In the digital age, where online advertising dominates, magazine ads remain a powerful medium for brands to make a lasting impression. Despite the rise of social media and digital marketing, businesses continue to leverage print ads for their tangible, high-impact messaging. According to a survey by Inside Columbia Magazine, 57% of people consider the ads they see in magazines more trustworthy than other sources.
Some magazine advertisements have become legendary, not just for their creativity but also for their remarkable benefits to the companies that ran them. Here are ten of the best magazine ad designs ever, each demonstrating the power of print advertising in driving brand success.
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10 Best Magazine Ad Designs Ever
These magazine ads are from some of the biggest brands in the world and have left a lasting impact. So much so that even today, some of these can generate sales for the respective brands.
1. Nike’s Iconic Swoosh
Nike’s magazine ads have always been a masterclass in simplicity and impact. One of its iconic designs featured a plain background, the famous Swoosh, and the tagline “Just Do It.” This minimalist yet powerful approach embodied the brand’s ethos without the need for excessive text or imagery.
Benefit: Nike saw an increase in brand recall and customer loyalty. The simplicity of the magazine ad allowed the Swoosh to become instantly recognisable, reinforcing its brand identity without digital distractions.
2. Old Spice – Smell Like a Man
Old Spice took magazine advertising to a new level with its “Smell Like a Man” campaign. The ad featured a sharp, humorous visual of a confident man promoting the Old Spice brand in a way that resonated with both men and women, making it one of the best magazine ads ever.
Benefit: The ad revitalised Old Spice’s image, making it appealing to younger demographics. Print magazines helped in targeting premium male readers, increasing sales by over 125% during the campaign.
3. Pepsi Halloween Ad
Pepsi’s daring Halloween magazine advertisement playfully poked fun at its competitor, Coca-Cola. The ad featured a can of Pepsi dressed in a Coca-Cola cape, accompanied by the tagline, “We wish you a scary Halloween.” This straightforward yet impactful approach effectively highlighted brand rivalry entertainingly. These are the magazine ads that resonate with brand loyalty.
Benefit: The print ad generated widespread buzz, increasing Pepsi’s brand engagement and magazine readership. Magazine placement allowed the ad to be part of a targeted campaign that reached a broad consumer base.
4. Coca-Cola’s Share a Coke
Coca-Cola’s “Share a Coke” campaign extended to magazines with personalised print ads featuring common names on Coke bottles. This personalised approach helped customers feel a stronger connection to the brand. Such magazine ads give the customer a sense of purpose and a feeling that they are making a contribution to their favourite brands.
Benefit: The magazine ad campaign contributed to a 7% increase in Coca-Cola’s consumption, proving that print media was still a major driver of consumer engagement.
5. Nissan’s COVID-19 Ads
During the pandemic, Nissan introduced a flurry of magazine ads featuring an empty street designed like a seatbelt to convey the message of safety. The advertisement was straightforward yet successful in connecting the brand with safety initiatives.
Benefit: The campaign reinforced Nissan’s commitment to safety, increasing brand trust. Print media allowed for an extended shelf life, ensuring repeated exposure to the message.
6. KFC’s – It is IKEA
KFC’s inventive magazine ads resembled an IKEA-style instruction manual, illustrating the assembly of their iconic chicken sandwich. This clever and original method made the ad highly shareable.
Benefit: The magazine ad contributed to increased brand engagement and shareability. The unique print execution made it a collector’s item among fans, leading to a spike in brand conversations.
7. Nivea’s Magazine Advertisement
Nivea’s magazine advertisement featured an interactive element—a wristband for children that linked to a mobile app, enabling parents to monitor their location at the beach. This creative strategy blended print media with technology.
Benefit: The ad boosted Nivea’s credibility as a family-friendly brand. The tangible nature of magazine advertising allowed for a unique, real-world interactive experience that digital ads couldn’t replicate.
8. Febreze’s Pictorial Ad
Febreze’s magazine ads featured a visually striking image of an onion inside a perfume bottle, cleverly highlighting its odour-eliminating capabilities. The print ad’s strong imagery delivered the message instantly.
Benefit: The campaign significantly increased brand recall. Magazines provided Febreze with an uncluttered, visually rich platform to showcase its message in an impactful way.
9. Jeep’s “See What You Want to See”
Jeep’s brilliant optical illusion ad featured an image that could be seen in two ways—a rabbit or a duck—highlighting its tagline, “See what you want to see.” The ad creatively reflected the spirit of adventure associated with the brand. This makes it one of the best magazine ads designs ever.
Benefit: The campaign reinforced Jeep’s brand identity and saw high engagement among magazine readers. The clever print execution helped establish Jeep as a brand that values creativity and exploration.
10. WWF’s “What If They Were Gone” Magazine Advertisement
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) launched striking magazine ads that featured animal-shaped cutouts, emphasising the idea of endangered species disappearing. The ad’s simplicity and emotional appeal left a strong impact on readers.
Benefit: The ad increased donations and awareness about endangered species. Print media ensured that the powerful message reached environmentally conscious readers who were more likely to take action.
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