7 Ad Formats To Consider When Working With An Ad Network

When it comes to working with ad networks, choosing the right ad formats can be a game-changer. With so many options, you may feel a little overwhelmed trying to figure out what works best. But don't worry, we’ve got you covered. Below, we’ll break down seven ad formats to consider, making your decision-making process that much easier.

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1. Display Ads: The Classic Approach

Display ads are the most well-known ad format, and so any quality ad network will offer a range of display ad options for you to choose from. These ads pop up on websites in the form of banners, squares, or rectangles, blending images and text to get the message across.

The beauty of display ads is their versatility. You can place them almost anywhere on a webpage, and they can be tailored to fit your brand’s aesthetic. Whether it’s a bold banner at the top or a subtle ad on the sidebar, display ads offer plenty of flexibility.

However, it's worth noting that people have grown somewhat accustomed to seeing these ads everywhere. This means they might not always be as effective as they once were unless they’re creatively designed. But with the right imagery and placement, display ads can still pull in great results.

2. Native Ads: The Seamless Fit

Native ads are like the chameleons of the ad world. These ads are designed to blend in with the website’s content, making them feel less like ads and more like an organic part of the page.

The power of native ads lies in their subtlety. Readers don’t always realize they’re engaging with an ad, which can lead to higher engagement rates. Imagine scrolling through an article, and there’s a recommendation that perfectly complements the content – that’s a native ad in action.

Native ads can be particularly effective for content-heavy sites where the audience is already in a browsing or reading mindset. The key here is to match the tone and style of the content surrounding the ad, so it doesn’t feel disruptive or out of place.

3. Push Notifications: Timely and Direct

Push notifications are a powerful way to engage users by sending timely, direct messages to their devices. Unlike other ad formats that users might stumble upon while browsing, push notifications appear on the user’s screen, making them hard to miss.

The strength of push notifications lies in their immediacy. Whether it's alerting a user to a flash sale, reminding them of an abandoned cart, or delivering a personalized offer, these notifications can prompt instant action. They work particularly well for mobile apps and websites where keeping users engaged in real time is critical.

The key to making push notifications work is relevance. If notifications are too frequent or feel irrelevant, users may get frustrated and opt-out. But when carefully crafted with personalized content and timing, push notifications can be an excellent tool for boosting engagement and driving conversions.

4. Interstitial Ads: Taking Over the Screen

Interstitial ads are those full-screen ads that cover the interface of a site or app until the user closes them. While they might seem intrusive at first glance, their full-screen nature gives them a powerful advantage: they demand attention.

Because they take over the entire screen, interstitial ads offer a unique opportunity to deliver your message without distractions. They’re commonly used in mobile apps, often appearing between content or levels in a game.

The key to making interstitial ads work? Timing. If they appear too frequently or at the wrong moment, users might find them annoying. But when placed strategically, interstitial ads can be highly effective.

5. Rewarded Ads: Win-Win for Users and Advertisers

Rewarded ads are a great way to create a win-win situation for both users and advertisers. These ads, usually in video format, offer users something in return for their time – think extra lives in a game, access to premium content, or other perks.

Because users voluntarily choose to engage with these ads in exchange for a reward, the engagement rates are often higher compared to other formats. Rewarded ads feel less intrusive since the user opts in, and as a result, users tend to have a more positive attitude towards them.

This ad format is especially popular in mobile games, but its use is expanding into other areas like entertainment apps and even e-commerce. If your goal is to build goodwill with your audience while still driving results, rewarded ads are definitely worth considering.

6. Audio Ads: Reaching the Ears of the Masses

With the rise of podcasts and music streaming services, audio ads have become a powerful way to reach listeners. Unlike other ad formats that rely on visuals, audio ads focus solely on sound, making them ideal for environments where people might be multitasking, like driving, working out, or cooking.

Audio ads are usually short, ranging from 15 to 30 seconds, and they have the ability to capture attention in a unique way. When done well, they can even feel like a natural part of the audio experience, especially if the content aligns with the listener's interests.

To make an impact with audio ads, it’s crucial to craft a clear, concise message that resonates with the listener. Good voiceover work and a strong call to action can go a long way in making these ads memorable.

7. Carousel Ads: Showcasing Multiple Products at Once

Carousel ads allow you to showcase multiple images or videos within a single ad unit. They’re often used on social media platforms, allowing users to swipe through various products, stories, or features without leaving their feed.

This format is perfect for businesses that have multiple products or offers to highlight. Carousel ads give you more room to be creative and can be highly engaging, as users can interact with the ad by swiping through the different slides.

Each slide can have its own unique link, making it easy to drive traffic to specific product pages or landing pages. If your goal is to showcase a range of offerings or tell a multi-part story, carousel ads are a great choice.

Wrapping Up

When it comes to working with an ad network, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The right ad format will depend on your goals, audience, and the type of content you're promoting. Whether you want to capture attention with a full-screen interstitial ad or keep things subtle with a native ad, there’s a format out there that fits your needs.

This is a contributed post.

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