In today’s business world, advertising is no longer just a tool to inform the public about a product or service. It has become a strategic component that determines how successful a company can be in a fast-paced and highly competitive market. With the rapid evolution of technology and changing consumer behavior, multiple types of commercial advertising have emerged—each serving a specific purpose and targeting a different audience.

In this guide, we’ll take you through a comprehensive overview of the main types of commercial advertising, with practical examples for beginners and small-to-medium business owners. We’ll also explain the differences between written ads and visual ads.

What Is Commercial Advertising?

Commercial advertising includes all forms of paid communication used by companies and organizations to promote their products or services, with the goal of encouraging consumer action—such as making a purchase or engaging with the brand. These ads vary depending on the medium used, the audience targeted, and the nature of the advertising message.

A successful advertisement doesn’t simply showcase a product; it creates an emotional or practical connection between the customer and the brand. A good ad sparks curiosity, generates desire, and leads the customer to take action.

Common Types of Commercial Advertising

1. Written Commercial Advertisements

Written ads are among the most widely used forms, especially in content marketing. They rely primarily on text and can be distributed through:

• Blog articles

• Sales pages on websites

• Printed newspaper ads

• Email marketing campaigns

Effective tips:

• Use a strong, attention-grabbing headline.

• Focus on the benefit of the product or service, not just the specifications.

• End with a clear call-to-action like “Book Now” or “Get Your Free Copy.”

2. Commercial Image-Based Advertising

Images play a crucial role in capturing audience attention, especially on social media platforms. A visually appealing design can deliver the core message in seconds.

Where image ads are used:

• Facebook and Instagram ads

• Local printed materials

• Street posters

• Storefront banners

Tips for creating effective image ads:

• Use harmonious, eye-friendly colors.

• Place the logo and key message at the center.

• Keep text minimal, clear, and direct.

3. Visual and Audio-Visual Advertising

Video ads—whether short or long—are among the most powerful tools for conveying ideas and building trust with the audience.

Popular platforms:

• YouTube

• Snapchat

• TikTok

• Television channels

How to make an effective video ad:

• Start with a hook in the first 3 seconds.

• Keep it short (15–30 seconds is ideal).

• Use a strong visual scene.

• Always include a CTA at the end (e.g., “Contact Us Now”).

4. Paid Digital Advertising

This type offers precise audience targeting online and is used through:

• Search engines like Google Ads

• Social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn)

• Banner ads on websites

Advantages:

• Target by age, location, interests, and more.

• Track performance accurately (clicks, impressions, conversions).

5. Interactive Ads & Promotional Content

These ads encourage user engagement, such as:

• Social media contests

• Story polls and questions

• Promotional videos embedded within helpful content
  
  

Example of a successful interactive ad:
“Share your photo with our favorite product and enter the weekly prize draw!”

This type boosts engagement and increases brand awareness naturally.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Commercial Advertising

❌ Mentioning features without explaining benefits
❌ Poor or unprofessional design
❌ No clear call-to-action
❌ Targeting the wrong audience

How to Plan a Successful Advertising Campaign

If you’re a beginner or business owner, follow these steps:

1. Define your goal clearly: Sales? Website visits? Sign-ups?

2. Choose the right ad type:
   Example: If your audience is young, TikTok or Instagram may be best.

3. Create the text, image, or video.

4. Set a budget: Even small budgets work with proper targeting.

5. Monitor and optimize: Track results and adjust continuously.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Modern Advertising

Thanks to technological advancements, AI tools now help companies:

• Analyze data to identify the right audience

• Generate compelling ad copy

• Create visuals automatically based on brand style

• Run A/B tests to choose the best-performing ad

Small businesses can benefit greatly from these tools, as many are free or affordable.

Real-Life Inspiring Examples

• A tailoring shop in Zarqa used simple written Facebook ads (“20% off on traditional dresses—Call now!”) and increased bookings by 30% in the first month.

• A small restaurant in Aqaba uploaded short TikTok videos showing how meals are prepared—leading to viral reach.

• An electronics store in Irbid used a Canva-designed visual ad to promote a new device, and the post was shared over 500 times.

Final Thoughts

Commercial advertising is not a luxury—it’s essential for building a business, increasing sales, and engaging with customers. With so many forms available—from written ads to image-based and interactive video ads—every business, regardless of size, now has the opportunity to reach its audience effectively.

Whether you start with a simple Instagram image, a newspaper ad, or a TikTok video, the key is to keep the message clear, the design professional, and the goal well-defined.

Don’t wait to become an expert. Start small, test, and improve. Advertising today is not exclusive to big brands—it’s an opportunity available to everyone.