The Complete Guide on How to Create Ads That Attract Customers and Increase Sales

Advertising is one of the strongest tools any business can use to grow. Whether you’re running a restaurant, boutique, barbing salon, logistics company, or online store, great ads help you attract attention, gain trust, and turn viewers into paying customers.

In today’s digital world, learning how to create effective ads is no longer optional — it’s necessary. This guide will teach you, step-by-step, how to create ads that stand out and bring results.

Understand Your Target Audience

Before you write a single word or design a single picture, you must clearly understand who you are trying to reach.

Ask yourself:

  • Who is my ideal customer?

  • What do they want?

  • What problems are they trying to solve?

  • What language or tone do they respond to?

  • Where do they spend time online?

For example:

  • A restaurant should target food lovers, workers who need quick lunch, families, and event planners.

  • A fashion business targets people who love style, trends, and quality.

  • A tech business targets people who want convenience and efficiency.

The more you understand your audience, the more powerful and relevant your ads will be.

Choose the Right Platform for Your Ads

Not all ads belong on the same platform. Different ad platforms work for different goals:

Facebook & Instagram Ads

  • Good for images and videos

  • Perfect for local businesses

  • Great for promotions, new products, events

Google Search Ads

  • Best for people already searching for a service (“best restaurant near me”, “buy shoes online”)

  • High intent customers

  • Great for bookings and orders

TikTok Ads

  • Short, catchy, fun

  • Perfect for younger audience

  • Best for viral content

YouTube Ads

Offline Ads (posters, banners, flyers)

  • Great for local visibility

  • Works for walk-in businesses

The platform you choose determines the design, tone, and structure of your ad.

Create a Catchy, Powerful Headline

Your headline is the first thing people see.
If the headline doesn’t catch attention, the rest of the ad won’t matter.

A good headline is:

  • Short

  • Clear

  • Attention-grabbing

  • Benefit-driven

Examples of strong ad headlines:

  • “Taste the Best Jollof Rice in Lagos!”

  • “50% Discount on All Shoes — This Weekend Only!”

  • “Flawless Skin in 10 Days — Guaranteed Results!”

  • “Fast and Affordable Delivery Within 24 Hours!”

Avoid confusing or vague headlines. Be direct.

How to Cook Jollof Rice the Naija Way: The Ultimate Guide

Bold flavor, smoky aroma, unforgettable taste — the very essence of Nigeria in one pot.

If there’s one dish that unites Nigerians across tribes, cities, and even long-distance arguments at family gatherings, it’s jollof rice. Whether you’re team firewood, team non-stick pot, or team “I just want to eat,” this iconic dish is the heartbeat of West African cuisine and a signature favorite at Restaurant Deluxe.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to cook authentic, mouth-watering Naija-style jollof rice — the kind that makes guests look for seconds, then thirds, then the takeaway bowl.

What Makes Nigerian Jollof Rice Special?

Naija jollof is more than food — it’s culture wrapped in color. Its signature deep red hue, rich tomato base, and smoky party aroma make it irresistible. Nigerian jollof stands out because it balances sweetness, heat, and savory notes all in one harmonious blend.

At Restaurant Deluxe, this masterpiece is crafted daily with premium ingredients and seasoned with love — because jollof rice isn’t just cooked, it’s curated.

Ingredients You Need for Authentic Naija Jollof

To recreate that timeless flavor at home, make sure your pantry is stocked with:

  • Long-grain parboiled rice

  • Fresh tomatoes (or tomato puree)

  • Tomato paste

  • Red bell peppers (tatashe)

  • Scotch bonnet peppers (ata rodo)

  • Onions

  • Vegetable oil

  • Chicken or beef stock

  • Seasoning cubes

  • Curry powder & thyme

  • Bay leaves

  • Salt to taste

  • Butter (optional but divine)

For extra flavor, many home chefs roast or fry the pepper mix lightly before cooking. That’s where the magic begins.


How to Cook Jollof Rice the Naija Way – Authentic Nigerian Recipe


Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Jollof Rice the Naija Way

1. Blend Your Pepper Mix

Blend tomatoes, bell peppers, Scotch bonnets, and onions until smooth. This is the soul of your jollof — make it vibrant.

2. Fry the Tomato Base

Heat oil, sauté onions, then pour in your tomato paste. Fry until it darkens slightly, then add your blended mixture.
Let it simmer until the oil peeks through like sun on Lagos Lagoon — that means it’s well-fried.

3. Season to Perfection

Add curry, thyme, seasoning cubes, bay leaves, and salt. Then stir in your chicken or beef stock for depth and warmth.

4. Introduce the Rice

Pour in your washed rice and stir gently so every grain takes a dip in the red, flavorful sea.
Add water if needed, cover with foil to trap steam, and let the rice cook slowly. This is how you get that famous smoky “party jollof” effect.

5. Steam, Don’t Drown

Avoid over-stirring. Let the rice steam to greatness. Check occasionally and adjust seasoning to your liking.

6. Add Butter for a Silky Finish

Once the rice is soft, fluffy, and singing aromas into the air, drop in a little butter for richness. Stir with love.

7. Serve and Shine

Pair with fried plantain, grilled chicken, coleslaw, or your favorite protein.
Voilà — you’ve just crafted jollof the Naija way.

How to Cook Jollof Rice the Naija Way – Authentic Nigerian Recipe

Jollof Rice is more than just a meal in Nigeria — it’s culture, pride, and a must-have at every celebration. Whether it’s a birthday party, wedding, Sunday lunch, or your favourite restaurant outing, nothing beats the aroma of smoky, spicy, flavour-packed Naija-style Jollof Rice.

What Makes Nigerian Jollof Rice Special?

Nigerian Jollof is known for its deep red colour, bold flavours, and signature smoky aroma. Unlike other West African variations, Naija Jollof uses a well-seasoned pepper base (“party stew”), parboiled long-grain rice, and slow cooking that locks in flavour.

If you want that real party jollof taste, this recipe will guide you step by step.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 4 cups long-grain parboiled rice

  • 1 cup vegetable or palm/vegetable oil mix

  • 1 large onion (sliced)

  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste

  • 2–3 cups chicken or beef stock

  • 1 teaspoon curry powder

  • 1 teaspoon thyme

  • 2–3 seasoning cubes

  • 2 bay leaves

  • Salt to taste

  • 1 teaspoon white or black pepper (optional



    Step-by-Step: How to Cook Jollof Rice the Nigerian Way

    1. Blend and Prepare Your Pepper Base

    Blend the bell peppers, tomatoes, scotch bonnets, and onion until smooth.
    Pour into a pot and boil on medium heat until most of the water evaporates.
    This step intensifies the flavour and prevents soggy rice.

    2. Make Your Jollof Stew

    Heat oil in a pot.
    Add the sliced onions and fry until fragrant.
    Stir in the tomato paste and fry for 5–7 minutes to remove the sourness.

    Add the reduced pepper blend, curry, thyme, bay leaves, seasoning cubes, and salt.
    Cook for 10–15 minutes until the stew becomes thick and flavourful.

    3. Add Stock and Bring to a Boil

    Pour in the chicken or beef stock and allow everything to boil.
    This is where the magic begins — the base of your Jollof should taste amazing before adding rice.

    4. Pour in the Rice

    Rinse the rice with warm water to remove excess starch.
    Add it to the pot and mix gently so the stew coats every grain.
    Reduce heat to medium-low.

    5. Cover and Cook

    For that authentic party smoky taste, cover the pot with foil before putting the lid on.
    This traps steam and enhances flavour.

    Cook for 25–35 minutes, checking and adding stock or water in small amounts only when necessary.

    6. Let the Rice Absorb, Steam & Smell Like Party Food

    Once the rice is soft, stir gently from bottom to top to prevent burning.
    Add a tablespoon of butter for shine and extra flavour (optional).
    Cover and allow the rice to steam for another 5 minutes.

    You should smell that legendary smoky Naija Jollof aroma by now!