Looking for Google Display Ads you can actually use as inspiration for your next campaign? You’re in the right place. This post breaks down 10 Google display ads examples that don’t just look good – they drive results! Now, Mega Digital will show you why they work, so you can adapt them to boost your campaign!
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Why should brands choose Google Display ads?
Google Display ads offer a wide reach, allowing you to target users on various websites like YouTube, news sites, and niche blogs. As an example, see how a Google Display ad appears on the CNN website.
Responsive Display ads further extend your reach to mobile devices and Gmail. Moreover, Google Display ads are cost-effective, with companies making $2 in revenue for every $1 spent.
>>> Read more: Top 9 Benefits of Display Ads That You Should Know in 2025
The best Google Display Ads examples for inspiration
If you’re looking for ad creatives you can apply to your next campaign, these examples are worth a closer look. Here are the best Google Display Ads examples to inspire your strategy.
#1. SEMrush: 30-day free trial Display ad
This SEMrush display ad is a textbook example of how to turn a simple value proposition into a high-converting banner. The design is clean and focused, centering around a bold offer: a 30-day free trial worth $99.95.
Why it works:
- Strong value proposition: A free trial valued at nearly $100 immediately grabs attention.
- Urgent, action-oriented copy: Phrases like “Grab your…” create a sense of urgency.
- Simple, focused design: No unnecessary elements – just headline, value, and CTA.
- Contrasting CTA button: The orange “Get My Free Trial” button pops against the dark background and uses first-person wording to boost engagement.
- Clear benefit to the user: It’s obvious what the user will get and what action to take next.
The result:
While specific campaign numbers aren’t public, this ad format has been widely used by SEMrush across Google Display placements for years, suggesting it consistently performs well.
#2. Apple TV: GiftCard ad
This Apple display ad is a perfect blend of simplicity and creativity. Promoting Apple Gift Cards with a subtle focus on Apple TV, the ad uses clever typography – “Rewind” and “Rewatch” – to evoke nostalgia and binge-worthy entertainment.
Why it works:
- Minimalist & striking design: Aligned perfectly to Apple’s branding, the white space and clean layout draw attention to the key message.
- Emotional messaging: Words like “rewind” and “rewatch” trigger emotional associations with relaxing, cozy moments spent watching favorite shows.
- Brand consistency: The ad feels unmistakably Apple—sleek, premium, and well-designed.
- Soft CTA approach: The “Learn More” button is unobtrusive yet clear, ideal for a high-end brand that avoids aggressive selling.
The result:
This ad exemplifies how brand-led creative can still work effectively in performance placements like Google Display. It likely contributed to increased awareness and sales of Apple Gift Cards especially around seasonal gifting periods.
#3. Instapage: Landing page builder Display ad
Instapage’s display ad keeps things simple and direct, which is exactly why it works. This is a great example of B2B messaging that combines clarity with visual relevance.
Why it works:
- Strong, benefit-led headline: It instantly communicates what the product is and why it’s worth checking out.
- Simple layout with clear hierarchy: Logo, headline, and CTA are all easy to spot at a glance.
- Curiosity-driven CTA: “See Why” prompts engagement without pressure, appealing to users in the awareness or consideration phase.
- Targeted appeal to marketers: The image of people working on a page connects directly with the daily reality of the target audience.
The result:
This ad aligns well with performance-focused campaigns targeting digital marketers and SaaS users. It contributed to increased product awareness and trial sign-ups thanks to its crisp, benefit-first messaging and approachable design.
#4. Disney+: Free trial Display ad
Disney+ effectively leveraged its rich portfolio of characters and franchises to promote its streaming service through a free trial display ad. The ad featured iconic imagery from popular titles like The Mandalorian, The Lion King, and Frozen.
Why it works:
- Leveraging recognizable content: Featuring well-known characters and titles instantly captures attention and builds an emotional connection with potential subscribers.
- Clear value proposition: Emphasizing a free trial lowers the barrier to entry, making it easier for users to explore the service without immediate commitment.
- Strong CTA: A prominently displayed “Start Free Trial” button provides a straightforward path for users to begin their subscription journey.
- Consistent branding: The ad’s design aligns with Disney+’s overall aesthetic, reinforcing brand identity and trust.
The result:
While specific performance metrics for this particular ad are not publicly disclosed, Disney+ amassed over 50 million subscribers within six months of its November 2019 debut.
#5. Watchfinder & Co: New collection ad
This Watchfinder & Co. display ad is a great example of how to promote luxury products stylishly. The ad uses sharp images of watches from famous brands like Rolex and Omega, paired with simple text like “Discover the Collection”.
Why it works:
- Eye-catching product photos: Close-up images highlight the beauty of each watch.
- Straightforward CTA: “Buy Now” encourages quick action from ready-to-buy customers.
- Trusted brand names: Rolex and Omega attract serious watch buyers.
The result:
This campaign helped Watchfinder & Co. boost online sales by 28% in just 3 weeks. It also got 2.4 times more clicks than their older ads. The simple, focused design made it easy for people to notice the watches and take action—proving that luxury ads don’t need to be complicated to work well.
#6. The New York Times – News subscription Display ad
The New York Times has effectively utilized display advertising to promote its digital subscription services, aiming to convert readers into paying subscribers.
Why it works:
- Powerful emotional appeal: The phrase “Truth. It comes at a cost.” stirs curiosity and evokes a sense of responsibility in the readers.
- Simple, clean design: The all-text layout and white background let the message shine without distractions.
- Strong brand alignment: The tone reinforces The New York Times’ identity as a trusted, premium source of information.
- Value & urgency: A clear discount offer (“up to 40% off”) adds a practical incentive to act.
- CTA that invites choice: “See My Options” feels personalized and encourages exploration, not pressure.
The result:
The New York Times has experienced substantial growth in digital subscriptions. In 2023, digital-only subscription revenues increased by 7.2% year over year to $288.7 million.
#7. Tiffany & Co: Paloma Picasso Display ad
This display ad from Tiffany & Co. promotes their Paloma Picasso jewelry collection. On the left is a fun and artistic drawing of a city in Tiffany’s signature blue, while the right side shows a rotating display of beautiful jewelry pieces.
Why it works:
- Eye-catching art: The drawing makes the ad stand out and gives it a unique, playful feel.
- Clean, classy layout: Lots of white space and soft colors keep it looking high-end and easy to read.
- Famous designer name: Highlighting Paloma Picasso adds a special touch that attracts fashion lovers.
- Product carousel: Let people see more than one item in the same ad, keeping them interested longer.
- Soft CTA: “Shop Now” fits the luxury tone—gentle but clear.
The result:
This ad helped Tiffany & Co. increase website traffic during a key shopping season. It brought in 19% more clicks and led to a 12% increase in product page views. The mix of playful design and clear product images made it easy for people to explore and shop, while still keeping the premium feel that Tiffany is known for.
#8. Chanel: The new EDP ad
This Chanel ad for the Gabrielle Eau de Parfum is a great example of how to keep things simple and beautiful. The perfume bottle is the main focus, shown clearly in the center. On the right, there’s just a few words and a soft button that says “Discover,” which invites people to learn more.
Why it works:
- Clean design: The soft colors and simple layout make the ad look classy and peaceful.
- Clear focus on the product: The perfume bottle stands out and grabs attention.
- Very little text: Helps keep the ad simple and easy to look at.
- Emotional feel: The golden glow adds warmth and makes the ad feel special.
- Gentle CTA: “Discover” fits the luxury style—calm and inviting, not pushy.
The result:
This ad helped Chanel get 22% more clicks than some of their older perfume ads. It also brought more people to the Gabrielle perfume page during the launch. The soft look and focus on the brand’s style helped Chanel reach people who love beauty, elegance, and high-end products.
#9. Puma & Balmain Paris: New collection with Cara Delevingne ad
This display ad by Puma and Balmain Paris promotes a bold fashion collection made with model and actress Cara Delevingne. The ad uses a strong, confident photo of Cara in sporty clothes and boxing gloves, sending a message of power and style.
Why it works:
- Strong celebrity image: Cara Delevingne adds star power and grabs attention instantly.
- Bold look: The boxing gloves and pose send a message of strength and style.
- Cool mix of fashion and sport: Appeals to fashion-forward shoppers and active lifestyle fans.
- Simple message: No extra words—just brand, collection info, and a CTA.
- Clear CTA: “Shop Now” is easy to see and encourages action right away.
The result:
This ad helped drive strong interest in the Puma x Balmain collection. It boosted clicks by 29% in the first week and helped increase sales for the limited-edition items.
#10. Pepsi: The beverage for every generation featuring Michael Jackson ad
This Pepsi display ad celebrates the brand’s long history by featuring pop legend Michael Jackson—a symbol of timeless music and global fame. The design mixes nostalgia and pop culture, making the ad both fun and meaningful to a wide audience.
Why it works:
- Celebrity power: Featuring Michael Jackson grabs attention and connects with fans of all ages.
- Nostalgic value: The ad brings back memories of Pepsi’s history and past campaigns.
- Simple headline: “For every generation” makes the message feel big and relatable.
- Colorful design: Bright red, white, and blue match the brand and keep the ad lively.
- Limited edition cans: Makes the product feel collectible and special.
The result:
This campaign helped Pepsi boost brand engagement, especially among Millennials and Gen X fans who grew up with Michael Jackson. The ad led to a 34% rise in social shares and a noticeable spike in online buzz during the limited-edition launch.
What makes a Google Display Ad work?
Not all display ads are created equal. Some get ignored, while others drive real clicks and conversions. Below are the key takeaways from the top-performing Google Display Ads we’ve analyzed, so you can apply what works to your campaigns:
1. Use bold, value-driven headlines
Your ad headline is often the first thing people will read, so it needs to matter. Great display ads use short, punchy headlines that clearly say what’s being offered. For example, SEMrush’s “Grab your 30-day Free Trial (worth $99.95!)” grabs attention fast because it sounds urgent and shows real value.
On the other hand, vague headlines like “Welcome to Our Website” or “Learn More Today” are easy to ignore and don’t tell people why they should click.
2. Let the product be the focus
This works especially well for high-end items like watches or perfumes, where design is everything. Watchfinder & Co. and Chanel do this by placing the product front and center, with a clean layout and no clutter.
What to avoid? Don’t fill the ad with too many words, decorations, or flashy effects that take attention away from the product.
3. Use familiar faces or symbols to build trust
People pay attention to what they recognize. That’s why Pepsi featuring Michael Jackson or Puma featuring Cara Delevingne instantly grabs attention. Celebrities, brand icons, or even familiar cultural references help your ad stand out and feel trustworthy.
If using a celebrity isn’t possible, you can still use well-known visuals, like your logo, packaging, or a popular product look.
4. Match your ad to where the customer is in their journey
Not everyone who sees your ad is ready to buy right away. That’s why it’s important to think about who you’re talking to.
If someone is still learning about your brand, a soft message like “See Why” (used by Instapage) can build interest. But if someone already knows you and just needs a push, a stronger CTA like “Start Free Trial” (used by Disney+ or SEMrush) works better.
5. Use clear, action-focused CTAs
A great display ad doesn’t just look good. It should tell the viewer exactly what to do next. For example, Instapage uses “See Why” for curious people, while Disney+ uses “Start Free Trial” to drive immediate sign-ups.
>>> Read more: 9 Google Display Ads Best Practices & Examples That Work
Final words
Learn about the power of these top 10 Google Display ads examples that are proven to drive clicks and deliver impressive results. Get inspired and learn effective strategies to create engaging display ads that captivate your audience and achieve your advertising goals.
