You’ve probably heard of the recent Time magazine article titled, “Are you Mom Enough?“.
Even if you hadn’t heard the headline already, you may have seen the cover photo (and it may still be burned into your brain):
Whatever you think of this photo and the article, you have to admit, Time has done a great job of creating some controversy. Even without the picture, the headline “Are you Mom Enough?” is a great example of using a controversial headline to grab people’s attention.
When coming up with headlines for your Facebook PPC campaign, using controversy can definitely work to elicit clicks. There’s a fine line between alienating and angering people, but when done right, sit back and watch the clicks roll in.
Here are some of the most controversial news and ad headlines I could find…certainly they worked in terms of getting publicity, but I don’t recommend using QUITE this much controversy in your own ads!
(Please note: We’re not endorsing or recommending these ads in any way!)
“Which one deserves to die?”
(Campaign ‘encouraging’ the Asian population of San Fransico to get checked for Hepatitis B)
“Top Dog“
(In case you don’t know the back story on this one: This is Michael Vick, Philadelphia Eagles starting quarterback who was previously in prison for running dog fights)
“Payback is hell. Go Vegan.”
(Animal Rights Activist organization PETA’s response to an incident where a spear fisherman’s leg was bitten by a shark)
“Life is Short. Have an Affair.”
(Billboard Ad for AshleyMadison.com, extramarital affair dating website)
“Kids: If you wouldn’t eat your dog, why eat a turkey?”
(PETA Thanksgiving ad)
P.S. This month is ‘headline’ month on the FB Ads Lab blog. If you’re looking for some guidance as you write your own ads, be sure to check out our previous posts, 13 Attention Grabbing Headlines and How a Bad Headline can Kill Your Ad.
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