AI playbook · Marketing

Write and test ad copy

Draft several versions of headlines and descriptions for search and social ads, then let real results pick the winner.

Setup: 45 minutesIntermediate Get the prompt

The problem

Ad platforms reward testing, but writing ten variations of a headline is tedious, so most small advertisers run one ad forever.

Step by step

  1. Decide the one action you want: call, book, buy or sign up.
  2. List your real selling points and any offer with its end date.
  3. Ask for variations within the platform’s character limits.
  4. Pick three or four that are clearly different, not just reworded.
  5. Run them, wait for enough clicks to tell, then keep the winner and test a new challenger.

The prompt

Write ad copy for {platform} for {business name}.
What we sell: {product or service}
Who it is for: {audience}
Real selling points: {selling points}
Offer (if any): {offer and end date}
Give 10 headlines under 30 characters and 4 descriptions under 90 characters. Make them clearly different angles: price, speed, trust, outcome. No claims beyond the selling points.

Replace the {highlighted} parts with your details, or fill them in with the prompt builder.

Check before you use it

  • Character limits are respected.
  • Every claim is true.
  • The landing page says the same thing as the ad.

Privacy

  • Do not upload customer lists for targeting unless you have consent and the platform’s terms allow it.

Do’s and don’ts

Do

  • Test different angles, not different synonyms.
  • Give each test enough time and budget.
  • Write down what won and why.

Don’t

  • Promise results you cannot guarantee.
  • Use fake scarcity or countdowns.
  • Change five things at once and then guess what worked.

When not to use AI for this

Ads for health, finance, housing, jobs and alcohol have special platform rules and laws. Check them before running AI-written copy.

Tools that can help

ChatGPTOpenAI’s general assistant for drafting, summarising, analysing files and brainstorming.
SemrushKeyword and competitor research for search and ads.
CanvaDesign tool with AI features for images, layouts, resizing and short copy.
JasperMarketing writing tool that keeps to your brand voice.

We are not paid by any of these companies, and we list well-known options, not a ranking. Features and plans change; check the provider’s site and its data terms before you sign up. See all AI tools by category.

Useful for

Online storesMarketing and creative agencies

Tried this playbook? Rate it.

Rate it

Tips from travellers

Used AI for Write and test ad copy? Share what worked. The first good one goes right here.

Share a tip

We read every tip before it goes live. No links, please, and nothing personal about other people.

Questions from readers

Stuck on Write and test ad copy? Ask the geeks.

Ask a question

We can’t reply privately. Useful questions get answered here on the page.