How to write a great business for sale ad

A well-written business for sale ad is the key to getting buyers interested in your business.

Make the most of your ad with our ad writing do’s and don’ts.

 

Ad writing do’s

Keywords

• Use keywords that business seekers will use
• Be specific, factual and relevant

Prominence

• Complete all the fields in our Ad Wizard to be included in the maximum number of search results

Motivators

• Target the motivations of business seekers in your ad summary
• Comment about lifestyle, income and support

Images

• Include a variety of images and video to tell a big story fast

Write for online

• Keep sentences succinct and consider the amount of information you’re including
• Include a call to action

 

Ad writing don’ts

Keywords

• Use tag lines or jargon
• Stack or repeat the same keyword
• Make unfounded claims

Prominence

• Waste space by adding numbers or references
• Include contact details or website info

Motivators

• Be generic
• Forget it’s a competitive landscape (so do your research!)

Images

• Use stock images
• Forget you’re selling a business, not a burger, or a gym subscription

Write for online

• Write War and Peace
• Get hung up on too much detail
• Forget that the point is to generate an enquiry, so you can take it from there
• Assume your brand will do all the work
• Forget a call to action

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Here’s an example of a great business for sale title and ad summary:

Notice how:

• It uses keywords buyers would use
• The tone is honest, factual and professional
• There’s no unused white space
• It appears in the correct industry classification
• It’s free from spelling errors

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Checklist – What makes a great ad?

1. Use keywords that buyers will use
2. Cover all the basics – industry, location, investment
3. It’s specific – include financials, required skills, training, etc.
4. Motivators – include lifestyle factors, awards, unique selling points
5. Language – use action words, and be inclusive
6. Tone – honest, professional, factual
7. Tell a story through the use of varied images, videos and testimonials to attract and engage buyers
8. Written for web – consider where and how people may read your ad, on mobiles, tablets and on the go
9. Use concise, punchy sentences as part of short, succinct paragraphs
10. Put information under every heading, so business seekers get as much detail as possible

 

Get started on your business for sale ad now. Check out our advertising packages.