Alec Newcomb
May 19, 2025 • Reading Time: 3 minutes
If you're struggling with rising ad costs (who isn't?), this one’s for you.
Meta CPCs (Cost Per Clicks) are up 60%, and Google's not far behind at 40-60% since 2020…
Gif by wolfentertainment on Giphy
But what if I told you that you could create more effective ads that actually ✨ lower ✨ your cost per acquisition (CPA)?
Here exactly how.
PSA: This exact prompt helped one of my clients improve their Meta ads by 71% (combined with deeper consumer pain point research which we will cover more on Wed).
Acting as a Meta Ads expert, create a Meta Ad campaign using Self-Determination Theory, that speaks to the [autonomy, competence, and relatedness] of [your target audience]. Emphasize the control and choice they have in using [your product] and how it aligns with their values and goals. Use the provided examples [PDF of your brand reviews] and testimonials of others using the product successfully to build confidence and a sense of competence.
- Create 4 compelling headlines that grab attention and highlight the main benefit of the product/service
- Use clear and concise language in four versions of body copy that focus on the benefits of the product/service and use Self-Determination Theory.
- Include 4 strong calls to action. Shorter is better for the CTA.
Self-Determination Theory taps into three core human needs:
Autonomy: People want control over their choices
Competence: People want to feel capable and effective
Relatedness: People want to feel connected to others
When your ads speak to these fundamental needs, they stop the scroll and drive action.
Replace [target audience] with your ideal customer (be specific!) add MA Persona Template.
Replace [product] with what you're selling
Run the prompt through ChatGPT o3 or Claude » 📖 [Read This] Claude 3.7 v ChatGPT 4.5 Who Wins For Marketers?
Take the output and create 4 ad variants to test
I'd love to hear your results!
Hit reply and let me know if this prompt works for your Meta campaign (I read every single one of your emails.) ☺️
Cheers,
Alec
P.S. I'm talking at UNH this Thursday covering this exact topic, in depth. If you're in the area, come say hello!
P.P.S For an even DEEPER dive into choosing Claude v ChatGPT, for marketers, use this.
