How Everyday Advertising Can Improve Your Copywriting

Where can you find inspiration to sharpen your copywriting skills?

Look no further than everyday advertising. From TV commercials to email subject lines, marketing messages surround us daily.

Advertising can help you understand how to attract, engage, and convert your audience, whether you’re writing sales pages, emails, or social media posts.

Here’s how to turn everyday advertising into a masterclass in persuasive copywriting.

What Makes an Advertisement Effective?

Pay attention to the next ad that stops you in your tracks. Ask yourself:

What caught my attention in the first few seconds? A bold visual, a surprising statement, or an intriguing question?
Did the ad tell a story? Great ads don’t just list features—they create an emotional connection.
Was there a clear message? The best marketing is simple, clear, and powerful.
How did it end? A strong call to action leaves an impression and compels action.

The Power of Storytelling in Copywriting

Take this example from a Subaru commercial:

It opens with flashing ambulance lights, debris scattered on the road, and a father carrying his little girl.

A mother arrives at the scene, her breath caught in her throat as she scans the wreckage. Then, through the chaos, she sees them—her husband and daughter, walking toward her, unharmed.

Her voiceover says: “The moment I loved our Subaru Outback the most… was the moment they walked away from it.”

In just a few seconds, this ad evokes emotion, builds trust, and highlights the brand’s key benefit—safety. That’s storytelling in action.

Now, imagine applying the same approach to your coaching content. Instead of saying, “I help clients find clarity,” tell a brief story about a client’s transformation. Use real-life scenarios to make your message relatable and memorable.

The Commercial That Brought Home a Universal Truth

The Super Bowl isn’t just a football game; it’s a cultural phenomenon that captivates millions. In 2025, the Super Bowl in New Orleans drew over 120 million viewers, making it the second most-watched U.S. television broadcast ever. statista.com

This massive audience makes it a prime opportunity for advertisers to showcase their most compelling commercials. Which was memorable?

Rocket’s Super Bowl commercial, Own the Dream, wasn’t just another ad—it was a heartfelt tribute to what home truly means.

Set to the nostalgic melody of Take Me Home, Country Roads, the ad unfolds like a story we all know deep down. A mother-to-be gently cradles her belly, whispering, “Let’s go home.” A young couple, paint-splattered and smiling, transforms their first house into a home. A soldier gazes out the airplane window, eager for the long-awaited embrace of loved ones.

Then, the message lands: Everyone deserves their shot at the American Dream. Own the Dream.

But Rocket didn’t stop at just telling a story—they created a moment.

At the Caesars Superdome, over 65,000 fans joined together in an unforgettable live singalong, turning a commercial into a shared experience that transcended screens.

Because a home isn’t just a place—it’s the foundation of our lives. It’s our sanctuary and where we create memories that last a lifetime.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs reminds us that we all long for belonging and security beyond shelter. Rocket’s ad tapped into that fundamental truth, striking an emotional chord with millions.

For those who missed it, here’s Rocket’s unforgettable Super Bowl moment.

How to Use These Insights to Improve Your Copy

Great ads don’t just sell a product—they sell a feeling, a transformation, or a compelling reason to take action. By applying the same principles to your copy, you can create messaging that captures attention, builds trust, and moves your audience to say yes. Here’s how:

1. Craft Hooks That Demand Attention

Your audience scrolls, skims, and ignores 90% of what they see. Your first job is to make them stop.

To truly capture their attention, your opening must not only stand out but also touch them on a personal level.

Consider these revised approaches:

Original: “3 Ways to Grow Your Coaching Business”
Reimagined: “Feeling Overwhelmed? Discover How to Attract Clients Who Truly Value Your Coaching.”
Original: “How to Write Better Copy”
Reimagined: “Discover the Secret to Crafting Messages That Speak to Your Audience’s Heart.”
Original: “Mindset Tips for Entrepreneurs”
Reimagined: “Overcoming Self-Doubt: The Mindset Shift That Transformed My Business Journey.”

A compelling hook touches emotions—be it curiosity, empathy, or shared challenges. By addressing your audience’s feelings and experiences, you invite them into a narrative where they feel seen and understood, making them more inclined to engage with your content.

2. Use Visual Storytelling (Even in Your Copywriting)

You don’t need fancy graphics or videos to use visual storytelling. The right words paint a picture just as vividly.

Here’s how to transform dry copy into something that sticks in your audience’s mind:

Original: “Our coaching program helps you build confidence and grow your business.”
Reimagined: “Picture this: You’re on a Zoom call with your dream client, effortlessly guiding them to an aha moment. Your calendar is full, your inbox is buzzing, and for the first time in months, you know your business is on the right track. That’s what our coaching delivers.”

Or, use imagery to showcase transformation:

Original: “I help coaches make more money.”
Reimagined: “Imagine never second-guessing your prices again. No more discounting. No more ‘exposure’ clients. Just a steady stream of premium clients who want to pay you.”

Visual storytelling makes your message memorable. People don’t just remember facts; they remember feelings. Show them what’s possible.

3. Test Different Approaches (Because What Works Today Might Flop Tomorrow)

Most coaches find one messaging style and stick to it. Big mistake.

Your audience isn’t a one-size-fits-all prospect. Different people respond to different emotions—some need logic, others need inspiration, and some need a little tough love.

Try an urgent, direct approach:
“Tired of chasing clients? Here’s how to make them come to you.”

Test a storytelling angle:
“I remember the day I almost quit coaching… until I discovered this one shift that changed everything.”

Experiment with a contrarian take:
“Why niching down is terrible advice (and what to do instead).”

Track what works. If one post or email outperforms the rest, ask why. Was it the hook? The tone? The structure?

Marketing is an ongoing experiment. The more you test, the more dialed-in your copy becomes.