Advertorial examples are a powerful marketing tool, blending engaging storytelling with promotional content. They create meaningful connections with readers while driving action. In this article, we’ll showcase 10 exceptional advertorial examples, highlighting their unique approaches and why they stand out.
The old ways of digital marketing have lost their impact. Banner ads are often overlooked, barely registering with audiences who scroll past them without a second glance. For brands to make an impact, they need to offer more value—something beyond a quick sales pitch.
Advertorials bridge this gap by providing content that feels meaningful and authentic. They tell a story, offer solutions, or engage the reader on a deeper level. Unlike traditional advertisements, advertorials don’t scream for attention—they invite it. Let’s explore why this form of content marketing has become a cornerstone for brands seeking to build genuine connections.
What Makes a Good Advertorial?
Customers today expect more than just a product or service—they seek brands that resonate on a personal level. A good advertorial is an opportunity to create that connection. By combining useful information, storytelling, and subtle promotion, advertorials become more than just marketing—they become conversations. Effective advertorial examples highlight how this balance can be achieved.
Here are a few characteristics that make a good advertorial:
- Relevance and Value: The content addresses a real need or question the audience has.
- Authenticity: The tone is relatable, and the brand comes across as trustworthy.
- Engaging Narrative: It tells a story that draws readers in and keeps them engaged.
- Subtle Promotion: While the message is clear, it never feels pushy or sales-driven.
By focusing on these elements, brands can craft advertorials that not only attract attention but also leave a lasting impression. The best advertorial examples reflect this balance perfectly.
Advertorial Design Best Practices
Design plays a critical role in an advertorial’s effectiveness. The aim is to create a seamless experience where readers feel they’re engaging with meaningful content rather than an obvious ad. This requires thoughtful design choices that align with the brand and its message. Strong advertorial examples often follow these practices:
- Inform, Don’t Sell: A successful advertorial should focus on educating or entertaining the audience while weaving in promotional elements naturally.
- Visual Momentum: Incorporate dynamic visuals, such as animations, infographics, or custom illustrations, to keep the reader engaged.
- Consistent Tone and Branding: Ensure the voice and design match the brand’s identity and fit within the platform hosting the content.
- Balanced Layout: Avoid overcrowding with graphics or overwhelming blocks of text. The right balance between visuals and copy creates an inviting and digestible piece of content.
This balance makes advertorials stand out, delivering value while reinforcing brand identity. The result? Content that readers not only enjoy but also trust. Advertorial examples listed below showcase how to achieve this harmony.
10 Immersive Advertorial Examples to Inspire Your Marketing
Since the medium is so flexible, there are a variety of inspiring advertorial examples out there to draw from. We’ve analyzed ten different approaches to break down their design and showcase what’s possible with this highly creative content format.
1. AARP and TIME: “Care at Home”
Link: Read here
This advertorial by AARP on TIME focuses on solutions for aging in place. It skillfully combines personal stories with actionable advice, creating a narrative that resonates with families navigating elder care decisions. By addressing a sensitive topic with empathy, it builds trust and positions AARP as a helpful resource.
What makes this advertorial stand out is its emotional depth and practicality. The use of real-life scenarios allows readers to connect with the content on a personal level, while the actionable tips provide immediate value. AARP effectively demonstrates its expertise and commitment to addressing the challenges of caregiving. This is one of the best advertorial examples in health and wellness.
2. Shift on TechCrunch: “Too Many Tabs? Dodge the Toggling Tax”
Link: Read here
Shift’s advertorial on TechCrunch targets productivity enthusiasts by offering a solution to tab overload. The piece educates readers about the “toggling tax” and demonstrates how Shift’s browser eliminates this common pain point, blending technical insights with relatable scenarios.
The strength of this advertorial lies in its ability to address a universal productivity issue while showcasing the product’s unique value proposition. By highlighting a problem that many readers experience daily, Shift creates an immediate connection, positioning itself as the go-to solution for enhanced efficiency. This makes it one of the most relatable advertorial examples in the tech space.
3. Newsweek: “The Multibillion-Dollar Cost of Incivility”
Link: Read here
This advertorial explores workplace dynamics, shedding light on the financial and cultural costs of incivility. Newsweek collaborates with experts to offer actionable strategies, positioning itself as a source of thought leadership while promoting relevant tools for workplace improvement.
The advertorial succeeds by combining hard-hitting data with practical advice. The inclusion of expert insights not only builds credibility but also offers readers tangible takeaways to improve their own workplace environments, enhancing engagement and trust. It’s an ideal example of how advertorial examples can blend research with actionable content.
4. AllBusiness: “Financial Tools for Small Businesses”
Link: Read here
Targeted at entrepreneurs, this advertorial provides a comprehensive guide to financial tools. It balances educational content with subtle promotion, ensuring readers leave with practical knowledge and an interest in the featured products.
What sets this example apart is its straightforward, solution-oriented approach. By addressing common financial pain points for small business owners, the content establishes AllBusiness as a reliable source of guidance, driving trust and interest in the promoted tools. It’s a shining illustration of advertorial examples catering to the entrepreneurial community.
5. Metro Parent: “What Every Kid Should Get for the Holidays”
Link: Read here
This holiday-themed advertorial on Metro Parent blends product recommendations with heartfelt storytelling. By focusing on family-friendly gifts, it captures the emotional essence of the holiday season while subtly promoting partner brands.
The emotional appeal and seasonal relevance of this advertorial make it particularly effective. By weaving relatable family moments into the narrative, Metro Parent creates a compelling context for its recommendations, fostering both engagement and conversion. This is one of the most heartwarming advertorial examples in the lifestyle space.
6. Cunard on The Telegraph: “Chef’s Culinary Residencies”
Link: Read here
Cunard’s partnership with The Telegraph showcases its luxury cruises through the lens of culinary excellence. Highlighting exclusive chef residencies, the piece appeals to food enthusiasts and travelers seeking unique experiences.
This advertorial stands out by aligning Cunard’s luxury brand image with a specific interest—culinary travel. The detailed descriptions of chef experiences add depth, making the content both aspirational and informative, which is perfect for its target audience.
7. Stylist: “AI Advice and Productivity Tips”
Link: Read here
This advertorial merges career advice with cutting-edge AI tools. By offering actionable tips, it engages professionals looking to enhance productivity while seamlessly introducing AI solutions that align with their needs.
The combination of timely advice and innovative solutions makes this advertorial highly effective. By addressing a growing interest in AI tools for career development, Stylist creates value for readers while driving awareness for the featured technologies.
8. People Magazine: “Online Shopping Tools”
Appearing on People Magazine’s site, this advertorial blends seamlessly with editorial content. By positioning online shopping tools as must-haves for savvy shoppers, it offers practical tips while integrating affiliate promotions.
The seamless integration into the site’s regular content enhances its credibility. By providing actionable advice alongside promotional elements, the advertorial creates a win-win scenario for readers and advertisers alike. This is one of the most user-friendly advertorial examples.
9. Brightspot on TechCrunch: “Protecting Your Content Platform”
Link: Read here
Brightspot’s advertorial highlights the importance of cybersecurity for businesses. Published on TechCrunch, it combines urgency with solutions, addressing a critical issue while promoting Brightspot’s expertise.
This advertorial excels by tapping into a timely and relevant topic. The urgency surrounding cybersecurity threats makes the content compelling, while the clear presentation of solutions builds trust and positions Brightspot as a leader in the field.
10. Buzzfeed: “Tips for Dog Parents Returning to Work”
Link: Read here
This Buzzfeed advertorial offers practical advice for pet owners managing work-life balance. By providing solutions for dog parents, it creates an emotional connection while promoting pet care products.
What makes this advertorial effective is its relatability and emotional appeal. By addressing a common concern among dog owners, Buzzfeed engages its audience on a personal level while seamlessly integrating relevant product promotions. This is one of the most relatable advertorial examples in the pet care industry.
Learn From These Advertorial Examples
These 10 advertorial examples demonstrate the power of blending storytelling with subtle promotion. Whether you’re in tech, health, or retail, creating authentic, engaging content that resonates with your audience can drive meaningful results. Learn from these examples to craft your own compelling advertorials that educate, inspire, and convert.