Competitor Analysis + Ad Playbook

THE SEV7N
AD GUIDE

A complete paid advertising playbook for Sev7n Bait — built from a deep competitor analysis of Z-Man, 6th Sense, and NLBN, and grounded in the insights from your onboarding call.

01 / Overview

Brand Intelligence

Key metrics and context from the onboarding call that shape the entire ad strategy.

Avg. Order Value

$0

Target: $50+

Email List

0+

Warm retargeting asset

FB Monthly Views

0+

When posting consistently

Primary Platform

Facebook

Strongest organic reach

Ideal Customer Profile

Age Range35–45 (expanding to 25–34)
IdentityFamily man, blue-collar worker
MindsetWants value — products that last & work
GeographyGulf Coast (LA, TX, FL, MS, AL) + NC
Seasonal VisitorsSnowbirds from Midwest/North
Fish SpeciesRedfish, Speckled Trout (inshore)

Competitive Advantages

Unique Underspin Hooks

Multiple collar colors — no competitor offers this variety. This is a genuine product moat.

Extreme Durability

Baits last 10–20x longer than traditional soft plastics. This is the core value proposition.

Authentic Founder Story

Stanley is a real Gulf Coast fisherman. His personality and passion are the brand — lean into it.

Creative Color Names

Known for unique, memorable color names. This is brand IP that builds community.

02 / Competitor Analysis

What the Competition is Doing

A breakdown of the paid advertising strategies of Z-Man, 6th Sense, and No Live Bait Needed — the brands Stanley identified as his top competitors and inspirations.

Z-Man Fishing

"The Science & Art of Fishing"

~360 Active Ads

Ad Strengths

  • Deep educational content
  • Pro-staff tutorials
  • Product innovation focus
  • Long-form video storytelling

Copy Style

Technical, feature-driven, authoritative

Key Lesson for Sev7n

Education builds authority. Stanley should create how-to content around the Underspin Hook rig setup.

6th Sense Fishing

"Premium Products for Serious Anglers"

~140 Active Ads

Ad Strengths

  • Premium brand positioning
  • Pro-angler collaborations
  • Clean product showcase videos
  • Consistent visual identity

Copy Style

Benefit-driven, direct, aspirational

Key Lesson for Sev7n

Consistent visual identity matters. Stanley's Blade Runner font and chartreuse green are his brand signature — use them everywhere.

No Live Bait Needed

"It's Not A Hobby, It's A Life Style"

~5,100 Active Ads

Ad Strengths

  • Massive ad volume testing
  • Heavy UGC & testimonials
  • Lifestyle identity branding
  • Aggressive free shipping offers

Copy Style

Authentic, social proof-heavy, urgent

Key Lesson for Sev7n

NLBN is the closest model to what Sev7n should build. Volume testing, UGC, and a strong lifestyle identity are the keys.

Active Ad Count Comparison

01500300045006000NLBNZ-Man6th SenseSev7n Bait(Target)

NLBN's volume advantage is their biggest moat — they're testing at 35x the rate of 6th Sense.

Ad Strategy Radar

Ad VolumeUGC FocusTestimonialsEducationLifestyleProduct Demo
  • NLBN
  • Z-Man
  • 6th Sense

Real NLBN Ad Copy Examples (Active Ads)

Product Launch
🔥 The Versatile NLBN 3" Paddle Tail - 5 Colors Available - 1/8oz to 3/4oz Size Jig Heads - If we don't fish it, we don't sell it...
Social Proof
"The fish go crazy for this lure." - Christopher K. Plan. Fish. Catch. Repeat. Shop Now →
Urgency
🔴 Jig Head Boxes Back In Stock! - 2 Box Sizes Available - Fits Jig Heads & Baits Limited Quantities Available Shop Now →
Testimonial
"The quality of all NLBN products is unmatched" - Alex K. "Swims just like live bait." "Highly recommended to every angler" - Trini Shop Now →
03 / Ad Types

What Ads to Run

A prioritized breakdown of the ad formats Sev7n Bait should run, in order of recommended priority and expected ROAS.

Recommended Ad Mix

  • Video (UGC/Founder)
  • Video (Tutorial)
  • Carousel/Product
  • Static Image
1

UGC / Founder-Led Video

Reels / Feed Video

Facebook + Instagram

Highest authenticity, lowest CPM, best for cold audiences. Stanley's personality IS the brand.

2

Pro-Staff Tutorial Video

Feed Video

Facebook + Instagram

Builds authority. Show how to rig the Underspin Hook, when to use the Chubby vs Slammer, etc.

3

Customer Testimonial Carousel

Carousel

Facebook

Social proof at scale. Use real customer reviews and catch photos. NLBN runs 20+ of these.

4

Product Showcase Static

Single Image

Facebook + Instagram

Retargeting and catalog ads. Clean product photos with price + CTA. Low cost, high intent.

FB

Facebook — Primary Platform

Start here. Stanley's organic audience is here.

Cold audience campaigns targeting Gulf Coast fishing interests (35–55 male)

Warm audience retargeting from page followers + video viewers (3-second views)

Lookalike audiences built from the 5,000-email list

Catalog retargeting for website visitors who didn't purchase

Lower CPM than Google, easier to acquire first customers

G

Google — Phase 2

After Facebook is profitable. High-intent buyers.

Google Shopping (requires Merchant Center setup with all SKUs)

Target keywords: "best redfish lures", "underspin jig heads", "inshore soft plastics"

Retarget Google non-buyers on Facebook (the full ecosystem loop)

Competing against Bass Pro, Cabela's, NLBN, Tackle Warehouse

Requires higher budget — start Facebook first to build data

04 / Filming Guide

HOW TO FILM
ADS THAT CONVERT

Stanley has 8 terabytes of content. The question isn't whether to film — it's how to film with a strategy. These are the exact techniques that drive conversions for fishing brands.

The 5-Step Filming Process

1

Nail the Hook (0–3 seconds)

The first 3 seconds determine everything. 73% of video ads fail because they look like ads. Use a pattern interrupt.

  • Start mid-action — already holding a fish, already rigging the bait
  • Use a bold verbal hook: 'This bait just caught me a 28-inch redfish on a dead tide'
  • Try the 'problem reveal': 'I was losing fish on every other brand until I switched to this'
  • Film in vertical (9:16) — this is where your audience is scrolling
2

Show the Product in Action

Don't just hold up the bait — show it working. Underwater footage, the hookset, the fight, the catch.

  • Close-up of the bait swimming in the water — the action is the product demo
  • Show the underspin hook's unique collar colors side by side
  • Film the cast, the retrieve, and the strike in one continuous shot
  • Use natural light — golden hour on the water is your best studio
3

Deliver the Value Proposition

This is where you explain WHY this bait is different. Keep it to one core message per ad.

  • Durability angle: 'This bait has caught me 40+ fish and it still looks brand new'
  • Uniqueness angle: 'Nobody else makes an underspin hook with this many collar colors'
  • Value angle: 'You'll spend less money replacing baits because these last forever'
  • Show the bait after multiple fish — the wear test is the proof
4

Add Social Proof

Testimonials are NLBN's biggest weapon. Build this into your content from day one.

  • Ask customers to tag you with their catches — repost as UGC ads
  • Film customer testimonials at fishing tournaments and events
  • Screenshot DMs and comments from happy customers — use in static ads
  • Create a 'catch of the week' series featuring customer fish
5

Clear Call to Action

Tell them exactly what to do. Don't be subtle. Direct response ads need direct CTAs.

  • 'Link in bio to grab yours' — for organic content
  • 'Shop now at sev7nbait.com' — for paid ads
  • Create urgency: 'We only make small batches — grab yours before they sell out'
  • Offer incentive: 'Free shipping on orders over $50 — link in bio'

The Viral Video Framework

The "Iteration" Strategy (From Your Call)

When a video goes viral, don't just repost it. Identify the hook that worked, then create 10–50 variations of that same hook. Change the angle, the opening line, the location — but keep the core hook intact.

Original: "Come fishing with me on this sunny Tuesday"

Variation 1: "Come fishing with me on this foggy morning"
Variation 2: "Come fishing with me — redfish are STACKED"
Variation 3: "Come fishing with me — I'm testing a new bait"
Variation 4: "Come fishing with me — you won't believe this catch"

Top Video Hook Formulas for Fishing Brands

#01

The Result First

Curiosity

Click to see example →

#02

The Problem/Solution

Pain Point

Click to see example →

#03

The Controversy

Intrigue

Click to see example →

#04

The Tutorial Tease

Education

Click to see example →

#05

The Social Proof

Proof

Click to see example →

#06

The Comparison

Vs.

Click to see example →

#07

The Personality Hook

Brand Voice

Click to see example →

#08

The Seasonal Urgency

Urgency

Click to see example →

05 / Copywriting

Ad Copy That Converts

Ready-to-use copywriting formulas and real ad copy examples tailored to Sev7n Bait's products, voice, and target customer.

The PAS Formula

Underspin Hooks
Problem
Agitate
Solution
Most inshore anglers are leaving fish in the water. They're using the same generic jig heads that every big box store sells. The ones that lose their action after 10 fish. The ones that come in two colors. The ones that look nothing like real bait. The Sev7n Bait Underspin Hook changes everything. Multiple collar colors, built to last, and rigged to swim like the real thing. 🎣 Free shipping on orders over $50 → sev7nbait.com

The AIDA Formula

Top Shelf Slammer
Attention
Interest
Desire
Action
This bait just caught me 40 fish and it still looks brand new. 🔥 Most soft plastics fall apart after 5–10 fish. The Top Shelf Slammer is built different — it's engineered to last 10–20x longer than anything else on the market. That means more time fishing, less time re-rigging, and more money in your pocket. Gulf Coast anglers: grab yours before we sell out. Shop Now → sev7nbait.com

The Testimonial Formula

The Chubby
Quote
Context
CTA
"I've been fishing the Gulf Coast for 25 years and the Chubby is the most versatile bait I've ever thrown." — Mike R., Louisiana Whether you're working shallow grass flats for reds or dropping it on a jig head for specks — the Chubby produces. Available in 8 colors. Ships in 24 hours. Shop Now → sev7nbait.com

The Urgency Formula

Bundle / Multi-Pack
Scarcity
Value
CTA
🔴 We make our baits in small batches. When they're gone, they're gone. Right now we have the Top Shelf Slammer + Underspin Hook bundle in stock — the exact combo I throw on every single redfish trip. ✅ Free shipping on orders over $50 ✅ Lasts 10–20x longer than other brands ✅ Made by a real Gulf Coast fisherman Grab yours before they sell out → sev7nbait.com

Stanley's Brand Voice Rules

Keep It Real

  • Write how Stanley talks — direct, confident, no fluff
  • Use fishing-specific language: 'dead tide', 'grass flats', 'specks'
  • Don't be afraid to be cocky — it's authentic to the brand
  • Avoid corporate language like 'premium quality' or 'innovative design'

Lead with Results

  • Always start with a catch, a number, or a result
  • Specific beats vague: '40 fish on one bait' > 'very durable'
  • Use customer catches as proof — they're more credible than claims
  • Show the before/after: old bait vs. Sev7n bait

Drive Action

  • Every ad needs ONE clear CTA — don't give multiple options
  • Use 'Shop Now' for paid ads, 'Link in bio' for organic
  • Create urgency with small-batch messaging
  • The free shipping threshold ($50) is a conversion lever — mention it
06 / Product Targeting

WHAT PRODUCTS
TO RUN ADS TO

Focus on the three products Stanley identified as his top performers. Build bundles to increase AOV from $34 to $50+.

Priority #1Swimbait / Paddle Tail

Top Shelf Slammer

Primary Ad Product

Ad Angle

Durability + Performance

Target Audience

Redfish & Speckled Trout anglers, Gulf Coast

Bundle With

Underspin Hooks

Target AOV

$50+

Hook: "This bait has caught me 40+ fish and still looks brand new."

This is the hero product. Run UGC-style video ads showing it in action. Film underwater footage of the action.

Priority #2Jig Head / Hook

Underspin Hooks

Differentiator Product

Ad Angle

Uniqueness — nobody else has multiple collar colors

Target Audience

Serious inshore anglers who rig their own baits

Bundle With

Top Shelf Slammer + Chubby

Target AOV

$45+

Hook: "Every other underspin only comes in 2 colors. Mine comes in 8."

This is the true product moat. Run educational tutorial ads showing how to rig it and why the collar colors matter.

Priority #3Soft Plastic Bait

The Chubby

Secondary Ad Product

Ad Angle

Versatility — works for multiple species and techniques

Target Audience

All-around inshore anglers

Bundle With

Underspin Hooks

Target AOV

$40+

Hook: "One bait, every situation. This is the only soft plastic you need."

Use as a bundle add-on. Run retargeting ads to people who viewed the Slammer or Underspin pages.

AOV Growth Strategy

Current AOVWith Free Ship $50With BundleBundle + Upsell$0$20$40$60$80

Implementing a free shipping threshold at $50 alone adds ~$15 to the average order value.

Bundle & Upsell Strategy

The Gulf Coast Starter Kit

Top Shelf Slammer (2-pack) + Underspin Hooks (6-pack)

$55–$65

Gets new customers to the free shipping threshold immediately

The Redfish Destroyer Bundle

Top Shelf Slammer + The Chubby + Underspin Hooks

$70–$80

Everything needed for a full redfish trip. High perceived value.

Free Shipping Threshold

Free shipping on all orders over $50

Current AOV: $34.50 → Target: $50

Customers will add $15 of product to avoid shipping costs. Proven to increase AOV.

07 / Action Plan

Your 30-Day Launch Plan

A phased, prioritized action plan to get Sev7n Bait's paid advertising up and running in 30 days.

Week 1–2

Foundation

Stanley

Share Meta Business Manager access with agency

Stanley

Set free shipping threshold to $50 on Shopify

Stanley

Create 3 product bundle SKUs in Shopify

Agency

Install Facebook Pixel on Shopify store

Agency

Set up Google Tag Manager + Google Analytics

Agency

Add UTM parameters to all social media links

Stanley

Film 5 UGC-style videos using the hook formulas above

Stanley

Post 4–5x per day on Facebook to build data

Week 2–3

Launch

Agency

Launch cold audience campaign (Top Shelf Slammer)

Agency

Build lookalike audience from 5,000-email list

Agency

Set up retargeting campaign for website visitors

Agency

Launch warm audience campaign (page followers)

Stanley

Film 3 tutorial videos (how to rig Underspin Hook)

Stanley

Collect and share 5+ customer testimonials/catch photos

Agency

A/B test 2–3 video hooks per product

Agency

Set up email welcome sequence for new subscribers

Week 3–4

Optimize

Agency

Review performance data — kill underperformers

Agency

Scale budget on winning ad creatives

Agency

Launch bundle-focused ads to increase AOV

Stanley

Identify the best-performing organic video and create 10 variations

Agency

Set up Google Merchant Center (product catalog)

Agency

Launch Google Shopping campaign (Phase 2)

Agency

Weekly performance review call (Fridays 1pm)

Both

Identify next 30 days of content and ad creative

Key Metrics to Track Weekly

ROAS

2.5x+

Return on Ad Spend. For every $1 spent, aim for $2.50+ in revenue.

CPA

<$15

Cost Per Acquisition. How much it costs to get one new customer.

CTR

>2%

Click-Through Rate. Measures how compelling your ad creative is.

AOV

$50+

Average Order Value. The free shipping threshold is the lever here.

Hook Rate

>30%

% of people who watch past 3 seconds. Measures hook effectiveness.

Hold Rate

>20%

% who watch 25%+ of the video. Measures content quality.

CPM

<$20

Cost Per 1,000 Impressions. Lower = more efficient audience targeting.

Conv. Rate

>2%

Website conversion rate. If low, the landing page needs work.