

An outstanding example of a successful story ad campaign in 2017 was Nike’s collaboration with Cristiano Ronaldo. Nike utilized Instagram’s story feature to promote a limited-edition collection inspired by the renowned footballer. The brand shared behind-the-scenes footage of the collection’s creation, interviews with Cristiano Ronaldo, and exclusive product previews. This campaign successfully generated excitement among Nike’s audience and resulted in a high level of engagement and sales.

Conclusion

As we look back at the best social media ads of 2017, it is evident that video ads, influencer marketing, user-generated content, interactive ads, and story ads played a significant role in creating successful campaigns. These innovative approaches allowed brands to connect with their audience in a more personalized and interactive way, ultimately leading to higher engagement and conversion rates.

According to a survey conducted by eMarketer, 75% of marketers stated that video ads were the most effective form of social media advertising in 2017. This statistic further emphasizes the importance of incorporating video content into social media ad campaigns.

Key Takeaways for Best Social Media Ads 2017

Social media advertising has become an essential part of any online advertising campaign. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, it’s important for advertisers to stay updated with the latest trends and techniques to create the most effective social media ads in 2017. Here are the top 15 key takeaways from the article “Best Social Media Ads 2017” that will help advertisers achieve success in their campaigns:

1. Importance of visual content: Visuals play a crucial role in grabbing the attention of social media users. Including high-quality images, videos, and infographics in ads can significantly increase engagement and click-through rates.
2. Understand your target audience: To create impactful social media ads, it’s essential to understand your target audience’s preferences, demographics, and interests. This knowledge will help in tailoring the ad content and delivery to resonate with the intended audience.
3. Personalization is key: Personalizing ads based on user behavior, location, and demographics can greatly enhance their effectiveness. Customizing ad messages and visuals to match the interests and needs of individual users will lead to higher conversion rates.
4. Mobile optimization: With the majority of social media users accessing platforms through mobile devices, it is crucial to ensure that ads are optimized for mobile viewing. Responsive design and fast loading times are essential for a seamless user experience.
5. Video ads dominate: Video ads have gained significant popularity due to their ability to convey messages effectively and engage users. Creating engaging, short, and informative video ads for social media platforms can yield remarkable results.
6. Social proof matters: Incorporating social proof elements, such as customer reviews, testimonials, and user-generated content, can build trust and credibility for your brand, leading to higher conversions.
7. Leaning towards native ads: Native ads that seamlessly blend with a platform’s look and feel tend to have higher click-through rates. Advertisers should focus on creating native ads that provide value and appear non-intrusive to the users.
8. Experiment with ad formats: Social media platforms offer various ad formats, including carousel, slideshow, and canvas ads. Experimenting with different formats can help advertisers find the most effective format for their target audience.
9. Be creative and innovative: Standing out in the crowded social media space requires thinking outside the box. Creating unique and innovative ads that capture users’ attention can drive higher engagement and brand recall.
10. Use retargeting strategies: Retargeting ads to users who have shown interest in your brand or visited your website can significantly improve conversion rates. Implementing retargeting strategies across social media platforms can maximize the impact of your ads.
11. Invest in influencer marketing: Collaborating with social media influencers who align with your brand can provide a valuable endorsement and expand your reach to their dedicated audience. This form of marketing can generate authentic and trustworthy engagement.
12. Harness the power of storytelling: Telling compelling stories through social media ads creates an emotional connection with users and helps in conveying the brand’s message effectively. A well-crafted story can evoke emotions, leading to higher engagement and brand loyalty.
13. Data-driven decision making: Analyzing data and metrics from social media campaigns can provide valuable insights for refining ad strategies. Advertisers should continually monitor key performance indicators and make data-driven adjustments to optimize their campaigns.
14. Integration with social media algorithms: Understanding how social media algorithms work can help advertisers optimize their ads to increase visibility and organic reach. Aligning ad delivery with platform algorithms can lead to better ad performance.
15. Optimize ad targeting: Utilizing advanced targeting options provided by social media platforms, such as interests, behaviors, and lookalike audiences, can enhance the relevance and effectiveness of social media ads.
16. A/B testing: Testing different ad variations against each other can help identify the most effective ad elements, such as headlines, visuals, and calls-to-action. A/B testing should be a continuous process to refine and improve ad performance.

By implementing these key takeaways, advertisers can create the best social media ads in 2017 and achieve their goals of increased brand awareness, engagement, and conversions. Keeping up with the ever-changing social media landscape and evolving ad formats is crucial for success in this highly competitive advertising space.

FAQs for Best Social Media Ads 2017

1. What are social media ads?

Social media ads refer to advertisements that are displayed on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. These ads are designed to target specific audiences based on their interests, demographics, and behaviors.

2. How effective are social media ads?

Social media ads can be highly effective in reaching a targeted audience. They allow advertisers to maximize their reach and engagement by leveraging the large user base and advanced targeting options offered by social media platforms.

3. Which social media platforms are best for running ads?

The effectiveness of social media platforms for running ads depends on your target audience and advertising goals. However, popular platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn have proven to be highly effective for running successful ad campaigns.

4. How can I target my audience effectively with social media ads?

Social media platforms offer various targeting options such as demographics, interests, behaviors, and location. By utilizing these targeting options effectively, you can narrow down your audience to reach the most relevant users who are likely to be interested in your ads.

5. What types of ads can I run on social media?

Social media platforms support various types of ads including image ads, video ads, carousel ads, lead generation ads, and sponsored content. The choice of ad type depends on your campaign goals and the type of content you want to promote.

6. How much do social media ads cost?

The cost of social media ads varies based on various factors such as the platform you choose, your target audience, the competitiveness of your industry, and the ad format. You can set a budget and bidding strategy to control your ad spend on social media platforms.

7. Can I track the performance of my social media ads?

Yes, most social media platforms provide robust analytics and reporting tools to track the performance of your ads. You can monitor metrics such as reach, impressions, click-through rates, conversions, and engagement to evaluate the effectiveness of your campaigns.

8. How can I optimize my social media ad campaigns?

To optimize your social media ad campaigns, you can regularly review and analyze the performance metrics. By identifying the best-performing ads, targeting options, and ad formats, you can optimize your campaigns for better results. Split testing different ad variations can also help you find the most effective approaches.

9. Are there any best practices for creating social media ads?

Yes, there are several best practices for creating effective social media ads. These include using attention-grabbing visuals, writing compelling ad copy, including a strong call to action, testing different ad variations, and optimizing your ads for mobile devices.

10. Can social media ads help increase website traffic?

Absolutely! Social media ads can be a powerful tool to drive targeted traffic to your website. By directing users to specific landing pages and optimizing your ads for click-throughs, you can increase website traffic and potentially boost conversions.

11. Can I advertise on social media if I have a small budget?

Yes, social media platforms offer flexible budget options that can accommodate both small and large advertisers. You can set a daily or lifetime budget according to your advertising goals and scale your campaigns based on the results.

12. Are social media ads suitable for all types of businesses?

While social media ads can be effective for most businesses, some industries or niche target audiences may benefit more from these ads than others. It’s important to evaluate your target audience and align it with the demographics and interests of social media platform users.

13. Can I target mobile users specifically with social media ads?

Yes, social media platforms allow you to target users specifically on mobile devices. This can be beneficial if you want to reach users who predominantly use social media apps on their smartphones.

14. How can social media ads help increase brand awareness?

Social media ads can help increase brand awareness by reaching a large audience, generating engagement, and creating a buzz around your brand. With the right targeting and compelling ad creatives, you can effectively raise awareness about your brand among your target audience.

15. Are there any restrictions on the content of social media ads?

Yes, social media platforms have certain guidelines and restrictions on the content of ads. These guidelines usually prohibit content that is offensive, misleading, discriminatory, or violates intellectual property rights. It’s important to review and comply with these guidelines when creating your ads.

Conclusion: Key Insights from Best Social Media Ads 2017

Throughout 2017, the world of social media advertising witnessed an array of outstanding campaigns that captivated audiences and transformed brands. As an online advertising service or advertising network, it is crucial to understand the key points and insights from the best social media ads of 2017.

First and foremost, video content emerged as the dominant force in social media advertising. Brands recognized the power of video in engaging users and creating memorable experiences. From in-feed videos on Facebook to Instagram Stories, platforms like YouTube, Snapchat, and Twitter witnessed an exponential increase in video content. These ads were designed to be short, visually captivating, and optimized for mobile viewing. Brands leveraged the storytelling potential of videos to not only showcase their products but also to evoke emotions, connect with their target audience, and develop a meaningful relationship. This trend highlights the importance of incorporating video content into online advertising strategies to drive engagement and enhance brand awareness in 2018 and beyond.

Another key insight from the best social media ads of 2017 is the rise of influencer marketing. Influencers have become instrumental in reaching and engaging with highly targeted audiences. Brands strategically partnered with influencers who align with their values and target markets in order to amplify their reach and build authenticity. The success of influencer marketing campaigns can be attributed to the personalized and relatable nature of these collaborations. By leveraging influencers’ credibility and trust, brands were able to connect with consumers on a deeper level. As an online advertising service or advertising network, it is crucial to recognize the potential of influencer marketing and facilitate collaborations between brands and influencers to create compelling social media ad campaigns.

In addition to video content and influencer marketing, user-generated content (UGC) played a crucial role in the best social media ads of 2017. Brands realized the power of harnessing the creativity and authenticity of their customers and fans. By encouraging users to create and share content related to their products or services, brands were able to tap into their loyal customer base and turn them into brand advocates. This strategy not only increased engagement but also generated a sense of community and trust around the brand. Brands should continue to prioritize UGC in their online advertising strategies to foster a strong connection with their target audience and benefit from the credibility and authenticity of their customers.

Moreover, personalization emerged as a key factor in successful social media ad campaigns. Brands utilized data-driven targeting to deliver personalized content to their audiences. This allowed them to tailor their messages and offerings based on users’ preferences, demographics, and behavior. By delivering relevant and customized content, brands were able to cut through the noise, capture attention, and increase the likelihood of conversions. As an online advertising service or advertising network, it is essential to leverage data and technology to deliver personalized ads that resonate with audiences, driving higher engagement and conversions.

Lastly, creativity was at the heart of the best social media ads of 2017. Brands that pushed boundaries, embraced originality, and took calculated risks were the ones that stood out from the crowd. Thinking outside the box and coming up with innovative concepts and designs was key to capturing users’ attention in a highly competitive digital landscape. Brands should continue to prioritize creativity and experimentation in their social media ad campaigns to leave a lasting impression on their target audience and differentiate themselves from their competitors.

In conclusion, the best social media ads of 2017 highlighted the importance of video content, influencer marketing, user-generated content, personalization, and creativity in driving engagement and brand success. As an online advertising service or advertising network, embracing these key insights and incorporating them into your strategies will be crucial to staying relevant in an ever-evolving digital advertising landscape. By leveraging video, influencers, user-generated content, personalization, and creativity, brands can connect with their target audience on a deeper level, foster authenticity, and achieve business objectives in 2018 and beyond.