Here’s the thing about advertising: what you think you’re saying and what your audience actually hears are two very different things.
To you, it’s clever, persuasive, maybe even “award-winning.” To them? It could be coming across as pushy, boring, or worse… beige.
Let’s translate some of the most overused ad copy offenders and give you alternatives that actually work.
“Limited Time Only!”
What you mean: This offer is urgent, act now before it’s gone.
What they hear: This “limited” sale has been running since 2018.
💡 Try this instead: “Doors close Friday” or “Only 3 spots left.”
Specific deadlines and scarcity feel real, not recycled.
“Best in the Business”
What you mean: We’re great at what we do.
What they hear: Congrats, you know how to copy-paste clichés like everyone else.
💡Try this instead: Show proof. “Rated 4.9 stars by 200+ customers” or “Trusted by [insert local brand/industry leader]” hits harder than vague bragging.
“Click Here”
What you mean: Take the next step, it’s easy.
What they hear: I’m stuck in 2009 and haven’t updated my website buttons since then.
💡Try this instead: Action-packed CTAs that feel personal. “Book My Spot,” “Let’s Chat,” “Show Me How.” Here are Hubspot’s 49 Call to Actions that you can use instead.
“Trusted by Thousands”
What you mean: We’re reliable and people like us.
What they hear: Cool flex, but where’s the proof?
💡Try this instead: Social proof with flavour. “Over 10,000 happy coffee runs powered by us this year” or “Join the 500+ businesses already on board.”
“Something for Everyone”
What you mean: Our product is versatile and universal.
What they hear: We don’t actually know our niche, so we’re just throwing spaghetti at the wall.
💡Try this instead: Talk to your actual audience. “Designed for busy mums who need 10 minutes of peace” or “Perfect for creatives who live in Canva.”
Why This Matters
Ad copy isn’t about filling space, it’s about making people feel something. When you rely on tired clichés, your audience tunes out. But when your words sound human, specific and aligned with their needs, that’s when your advertising actually works.
It’s not just “what” you say, it’s how it lands.
Real Talk
If your ad copy sounds like everyone else’s, you’re basically whispering into the void. Be bold, be cheeky, be specific and give your audience something worth clicking.
Ready to make your advertising sound less like clichés and more like conversations? Let’s chat about advertising that actually connects, contact us today.
