SOP: Build a Static Ad in 15 Mins

I've built thousands of static ads for clients over the past 2 years. Here's my algorithm for building static ads in under 15 minutes.

Pre-Requisites:

1. You generally know what ad you want to build
2. Figma or Canva
3. Static Ad templates

Step 1: Gather your assets

Gather your:

• Fonts
• Logos
• Colors
• Image(s) you will be using
• Copy inspiration (eg. a testimonial, or an idea)

Bring them into the workspace. Note: re-use in future ad workspaces.

Step 2: Pick a design template

Don't start from scratch. Choose a design template that has the general vibe you're going for (eg. lifestyle image with 1 headline 1 subheadline).

Step 3: Apply "The Algorithm"

Here is the algorithm to follow. Don't worry about polishing or perfection - you will do that in the next step. For now, just follow these steps:

1. Update the colors to use your colors
2. Update the fonts to use your fonts
3. Update the logos to use your logos
4. Update the copy to be your copy
5. Update the image to use your image(s)

Step 4: Polish & Launch

Don't make it perfect. You don't even know if it'll work yet. Polish. Launch. Next ad.

Focus on:

1. Tightening up the copy (note: Claude Opus is really good for this)
2. Adjusting the layout & spacing of the image

Common design problems:

• "The text doesn't look good"
  • Try condensing the letter spacing. Start with -2%
  • Try condensing line height. Start with 110%
• "I can't read the text. The background color is too bright"
  • Try adding a dark rectangle layer between the background and the text
  • Try adding a linear gradient rectangle layer between the background and the text

Adjustments made:

• Extend the space for the text
• Image fills in the space
• Bold the callout in text
• Tighten letter spacing & line height to make it feel more premium