Not gonna talk about “use a strong hook” or “target the right audience” — we all know that.
Here are 3 specific things I’m doing that actually moved the needle in 2025:
1. Steal from Reddit (but adapt)
I mine Reddit threads related to my product niche (e.g., r/eczema for skincare, r/povertyfinance for budgeting tools).
Then I turn real user complaints into raw, emotional ad copy.
Example headline I used:
“This $9 cream stopped the burning in 48 hours – and I’ve tried everything.”
2. Run Ugly Ads to Test Product-Angle Fit
Before scaling, I run deliberately ugly image ads (screenshots, unedited user photos, plain text) to test the offer/message, not design.
Why? Pretty ads can mask weak angles.
The ugly ones tell you fast if the product & hook resonate.
If an “ugly” ad hits 2%+ CTR, I know it’s worth scaling.
3. Pre-Click Curiosity > Direct Pitch
Instead of pitching directly, I tease the outcome.
One recent win:
Headline: “It’s not a serum. It’s not a pill. But it cleared my skin.”
Image: Blurred silhouette of product with text “Reveal inside”
CTR: 3.8%, cheap CPC, great outbound clicks to LP.