Can you share an example of an advertisement that inspired you to take action? What made it so effective?

Question

Effective advertising can make or break a brand's success in today's competitive market. This comprehensive guide explores 12 powerful advertising examples that have left a lasting impact on audiences and driven remarkable results. Drawing on insights from industry experts, we'll uncover the strategies and techniques that make these advertisements stand out and why they work so effectively.

Danielle Beattie · Answer

There's one advertisement that stands out to me, and it has truly impacted my approach to fitness. It was a campaign highlighting the importance of recovery in the fitness journey, something many often overlook. At Studio Three, we've always been focused on creating a balanced experience, combining strength, cardio, and recovery. But seeing this ad reminded me how crucial recovery is, and made me realize how many people are missing this essential component in their routines. It inspired me to further emphasize recovery in our programs, ensuring that our clients receive a holistic fitness experience that addresses both the physical and mental needs of their bodies.
What made this campaign so effective wasn't just its message, but the way it made me feel connected to my own fitness journey. The ad didn't just talk about the physical benefits of recovery; it spoke to the deeper emotional need for balance and well-being. It reminded me of how many people struggle with burnout or injury because they don't prioritize rest or recovery after intense workouts. It hit me on a personal level, pushing me to take action not only in refining Studio Three's offerings but also in making recovery an integral part of our fitness culture.
When we started Studio Three, we envisioned a space where every aspect of fitness was considered: strength, cardio, and recovery. So many fitness programs focus heavily on the first two, but leave little room for true recovery. This ad echoed our mission at Studio Three, where we strive to make fitness accessible and engaging for everyone. It was a true reflection of what we aim to deliver: an environment that empowers people to thrive by incorporating every element of a well-rounded fitness journey.
This campaign became a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. It motivated me to ensure that every person who walks through Studio Three's doors experiences a comprehensive approach that balances intensity with mindfulness. It also reminded me of the importance of fostering an inclusive community where people feel empowered not just to push their limits, but to listen to their bodies, rest, and recover when needed.

Josiah Roche · Answer

Not many advertisements actually move me to take action, but one that did was the original Dollar Shave Club launch video. It featured the founder walking through the warehouse with a deadpan delivery. The video wasn't polished or corporate, but it was sharp, funny, and brutally clear.
They stated, "Our blades are f***ing great," and I knew exactly what I was getting. The price was clear. The value was obvious. And the tone made it feel like a brand made for people like me (tired of overpriced razors and overengineered nonsense).
It was effective because it respected my time. It made the pain point obvious. And most importantly, it didn't try to be everything to everyone. It sold hard to one type of customer, and that customer was me. So I clicked and converted.

Kristin Marquet · Answer

One ad that really inspired me to take action was a Squarespace campaign featuring female entrepreneurs building their brands from the ground up—especially one spotlighting a founder who scaled her business from a kitchen table into a global brand while managing motherhood and self-doubt. It didn't feel like an ad.
What made it so effective was the emotional resonance paired with elegant, modern visuals. It wasn't selling features; it was selling freedom, flexibility, and possibility—all values I deeply connect with as a founder and a mom. It reminded me that branding isn't just about showcasing what you do—it's about telling a story your audience sees themselves in. That ad didn't just promote a website builder—it made me believe that building a brand on my terms was possible. And that belief? That's what gets people to buy.

Justin Belmont · Answer

That classic Nike ad--"Find Your Greatness"--hit me like a punch in the gut, in the best way. No flashy athletes, no gold medals--just regular people out there pushing themselves. A kid jogging alone down a country road? That stuck. It made greatness feel personal, not elite. I laced up and ran the next morning. The genius? It didn't sell shoes--it sold belief. It wasn't saying "buy this," it was saying "you've got this." And that hits way harder.

Eugene Mischenko · Answer

One advertisement that genuinely inspired me to take action was a minimalist YouTube pre-roll ad from a business banking platform targeting entrepreneurs. It opened not with flashy visuals or high-energy narration, but with a direct question on a black screen: "Tired of explaining your business to your bank?" Then, in under 15 seconds, it showed one founder using a clunky traditional banking app while another breezed through tasks on a sleek, intuitive dashboard -- complete with integrated invoicing, tax estimates, and a real human chat support function.
What made it so effective was how precisely it spoke to a pain point I didn't realize had become normalized -- the friction of working with institutions not built for how modern founders operate. The ad didn't overpromise or dramatize; it simply revealed a gap and positioned the product as built for someone like me. It respected my time, presented a clear contrast, and gave me a reason to click -- which I did.
The real power of the ad was its empathy. It didn't sell features. It reflected my frustration and offered a smarter context. As someone who's built brands and advised others through the ECDMA network, I always look for that kind of clarity and restraint -- where the message earns your trust by proving it understands you better than competitors shouting louder. That ad didn't just win my click. It won my confidence.

Fahad Khan · Answer

One advertisement that inspired me to take action was Nike's "Just Do It" campaign. The message encouraged immediate action and discipline. It motivated me to start a consistent workout routine and push through self-doubt during challenging tasks. The slogan served as a reminder to stay focused, commit, and take initiative without hesitation.
The "Just Do It" campaign shows how a clear, powerful message can become more than just an ad - it can become part of our culture. When Nike launched this campaign in 1988, it wasn't just about selling shoes. It was about promoting a mindset. The slogan encouraged people to push past their limits, take initiative, and believe in their potential. It turned everyday challenges into moments of personal triumph, making the message not only inspiring but unforgettable.

Heather Vesely · Answer

When I was in college, I remember seeing an ASPCA advertisement that truly moved me. It featured footage of neglected dogs with soulful eyes, paired with a soft, emotional song and a heartfelt voiceover asking viewers to help. That ad tugged at my heartstrings in a way I hadn't experienced before. It was more than just information--it was a story, one that made me feel like I could make a real difference. I ended up volunteering and participating in fundraisers dedicated to helping dogs find forever homes because I felt personally called to help.
From a marketing perspective, this is a perfect example of the power of emotional appeal. The advertisement didn't just present facts; it created an emotional experience that drove action. It made the issue feel urgent and personal, which is often what compels people to respond. This taught me early on that effective marketing doesn't just speak to the mind--it connects with the heart.

Jitudan Gadhavi · Answer

One particularly effective advertisement that stands out is Apple's "Shot on iPhone" campaign. What made it inspiring and action-driving was its simplicity, authenticity, and emotional resonance. Instead of showcasing polished studio content, Apple featured real photos and videos captured by everyday users on their iPhones. This instantly built trust and relatability while demonstrating the product's capabilities in a tangible way. The campaign leveraged user-generated content across billboards, TV spots, and digital platforms, making it feel both grassroots and premium at the same time.
What truly drove action, though, was the emotional storytelling behind many of the visuals—moments of joy, adventure, or creativity that made people think, "I could capture that too." By showing what was possible with a product already within reach, Apple turned users into creators and prospects into buyers. It was a masterclass in aspirational yet attainable advertising.
This campaign's power came not just from the product it promoted, but from the way it elevated the customer's voice, creating a sense of community and shared identity. It's a strategy that SaaS and service brands can also apply—by spotlighting real user success stories and showing value through real-world use, rather than abstract promises.

Abhinav Gond · Answer

One of the most effective advertisements that inspired me to take action was Nike's "Just Do It" campaign, particularly the 2018 ad featuring Colin Kaepernick.
The ad's powerful message, "Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything," resonated deeply, creating an emotional connection that went beyond just selling products.
Moreover, it showcased real stories of athletes overcoming challenges, making it relatable and inspiring.
Nike's bold branding and willingness to take a stand reinforced its identity as a brand that empowers individuals to push their limits. The combination of strong storytelling, emotion, and a clear call to action made the ad incredibly impactful, motivating me to embrace challenges with confidence.

Nikita Sherbina · Answer

I recall an advertisement that motivated me and sparked inspiration. It was for a fitness app that focused on developing healthy habits rather than chasing unattainable body goals. The ad featured ordinary people, at home or on the go (real life is the same no matter what), working through small, sustainable health changes as best they could amidst work, family, and personal chaos. It didn't romanticize long hours of intense exercise or extreme transformations. Instead, it showed a person doing 10-minute at-home workouts, walking during phone calls, and making smart food decisions without stress or guilt.
What stood out was that the message was impactful and resonant. I could see myself there--fitness became more immediate and accessible. The conclusion of the advertisement was powerful and simple: progress, not perfection.
This inspired me to download the app and set a 10-minute active goal. Over time, that single small step led to major shifts in my lifestyle. I now have a spring in my step, literally. I am more focused on the things I want and am proud of setting realistic goals and achieving consistency.
This advertisement did more than sell a product; it changed my paradigm. It had the ability to remind me that I don't have to be perfect when taking care of my health, and it was this realization that sparked my journey.

Owais Ahmed Khan · Answer

I once came across a video ad that truly resonated with me. It featured a real customer detailing the challenges they'd faced and how a well-crafted solution completely turned their business around. What struck me was its raw authenticity--the ad wasn't overly polished or scripted but felt like a genuine conversation. The combination of a personal narrative, clear metrics of success, and a call-to-action that aligned perfectly with my own challenges compelled me to act immediately. It reminded me that when advertising is emotionally honest and data-driven, it can break through the noise and inspire decisive action.

Vikrant Bhalodia · Answer

One ad that actually got us to take action was a short YouTube pre-roll from a SaaS company. It didn't try too hard. Within five seconds, it showed a problem we face all the time: how miscommunication slows down development timelines.
What worked?
1. It got straight to the point. No fluff.
2. It highlighted a pain point we deal with almost daily.
3. It gave a clear next step. No hype. Just a simple "See how we fix this."
We clicked. Not because we were wowed, but because it felt like they understood our situation. That's rare.
What we took away from it as marketers: relevance beats creativity when you're talking to decision-makers. Make it real. Make it quick. That's what moves people.

12 Effective Advertising Examples and Why They Work

12 Effective Advertising Examples and Why They Work

Recovery: The Missing Piece in Fitness

Dollar Shave Club: Clarity Cuts Through

Squarespace Empowers Female Entrepreneurs' Stories

Nike's 'Find Your Greatness' Inspires Personal Achievement

Banking Platform Addresses Entrepreneur Pain Points

Nike's 'Just Do It' Transforms Mindsets

ASPCA's Emotional Appeal Drives Action

Apple's 'Shot on iPhone' Turns Users Into Creators

Nike's Kaepernick Ad Sparks Meaningful Conversation

Fitness App Promotes Progress Over Perfection

Authentic Customer Story Compels Immediate Action

SaaS Ad Resonates With Quick Problem-Solution Approach