How can valuable customer feedback revolutionize your advertising strategies? In this Q&A blog post, insights from a CEO and a Digital Marketing Manager reveal how they turned feedback into impactful changes. Discover how one expert shifted focus to customer pain points and another concluded with the importance of using user-generated content for authenticity. With a total of 21 insights, this article offers a comprehensive look into industry-tested advertising improvements.
- Shifted Focus to Customer Pain Points
- Added Interactive Surveys for Immediate Feedback
- Listened to Client and Adjusted Messaging
- Incorporated User Stories for Better Engagement
- Tested Stronger Calls-to-Action
- Pivoted Ad Strategy Based on Feedback
- Used Gameplay Footage in Ads
- Highlighted Mentorship in Advertising
- Updated Listings with Pet Policy Information
- Simplified Language and Highlighted Benefits
- Used User-Generated Content in Ads
- Added Localized Content to Business Profile
- Focused on Real-World Problems
- Emphasized Expertise and Certifications
- Shared Personal Journey in Ads
- Replaced Stock Photos with Client Photography
- Clarified Coupon Details for Customers
- Showcased Complex Workflows in Ads
- Highlighted Industry-Specific Benefits
- Focused on Emotional Benefits of Security
- Used User-Generated Content for Authenticity
Shifted Focus to Customer Pain Points
I once received feedback from a customer who felt our advertising was too focused on features and not enough on how it actually solved their problems. They mentioned that while our platform looked powerful, they couldn’t immediately see how it would make their day-to-day work easier.
We took that feedback to heart and shifted our approach. Instead of just listing features, we started creating ads that highlighted real-world use cases and success stories from other contractors. This change made our ads more relatable, and we saw a noticeable increase in engagement. The lesson? Always focus on the customer’s pain points and show them how your product can make their life better.
Justin Smith
CEO, Contractor+
Added Interactive Surveys for Immediate Feedback
A while back, we were running a video campaign on YouTube for a niche audience. The video ad was designed to be short and catchy, and it highlighted product benefits in a 30-second clip.
Instead of waiting for standard metrics or comments, we set up an interactive survey at the end of the video and offered viewers a small incentive to answer a few questions right there. It wasn’t a usual feedback form—it was gamified with quick questions like, “What part of the video caught your attention?” or “What message do you wish was more clear?”
Surprisingly, the most common response was about the video’s pacing. People felt it was too rushed, and they missed some critical info. We wouldn’t have realized this through normal metrics, which just showed a low completion rate. So, we re-edited the video to slow down certain segments, added some call-to-actions, and extended the length to 40 seconds.
The results were impressive. The completion rate jumped up by 20%, and viewers also interacted more with the CTAs, leading to a 30% increase in conversions.
This taught me the power of creating a direct feedback loop within the ad itself. Sometimes, the best insights come when you give users a convenient way to share their thoughts—no need to wait for after-campaign analysis.
Harsh Pathak
Digital Marketing Manager, WPWeb Infotech
Listened to Client and Adjusted Messaging
Yes, one stands out. A long-time client gave us detailed feedback after a recent campaign we ran for their personal injury firm. They said the ads looked great and drove a lot of traffic, but the messaging didn’t land with their target audience and conversion rates were lower than expected.
So we took that to heart and had our creative and analytics teams sit down for a series of brainstorming sessions to dig deeper into the audience’s preferences and pain points. We did more market research and A/B tested new messaging to align with the client’s needs.
So our subsequent campaigns saw more engagement and a 30% increase in conversions. The moral of the story is we need to listen to our clients and be agile in our approach to make our advertising services more effective and our client relationships stronger.
Jorge Argota
Digital Marketing, Jorge Argota
Incorporated User Stories for Better Engagement
Valuable feedback came from a user who found one of our ads “too salesy” and lacking practical information on how our SEO tools could solve their specific problems. They wanted real examples and clear benefits instead of general claims. This feedback encouraged us to shift our ad focus to specific use-cases, showcasing exactly how our tools help clients track rankings, analyze competitors, and optimize content.
By incorporating user stories and demonstrating real-world benefits, we saw improved engagement and more qualified leads. This feedback reminded us that clients want substance over flashy sales pitches. Since then, we’ve been more deliberate in crafting ads that prioritize value and provide insights into what users can achieve with us.
Sahil Kakkar
CEO & Founder, RankWatch
Tested Stronger Calls-to-Action
A client once shared that they loved our digital ads but felt the calls-to-action were too passive, lacking urgency. They recommended we experiment with more direct, compelling language to encourage immediate engagement. This feedback led us to A/B test stronger CTAs, which significantly boosted our conversion rates.
We took the advice about our CTAs seriously and began testing more urgent, action-oriented phrases like “Get Started Now” and “Claim Your Free Audit Today.” These small but impactful changes created a sense of urgency and spurred more immediate customer action. The result was a noticeable uptick in conversions from our paid campaigns.
Jason Hennessey
CEO, Hennessey Digital
Pivoted Ad Strategy Based on Feedback
When we started out, we cast our net pretty wide trying to monitor our Instagram comments, Google reviews, our contact forms on our website, even searching through other social media feeds for hashtags and brand mentions in tens of comment threads. But sometimes the most valuable insights definitely come from the most unexpected places.
With our newly introduced pet-CBD range, we were running what we thought was a pretty straightforward ad campaign, showing the typical method of administering CBD oil directly into a dog’s mouth, which seemed logical to us. But one customer’s comment made us reassess and change our advertising going forward.
She mentioned how she’d discovered mixing the oil with peanut butter made the whole process infinitely easier and that most owners battle squirting stuff into a scared or anxious dog. She suggested we mention it in our advertising to help others looking at buying those products, which we did, and then pivoted our advertising for all our pet products to show this more practical approach.
What was interesting was that after we made the changes, other pet owners started sharing their own tips and tricks under our advertising posts on socials, and suddenly the ad became more of a mini-infomercial facilitating a community of pet owners all helping each other with their lived experiences. It really drove home the importance of not just collecting feedback but actively listening and adapting to what your customers are actually experiencing in their daily lives.
Dennis Sanders
Founder, Burning Daily
Used Gameplay Footage in Ads
Customer feedback on advertising is invaluable, and one instance that really made an impact on us at our company was a suggestion from a player who felt our ads missed out on showing actual gameplay. They mentioned that, while the visuals were eye-catching, seeing real gameplay would help them connect with the game more before trying it.
That feedback prompted us to rethink our ad strategy. We shifted to using more gameplay footage in our ads, highlighting exciting moments like leveling up or unlocking new features. This approach made our ads feel more genuine and helped potential players get a real sense of the fun they could have.
After making this change, we saw a clear jump in engagement—click-through rates increased by around 20%. It was a great reminder of how directly listening to players can shape a better ad experience and, ultimately, bring more people into the community. That small adjustment made all the difference, and it’s now a core part of how we approach advertising.
Marin Cristian-Ovidiu
CEO, Online Games
Highlighted Mentorship in Advertising
We once received valuable feedback from a parent who felt our advertising didn’t fully capture the supportive, mentorship-focused experience that sets us apart. They shared that while our ads highlighted our tutors’ impressive qualifications, they missed the personal, motivational aspect our tutors provide to students.
Taking this to heart, we revised our messaging to emphasize not just academic expertise, but the role our tutors play as role models and guides. We incorporated real testimonials and specific stories from students who felt inspired and supported.
As a result, engagement rose by 30% in our next campaign, and we saw a noticeable increase in inquiries from families looking for more than just academic support. This feedback reminded us that our approach matters just as much as our qualifications, and allowed us to connect with our audience more genuinely.
Tornike Asatiani
CEO, Edumentors
Updated Listings with Pet Policy Information
Customer feedback about missing pet-policy information in our rental listings led to significant advertising improvements.
We identified this gap through consistent inquiries during property tours, where prospective renters frequently asked about pet policies not mentioned in our ads. This direct feedback highlighted the importance of pet-policy information in rental decisions.
We immediately updated all advertising materials to prominently feature detailed pet policies and related amenities for pet owners across our property listings. This targeted change resulted in a 30% increase in qualified leads within one month and reduced time-consuming inquiries from pet owners interested in non-pet-friendly properties.
By incorporating this specific input, our ads became more informative and targeted, addressing a key factor in potential tenants’ decision-making. This feedback-driven change enhanced our advertising effectiveness by filling an information gap that mattered most to our target audience.
Anita Vassova
Sales Operation Head, Property Management, Pluxa Property
Simplified Language and Highlighted Benefits
I would share an experience where I received valuable customer feedback on my advertising during our company’s marketing campaign for a new legal service. We conducted thorough market research and designed advertisements that we believed would effectively target our desired audience before launching the campaign.
We noticed a significant decrease in engagement and conversions, compared to our initial projections, after the first few weeks of running the campaign. This prompted us to reach out to some of our loyal customers who had previously utilized our services to gather their thoughts on the advertisement.
To our surprise, many of them shared similar critiques. They felt that the language used in the ad was too technical and difficult to understand for those who were not familiar with legal jargon. They also mentioned that the ad did not clearly convey the benefits and value of our new service.
We made immediate changes to our advertisement by taking this feedback into consideration. We simplified the language and used more relatable terms to explain our new service. We also added a section highlighting the benefits and advantages of using our legal services.
The results were astonishing. Within a few days, we saw a significant increase in engagement and conversions for our marketing campaign. Our loyal customers even reached out to us personally to express their appreciation for listening to their feedback and making necessary changes.
Neil Emmett
Chief Executive Officer, Bend Advisory Group
Used User-Generated Content in Ads
I’ve learned that customer feedback is a gold mine for improving advertising effectiveness. Here’s a recent experience that reshaped our approach.
We ran a series of social media ads for a client in the wellness industry. Despite strong engagement, conversion rates were lower than expected. Through surveys and interviews, we discovered a disconnect between the ad visuals and the target audience.
The ads featured young, fitness-focused models, but the core customer base was women over 50. Customers felt the ads were aspirational but not relatable. They wanted to see “real women” who reflected their age, body types, and lifestyles.
We pivoted to using user-generated content (UGC) in the ads, featuring actual customers. Testimonials, before-and-after photos, and authentic stories replaced polished studio shots. The revised ads conveyed a powerful message: “This product is for women like you.”
Conversion rates nearly tripled with the UGC-focused ads. Customers reported feeling a stronger emotional connection to the brand. The client gained valuable insights into their customer personas and pain points.
This experience underscored the power of truly listening to customers and adapting our strategies accordingly. By leveraging authentic user-generated content, we not only boosted conversions but also helped our client build deeper relationships with their target audience.
Brogan Renshaw
Managing Director, Firewire Digital
Added Localized Content to Business Profile
We once worked with a small-business owner who had been struggling to rank higher on Google Maps despite having a well-optimized Google Business Profile. After running our usual campaign, we received feedback from the client saying that although their business listing was ranking higher, they still weren’t seeing an increase in foot traffic. This feedback was critical because it highlighted the difference between online visibility and real-world engagement.
We took this feedback to dig deeper into the actual user behavior. By analyzing customer interactions with their Google Business Profile, we realized that while the listing was highly optimized, it was missing localized content that resonated with potential customers in the area. The client’s profile had all the essential keywords, but it lacked a personal touch that connected with the local community.
We used this insight to shift our approach. Instead of focusing only on technical aspects like keywords and reviews, we began creating hyper-localized posts tailored to the client’s neighborhood. We incorporated photos of local events, highlighted community involvement, and started posting updates that felt more authentic and engaging for people nearby.
This adjustment made a significant difference. Not only did the profile’s engagement metrics improve, but the client also reported a noticeable uptick in foot traffic. The feedback helped us realize that ranking higher on Google Maps is only part of the equation—connecting with the local audience is just as important.
Ramzy Humsi
Founder & CEO, Vortex Ranker
Focused on Real-World Problems
For one of our LinkedIn campaigns for our digital-transformation solutions in the healthcare sector, one of our clients pointed out that we failed to address practical difficulties professionals face in the industry. Instead, we focused on the more technical side of things. Indeed, this feedback really made us reconsider the focus of our campaigns.
In the campaigns that followed, we tried to switch up our messaging. We decided to focus more on real-world problems and use more empathetic and everyday language instead of technical jargon. To maximize the impact of our campaigns, we also included client testimonials. They provided our campaigns with proof and actual examples. This way, we looked more reliable and our solutions seemed more concrete and tangible.
Marta Romaniak
VP of Global Branding / Vice President of Global Branding, Avenga
Emphasized Expertise and Certifications
One of the most valuable pieces of feedback I received on my advertising came from a long-time customer who mentioned that, while they were satisfied with our tree services, they initially found it hard to understand the full scope of what we offer just from our flyers and online ads. They suggested that we make it clearer how specialized and professional our services are, particularly in areas like tree-risk assessment and arborist consultations.
This feedback was crucial because it highlighted a gap in how we communicated our expertise to potential customers. Even though we were known for delivering quality work, people weren’t fully aware of the range of our certified arborist services or how our knowledge could help them maintain healthier trees.
Using that feedback, we revamped our advertising materials to better reflect my qualifications, like being a TRAQ-certified arborist, and emphasized the importance of proper tree care and risk assessments. We also included more customer testimonials and detailed examples of complex jobs we had successfully handled over the years.
By doing this, we attracted more clients who were looking for certified professionals with experience rather than just general tree trimming. This change not only improved our customer engagement but also reinforced our reputation as experts in the field, helping the business grow significantly.
Amaury Ponce
Business Owner, Ponce Tree Services
One of the most valuable pieces of feedback I received on advertising came from a client who mentioned that our messaging felt too corporate and distant. This was in the early days of promoting my coaching services internationally. At the time, my ads were heavily focused on credentials, awards, and achievements. The client said they felt unsure if I could relate to the unique struggles of small business owners like themselves.
This feedback was a game-changer. I took a step back and realized that despite my years of experience and the accolades I had earned, people were looking for authenticity, a personal touch, and relatable solutions to their problems. Drawing from my experience working with hundreds of businesses, I revamped my approach by sharing more of my personal journey, from growing up in a small town to overcoming obstacles like my military injury and building a telecommunications company from the ground up. I also started using case studies and testimonials that showed real, relatable stories of clients I’d helped.
The shift was immediate. Engagement with my ads improved dramatically, and more potential clients reached out, saying they felt I understood their challenges. This success reinforced the importance of continuously listening to customer feedback and applying it to improve not just advertising but how I communicate value as a coach.
Ronald Osborne
Founder, Ronald Osborne Business Coach
Replaced Stock Photos with Client Photography
We received customer feedback that the stock photos we used were really “cheesy.” For example, a lot of the stock footage available for plumbers shows plumbers wearing antiquated overalls and caps. This is more of a cliché and is not consistent with what actual plumbers look and dress like now. We have since moved to try to use as much actual client photography as possible instead of relying on stock that may not be in line with current trends.
Elizabeth Ortiz
Business Development & Operations Manager, Geek Powered Studios
Clarified Coupon Details for Customers
We received customer feedback that a coupon we were promoting was confusing. It included a rebate, which made the discount appear larger than the normal unit price. We took this feedback and revised the coupon on our website, breaking out each portion of the coupon and making it clear that part of it included a rebate. This helped both customers and our sales staff promote and purchase the unit.
Sarah Trujillo
Operations Manager, Wagner Mechanical
Showcased Complex Workflows in Ads
We once ran a campaign showcasing our onboarding tool’s ease of use, with ads highlighting how quickly teams could get up and running. We thought we nailed it, but then we started seeing comments and messages from users saying, “Looks great, but can it actually handle complex workflows?” That feedback was a wake-up call. While we’d focused on simplicity, we’d unintentionally made it sound like Jimo was only for basic use cases, which wasn’t true at all.
We took that feedback straight to the drawing board and revamped the messaging. We created new ads showing real-life examples of more advanced, multi-step workflows, and added testimonials from power users in complex industries. This change didn’t just clarify our capabilities; it brought in more qualified leads from companies who needed sophisticated onboarding solutions.
In the end, the feedback helped us strike a better balance in our messaging. We learned that sometimes the best insights come directly from the people you’re trying to reach—if you’re willing to listen and adapt.
Thomas Moussafer
Co-Founder, Jimo
Highlighted Industry-Specific Benefits
We once received insightful feedback from a client who felt that our social media ads needed to highlight how our templates could specifically benefit her niche in interior design. Taking this to heart, we revamped our advertising approach to include more industry-specific visuals and testimonials that showcased real-life applications of our templates in her interior-design projects. We also created targeted content that addressed the field’s unique challenges and needs.
As a result, our engagement rates improved, and we saw a noticeable increase in inquiries from other interior designers and real estate agents. This feedback helped us refine our advertising strategy and reinforced the importance of tailoring our message to resonate with our unique client segments.
Kristin Marquet
Founder & Creative Director, Marquet Media
Focused on Emotional Benefits of Security
We received crucial feedback from a customer who noted that our ads for security-guard services didn’t address their key concern—peace of mind.
Originally, our advertising emphasized features like response times and guard qualifications, but this feedback made us realize the importance of addressing the emotional aspect.
We redesigned the campaign to highlight real-life situations where our guards prevented incidents, focusing on how our services provide security and reassurance. This change resonated much better with clients and improved the campaign’s effectiveness.
Based on this, we’ve applied the approach to all our ads, ensuring we focus on benefits rather than just features.
Achinta Chakraborty
Manager -It, S&IB Services Private Limited
Used User-Generated Content for Authenticity
One time, a customer pointed out that our ads for fishing gear felt a bit too polished and didn’t capture the raw, outdoor experience we’re known for. That feedback hit home because I knew we needed to make the ads feel more authentic. So, we shifted gears and started using more user-generated content—real photos and videos from people out on the water. The change not only made our ads more relatable but also boosted engagement because the audience could see themselves in those moments. It was a simple tweak, but it made all the difference.
Wesley Littlefield
Marketing Manager, Anglers
