Have you ever scrolled through your feed, spotted an ad, and thought, Wow, that’s brilliant!? Maybe you saved it, or maybe it’s lost forever in the depths of your memory. Either way, if you’re running ads yourself, you should be collecting those golden examples into a swipe file. What’s a swipe file, you ask? It’s a treasure trove of inspiration—a place to save ads you love so you can refer back to them whenever you’re looking for ideas.
Here’s why it’s an absolute game-changer and how to make one that’ll keep your creative juices flowing.
What Is a Swipe File, Anyway?
A swipe file is your personal stash of ads that stand out. Whenever you see something creative, smart, or effective, you save it. It’s like having a Pinterest board for your business ads, a place to capture all the ideas and inspiration so that you never start from scratch.
Why You Need a Swipe File (Hint: Ad Fatigue Is Real)
The reality of running ads? You’re going to get tired of coming up with new ideas constantly. And it’s not just you—your audience can experience ad fatigue too. Seeing the same type of content over and over gets stale fast, so keeping your ads fresh is key. A swipe file is your answer. Instead of sitting there, wracking your brain for yet another way to sell that best-seller, you can just dip into your file, browse ideas that already spoke to you, and start creating something new.
When you save ads that catch your eye, you’re also saving mental energy. Instead of spending time thinking, “What else could I do?” you’ve got a shortcut to inspiration. Plus, when ad fatigue hits and you just can’t seem to come up with anything fresh, a swipe file brings you right back to your creative spark.
Where to Keep Your Swipe File
There’s no right or wrong place, just somewhere you can easily find it when you need it! Here are a few options to get you started:
- Folder in Your Phone: If you’re always seeing great ads on the go, create a swipe folder in your phone’s photos. Screenshot and save it right there.
- Project Management Tools: We’re big fans of Milanote for this—it’s visually organized and easy to use. Trello works great, too, especially if you like organizing things into lists or boards.
- Computer Folder: Prefer to keep things simple? Create a “Swipe File” folder on your desktop. Screenshot or save files as you see them and keep them all in one place.
The goal is easy access. You want to be able to open it up and see all your saved gems in a glance.
How to Use Your Swipe File Without Falling Into the Copycat Trap
Think of your swipe file as an idea generator. Every time you’re working on new ads or feeling stuck, it’s your go-to source of inspiration. Scroll through, see what jumps out, and use it to get your own ideas rolling.
But here’s a word of caution: don’t copy. Seriously, there’s nothing worse than being the 50th business to mimic that “my graphic designer is on holiday” ad. Sure, it was funny the first time, but now it’s as stale as last year’s fruitcake. Instead, make the idea yours. Draw on the feel or approach that made you save the ad in the first place, then create something fresh that’s true to your brand.
A swipe file is more than just a mood board for your business—it’s a creative lifeline. When ad fatigue sets in, it’s there to recharge your creativity, keep your ads fresh, and make your life easier. So start building yours today, and the next time you see an ad that stops you in your tracks, save it. Your future self will thank you.
Need more tips on making your ads stand out? Book a Free Strategy Session, and let’s chat about getting your ads to pop in a crowded feed. Happy swiping!
