1. Which ads, when and how many? Is running just one ad a good idea?

Advertising is a great way to reach many people with a compelling and consistent message. However, in the rush to reach people, resist the temptation to run just one or a few ads, once or randomly rotated. To get the results you want -- it's very important to be painstakingly consistent! Select a few ads and stay on-message using a small "family" of similarly themed and messaged ads. Maintain a rock-steady level of consistency, repetition and focus.

Studies show that the one-time "flash-in-the-pan" approach is minimally effective and can even be detrimental if the message is taken out of context; for example, by those who may be unaware of the "bigger picture," such as new evidence of widespread unwanted, coerced of forced abortions.

Most people are unaware of new evidence which:

• defies conventional wisdom about what people think they already know,

• competes with false or misleading messages in the media,

• may hit close to home for individuals and families directly or indirectly affected -- personal experiences vary widely, including unwanted, coerced or deceptively sold abortions, or women who have experienced harsh judgment when they spoke about regretting their own abortion or related issues,

• may be out-of-context if established disinformation and important "big picture" context goes uncorrected and new evidence goes unsaid or presumed.
   

In such situations, a "one-size-fits-all" single-run or limited-run message is easily misunderstood or taken out of context.

Fortunately, there are still many ways you can get the job done for little or no money. (Learn more below.) The ads on this site are professionally developed and based on the expertise of the Elliot Institute and other experts who understand these issues. Whatever you do, remember that a minimum level of frequency and repetition are needed for the message to really "stick."

If you read the information on this page and still want to run just one or a few random ads, you can still be effective, IF you use these simple tools:

a) Select from our menu of "Mix and Match ads," suitable for one-time or limited runs and also for general use with various types of audiences and media. 

b) Advertise in smaller, affordable or free local publications, such as church bulletins, newsletters, trade or civic magazines, etc., which are especially effective for small ads. Any publication -- from a school newspaper to a women's club magazine to a senior citizens flyer -- can reach people who need or will offer help.

Or, you can insert an informational ad that takes a "big picture" approach, which places the message in its larger context. Examples of this include the "What Every American Needs to Know" message (ad, flyer or postcard versions), the "Forced Abortion in America" ad or flyer, or anything on the Small Space Ads page.

"Big picture" messages like this show the larger perspective, not claiming to speak for each and every abortion experience. Rather they show the larger trends, which reflect profound exploitation that endangers both babies and mothers.

All of these ads inform people about the big-picture pretext of abortion -- new evidence that most abortions are unwanted or coerced, and other issues -- before presenting evidence about "post-abortion" issues and risks. This pre-abortion evidence, which doesn't claim to speak to or about any or all women, helps keep post-abortion issues in a non-presumptive, informational context.

c) Most ads are also available in black-and-white versions and you can also choose the smaller, quarter-page ads from The UnChoice campaign, which are more affordable than their full-page or full-color counterparts. 

c) Run co-op ads to share the cost, and ask a business sponsor, philanthropist or civic group to sponsor the ads and put their logo or message in the designated boxed area. (Learn more about co-op use, ideas and terms on the co-op ad page.)

d) Plan a fundraiser -- Raise funds and join with other individuals and church or civic, student or volunteer groups, etc., so that you can run an effective campaign. In the meantime -- you can choose from our Mix & Match menu, Small Space Ads, or free or low-cost ideas.

Ways to get the best results and address common pitfalls are listed below, as are free or low-cost alternatives that may be a better choice. Also, the short descriptions on the ad campaign page will help you decide which option works best for your budget, goals, staff, level of knowledge or expertise, timetable and resources.

Read all 6 Steps on this page first. Then, if you want to run just one ad, choose from the menu of designated, effective "Mix-and-Match" ads.