The Secret Ad-Writing Formula You Already Use (Hint: It’s Your Lesson Plan)

Let me guess… Right now, you’re staring at this blog post thinking: “Chris, I don’t write ads. I write lesson plans. For teenagers. Who barely listen.”

Yeah, I get it. I used to think the same thing.

But let me let you in on a secret… Writing an ad is the same as planning a killer lesson.

I’m serious.

And by the time you’re done reading this, you’ll realize you’ve been an undercover copywriter this whole time – you just didn’t know it yet.

Let’s Break It Down (Without the Jargon)

Remember that one lesson that had your entire class hooked? You know the one – the kind where even Kyle in the back row (yes, that Kyle) was actually paying attention.

Why did it work so well? Because you followed a structure.

You didn’t just wing it. You:

1. Hooked them early. Maybe with a question, a meme, or a wild story about your weekend.
2. Kept them engaged. You broke the material down into bite-sized, understandable pieces – and threw in a little humor to keep things moving.
3. Pushed for action. Whether it was answering questions, group work, or (ugh) homework – you had a clear goal at the end.

?? That’s also how you write an ad.

The Ad Formula Hidden in Your Lesson Plan

Here’s the formula most marketers pay thousands to learn (that you already use):

1. The Hook (The First 60 Seconds of Class)

Ever start class by saying, “Alright class, today we’re covering page 124 on medieval crop rotation.”? Yeah, me neither. You’ve got 60 seconds before attention drifts.

So, you start with a banger:

• “Did you know medieval peasants were accidentally inventing the world’s first recycling system?”
• Cue curious looks from the kids who thought recycling started in the ‘80s.

In ad-land? The hook is your first line.

• “This blender will outlive your last three relationships.”
• “The only backpack designed to survive a middle school hallway stampede.”

Your job is to stop the scroll. Just like in class, you need to hook them fast.

2. The Engagement (Your Lesson’s Core Content)

Okay, you’ve got their attention – now you have to hold it. In teaching, you break things down:

• First, you explain it.
• Then you show examples.
• Maybe you add a fun Kahoot quiz to keep the energy up.

Ad copy is no different. You guide your reader, explaining why the product is cool, useful, or life-changing.

• “This coffee maker grinds fresh beans every morning – no alarms needed.”
• “Our fitness app adjusts your workouts in real-time, like having a coach in your pocket.”

You're keeping them engaged, piece by piece.

3. The Call to Action (a.k.a. The Homework)

At the end of class, you don’t just say, “Alright, that’s it. Bye.” You give homework, a project, or a takeaway.

Why? Because without action, nothing sticks.

Ads work the same way.

• “Click here to order.”
• “Try it for free.”
• “Sign up now.”

Clear, direct, and simple. No “maybe if you want to” energy. Just like you wouldn’t ask students nicely to hand in assignments.

Still Don’t Believe Me?

I didn’t either.

Until one day, I was sitting in my car during lunch break, grading papers. I was mentally drained, frustrated with admin emails, and wondering why I still felt broke.

So, I pulled out my laptop and tried writing an ad.

I thought: How hard can this really be?

Turns out, I just wrote it like I’d plan a lesson. Hook. Engagement. Call to action.

That little ad? It made me more in one week than staying late after school for two months of tutoring sessions.

?? And that’s when the lightbulb clicked.

Your Homework (Yes, I’m Assigning Homework)

I want you to write an ad.

Don’t worry – I’m not throwing you in blind. We’re going to cheat a little.

1. Pick a product – like this dog chew toy: ?? Amazon Product – dog chew toy

2. Now, use this formula:

• Hook: What would catch a dog owner's attention?
• Engagement: Explain why it's the right toy for their dog.
• Call to Action: Make it direct. “Grab yours today.”

Try it. And send it to me if you want feedback.

This is Exactly What I Teach in My Newsletter

If you’re sitting there thinking, Chris, I still have no clue what I’m doing…

Relax. I’ve got you covered.

?? Every day, I send quick, bite-sized copywriting lessons in The Classroom Escape Plan Newsletter.

It’s free. It’s fun. And it’s written for teachers like you. Because guess what – you already have the skills. I’m just here to show you how to get paid for them.

Join here: [The Escape Plan Newsletter] Catch you inside.