The Smart Guide to Programmatic Advertising for Beginners

At BrandShift, we thought of putting together a short guide on Programmatic Advertising for Beginners. Programmatic advertising is a rapidly growing field in digital marketing, and it’s changing the way businesses reach their target audiences. 

This beginner’s guide will provide you with a comprehensive overview of programmatic advertising, including its benefits, how it works, and tips for success. Whether you’re a marketer or business owner, this guide will help you navigate the world of programmatic advertising and stay ahead of the curve.

What is programmatic advertising?

Programmatic advertising is the use of technology to automate the buying and selling of digital advertising. It allows advertisers to target specific audiences in real time, using data and algorithms to determine the most effective ad placements. Programmatic advertising can be used for display, video, mobile, and social media advertising, and it offers many benefits over traditional advertising methods, including increased efficiency, better targeting, and improved ROI.

Check more on BrandShift’s thoughts on What is Programmatic Advertising?

How does programmatic advertising work?

Programmatic advertising works by using data and algorithms to automate the buying and selling of digital advertising. Advertisers use a demand-side platform (DSP) to set their targeting criteria and bid on ad inventory in real time. Publishers use a supply-side platform (SSP) to make their ad inventory available and receive bids from advertisers. The winning bid is then served to the user in real-time, based on their browsing behavior and other data points. This process allows for more efficient and effective ad targeting, as well as improved ROI for advertisers.

The benefits of programmatic advertising

Programmatic advertising offers many benefits for both advertisers and publishers. For advertisers, programmatic advertising allows for more precise targeting, as well as the ability to reach a larger audience at a lower cost. It also allows for real-time optimization and the ability to track and measure campaign performance. 

For publishers, programmatic advertising offers a more efficient way to sell ad inventory, as well as the ability to reach a larger pool of potential advertisers. It also allows for better control over ad placements and the ability to maximize revenue. 

At BrandShift, we believe that programmatic advertising is a win-win for both advertisers and publishers.

Types of programmatic advertising

There are several types of programmatic advertising, including real-time bidding (RTB), programmatic direct, and private marketplaces. 

  1. RTB is the most common type, where ad inventory is bought and sold in real time through an auction process. 
  2. Programmatic direct involves a direct relationship between the advertiser and publisher, bypassing the auction process. 
  3. Private marketplaces are invitation-only auctions where a select group of advertisers can bid on premium ad inventory. 

Each type of programmatic advertising has its own benefits and can be used in different ways to achieve specific advertising goals.

Best practices for programmatic advertising success

To succeed in programmatic advertising, it’s important to follow best practices that will help you achieve your advertising goals. Some of these best practices include setting clear objectives, targeting the right audience, using data to inform your decisions, testing and optimizing your campaigns, and working with trusted partners. By following these best practices, you can ensure that your programmatic advertising campaigns are effective and deliver the results you’re looking for.

Want to know more, feel free to reach BrandShift and talk to us.