What would entice you to click on a banner ad?

I want to make up some banner ads for my sites, but before I try or decide to hire an artist I was wondering what makes a good ad. What would make you click on one?

 

Nothing that's too commercial looking. Taking this route results in an end product that appears to be "artificial" or "phony". If I were you, I'd consider the following:

• Pastel-like color scheme (something smooth and mellow).
• Appropriate use of graphics (not too few, not too many).
• Use of "smooth" fonts (nothing with "rough" edges).

 

Something that makes me go "cool graphic"... That intrigues me on the design the forum have and such, or depending on what the banner is about or what is advertising. Nothing that looks 'cheap'.

 

• An eyecandy, visually appealing graphic.
• Animation (if included) isn't to intensive).
• The appropriate font used.
• Colour usage implemented correctly & consistently
• Creativity, and a certain visual uniqueness applied.

Though, more often than not (and from experience) it's hard to get those clicks to the point I don't even expect it anymore. Hopefully, by creating this thread you'll have more luck in that department.

 

It is also a good idea to take a look at your competitions banners if they have any and aim to make much nicers ones than theirs