If you are writing ads for posting online, there are many factors to consider. What type of site are you posting on - classified, FFA, email mail out? Will the viewer only see the ad headline first, or the whole ad? Who is your audience? Are you trying to make a sale, or get a lead from your ad? Can you hyperlink to your website in the ad?

First and foremost, create a good headline! The headline is the first thing people usually see, and what will make them look further. If it's an email ad you're sending out, then the subject line must be attention grabbing. You are competing with other people's email, and you want yours to be opened. One of the best things you can do is check out other people's ad headlines and see which ones grab your attention. What makes you open an email from someone you don't know? Do a search on Google or Yahoo in your subject area, and look at the paid ads to the right. Which ones grab your attention?

Ad content. Describe how your offer can benefit someone. Don't try to sell your product too much in your ad, create enough interest to get people to visit your website. Your site should do the selling, you just want people to get there. If your site offers a free ebook or download, mention it in the ad. Tell people how they can benefit from visiting your site!

If you are posting to FFA sites or free email safelists, remember to set up a 'dummy' email account just for these postings. These sites will send you hundreds of confirmation emails, and you don't want them going to your real email account because it will just cost you time emptying your mailbox continually. Set up a free email account just for this. Remember to delete the emails once in a while to prevent your mailbox from being full and bouncing emails, as this might get your membership cancelled for email safelists.

Although I believe free advertising has it's benefits, from my experience it's good to also pay for some programs that help you advertise, or that advertise for you. Or if you can find a good business or related ezine, try placing an ad and see how it works. Look for where your competitors are advertising. Do you see the same ad repeated in the same place? Chances are they are getting results. Ad writing is part science, and part art. The best thing to do is keep trying new methods, stick with the ones that work and keep improving them.