How to Create Corporate Advertising That Actually Works

This vintage Ogilvy & Mather ad is a masterclass in how to make corporate advertising feel human. It takes a dry topic—corporate communications—and makes it look like common sense marketing.

Marketing Analysis

The design itself feels credible: a newspaper-style layout packed with useful info, not fluff. It signals authority while teaching the reader how to advertise and proving Ogilvy knows their stuff. The headline promises “results,” not “creativity,” speaking directly to what corporate clients care about most.

Why It Works

• Focuses on audience problems, not agency ego

• Uses education as a selling tool

• Builds credibility with proof and practical tips

• Balances authority (layout, tone) with accessibility (plain English)

Creative Variations

• “How to write B2B ads that don’t bore your CFO”

• “Corporate campaigns that don’t sound corporate”

• “The 5 Commandments of Serious Advertising”

Hand-drawn pen style

Classic 1950s print ad

Futuristic style

Funny style