When you watch something on YouTube or Hulu, you probably don’t pay much attention to the ads you see in between content. You might skip them or just let them play in the background while you wait for your video to resume, just like you did when you watched satellite or cable TV.
But have you ever wondered how those ads end up on your screen? To you, the end-user, there doesn’t seem to be much of a difference in how these ads feel. But for marketers, publishers, and advertisers using these platforms, these ads are a result of a complex process called programmatic advertising.
And it’s completely different from traditional advertising.
What is programmatic advertising?
Programmatic advertising is the use of software and technology to automate the buying, placement, and optimization of digital ads. In simple terms, it’s using machines instead of humans to buy and sell ad space.
Traditionally, buying ad space involved negotiating with publishers or media companies and manually placing orders. This is time-consuming and expensive.
With programmatic advertising, this is all done instantly through automated systems that use data and AI and machine learning algorithms to make decisions on which ad to place, where to place it, and how much to bid for the placement.
How does programmatic advertising work?
Programmatic ad-buying typically involves four main players: advertisers, publishers, ad exchanges, and demand-side platforms (DSPs).
Let’s break down the process step-by-step:
Step 1: The advertiser sets up a campaign.
Just like they would with any other type of marketing collateral, the advertiser (e.g., a brand marketing team or agency) develops an ad campaign and strategy. In addition to the actual advertisements, this includes details such as target audience, budget, and bidding strategy.
Step 2: The publisher makes ad space available.
The publisher, who owns the website or app where the ad will appear, makes ad space available for purchase through an ad exchange.
Step 3: An ad exchange auctions off ad space.
The ad exchange receives the request from the publisher and runs an auction, where advertisers compete for the available ad space based on their campaign criteria.
Step 4: The DSP bids on behalf of the advertiser.
The DSP uses data and algorithms to bid on behalf of the advertiser in real-time. The highest bidder wins the auction and their ad is placed on the publisher’s website or app.
Step 5: The ad is displayed.
The winning ad is then displayed to the target audience, usually within milliseconds of the webpage loading. This entire process happens in a matter of seconds and is repeated for each ad impression.
Over-the-top (OTT) streaming enables programmatic advertising.
The reason you see ads on streaming platforms like YouTube or Hulu is thanks to over-the-top (OTT) streaming services. Unlike traditional television, OTT allows content to be delivered through the internet without a cable or satellite connection.
This has opened up a new world of opportunities for programmatic advertising. By leveraging data and algorithms, advertisers can now target specific users on streaming platforms with precision and personalization.
The benefits of programmatic advertising
Programmatic advertising offers several benefits to advertisers and publishers:
- Increased efficiency. With automation, ad buying is faster, more accurate, and less prone to human errors. This means advertisers can reach their target audience more efficiently, and publishers can generate revenue more quickly.
- Advanced targeting. Using data to understand consumer behavior, programmatic advertising allows for advanced targeting options. Advertisers can target specific demographics, interests, or behaviors to ensure their ads are seen by the right people.
- Real-time optimization. Programmatic platforms use real-time data to optimize ad placement, meaning ads can be adjusted and optimized while campaigns are still running for maximum effectiveness.
- Cost-effective. By eliminating the need for manual negotiations and middlemen, programmatic advertising reduces costs for both advertisers and publishers. It also allows for more precise budgeting and targeting, leading to a more cost-effective use of resources.
Programmatic advertising strategies for 2024 and beyond
As technology continues to improve upon itself, ad targeting and ad buying will continue to shift and improve. The best marketers and advertisers are those who will keep up with the latest trends and strategies.
Here are three strategies you can implement to maximize your ROI from programmatic advertising:
Integrate AI and advanced analytics.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning continue to shape programmatic advertising by enabling more sophisticated audience targeting and real-time ad optimization. These technologies improve predictive analytics for ad performance, allowing for hyper-personalized ads that resonate better with the target audience.
It’s also worth mentioning that AI facilitates more efficient use of first-party data and enhances contextual targeting. This is especially important now, as the industry moves away from third-party cookies.
Incorporate cross-channel and omnichannel strategies.
As media consumption becomes more fragmented, a cross-channel and omni-channel approach is essential. This involves coordinating programmatic ad campaigns across multiple platforms—from mobile and desktop to Connected TV (CTV) and digital out-of-home—to ensure a seamless user experience and consistent messaging.
Embracing new ad formats and venues.
The rise of CTV and over-the-top (OTT) media services offers new opportunities for engaging audiences in a more immersive environment. Additionally, interactive and immersive ad formats, like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), will play a larger role as streaming platforms begin to offer wider support for them.
These technologies provide memorable and engaging experiences that can significantly boost user interaction and campaign impact. Programmatic platforms are evolving to support these innovative ad formats, allowing advertisers to create more dynamic and effective campaigns.
Final thoughts
As technology continues to evolve, marketers and advertisers must stay up-to-date with the latest strategies and trends to maximize their ROI and stay ahead of the competition. So, it is important for businesses to constantly adapt and incorporate new strategies to leverage the full potential of programmatic advertising in the future.
With a data-driven approach and an understanding of emerging technologies, businesses can successfully navigate through the changing landscape of programmatic advertising and reach their target audience with precision, efficiency, and a high ROI.