Core idea: Ad platforms optimize distribution, not ideas. Your creative system is the real performance engine. Build it like a product.
1) The Creative Engine (4C Framework)
- Clarity: One promise per ad. No jargon.
- Contrast: Visual or narrative pattern break in the first 2–3 seconds.
- Credibility: Proof (demo, receipt, numbers, social).
- Call‑to‑Action: A specific next step aligned to funnel stage.
2) Format Physics (Design for the Feed)
- Hook in 0–3s; show product in frame 1.
- Motion > static; captions always-on.
- Native ratios (9:16, 1:1) and safe zones.
- Audio optional, visual story mandatory.
3) Concept → Variant → Score → Scale
- Concepts: 5–8 angles (problem, outcome, demo, founder story, UGC, before/after, myth-busting, competitor flip).
- Variants: 3–5 per concept (hooks, offers, visuals).
- Score: 3-day learning read on CTR, CPC, CVR, CPA, Watch‑through.
- Scale: Promote winners; kill/iterate losers.
4) Testing Matrix (Example)
Concept | Hook Variant | Offer | Asset Type | KPI Gate |
Demo | “Watch this fix in 10s” | 20% off | UGC + overlay | CTR ≥1.2% |
Outcome | “Sleep better tonight” | Free ship | Lifestyle + VO | CPA ≤ target |
Founder | “Why I built this” | None | Talking head | Watch‑through ≥25% |
5) Creative Brief Template (Use Every Time)
- Goal: e.g., new-customer CPA ≤ $X.
- Audience: pain, desired outcome, objections.
- Single Promise: one sentence.
- Proof: demo steps, testimonials, numbers.
- Offer: discount, guarantee, bonus.
- Must‑haves: logo, URL, legal, brand tone.
- Deliverables: sizes, durations, count.
- Success Criteria: KPI gates for iterate/scale.
6) UGC That Actually Performs
- Prompt creators with scripts, beats, and must‑hit proof.
- Ask for 3 hooks و 2 CTAs per video.
- Require native captions + raw files for re‑cuts.
- Incent on KPI, not hours.
7) Common Failure Modes (and Fixes)
- Pretty but vague → Re‑write for specificity: who, what outcome, how fast.
- Feature soup → Pick one promise per ad.
- Stocky visuals → Replace with real demos/screens.
- No offer → Add a testable incentive (trial, bundle, guarantee).
- Random testing → Use the matrix; iterate deliberately.
8) Naming & Asset Hygiene
2025-09_outcome_free-ship_v2_15s_916.mp4
- Keep a tracker with concept, spend, metrics, and post links.
- Archive raw files; keep 20% of budget for new concepts, not just edits.
9) Metrics That Matter by Funnel Stage
- Prospecting: Thumb‑stop (3s views), CTR, CPC, hooked watch‑through.
- Mid‑funnel: Add‑to‑cart rate, landing‑page CVR, assisted conversions.
- Retargeting: ROAS, CPA, frequency health, time‑to‑first‑purchase.
Bottom line: Treat creative as an engineering system—inputs, experiments, and feedback loops—not as one-off art.