Category: Blog Post

For the fourth installment of our Countdown to the Cookieless Future, we’re getting into the nitty gritty. We address top concerns advertisers have about what their campaign planning and execution will look like as we move away from Google’s third-party cookies. Victoria de Leon, Director of Marketing is joined by Ariel Howard, VP of Campaign Solutions, and Addy Osborne, Sr. Strategist, Planning & Insights, seasoned digital marketing experts who have been at the forefront of adapting to changes brought about by privacy regulations and technological shifts.  Ready to dive in? Hit play on the video to learn more or check out our overview of the video content below.

Short on time? Listen to or download the content of this episode on Spotify.

Addressing Advertiser Concerns and Strategies in a Cookieless World

To kickstart the conversation, de Leon asks the panelists to address their in-market experience and what they’re hearing from clients with the question:

What are some of the top concerns you hear from advertisers about the removal of third-party cookies?

Osborne opens the conversation by stating the primary concerns among advertisers revolve around the loss of precise targeting and retargeting capabilities that third-party cookies provide. She highlights that advertisers are worried about decreases in campaign effectiveness and increases in customer acquisition costs. The uncertainty about new tools and standards that will replace cookies also adds to the anxiety within the industry.

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So as not to leave advertisers questioning how they’ll solve for some of these concerns, de Leon moves the conversation toward tangible steps advertisers can take with the question:

What advice do you have for advertisers actively transitioning toward cookie-free tactics?

Howard recommends that advertisers start experimenting with alternative solutions as soon as possible. She emphasize the importance of diversifying data collection strategies by enhancing direct interactions with customers through owned channels. Additionally, she suggests investing in technology that supports advanced data analytics and AI-driven insights to compensate for the gaps left by the disappearance of cookies.

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de Leon prompts the panelists to dive further into the topic of diversifying data, specfically with the use of first-party data and CRM-based campaigns, with a two-part question:

Can you explain more about CRM-based campaigns leveraging first-party data and how performance typically looks? Are there any best practices advertisers should keep in mind?

Howard doubles down on the notion that CRM-based campaigns that leverage first-party data are becoming increasingly crucial. These campaigns often see robust engagement rates as they are based on higher-quality, consent-based data. She provides best practices when using first-party data which include maintaining transparent data collection methods, regularly updating data to ensure accuracy, and creating personalized content that resonates with the audience’s current needs and interests.

Missed one of our previous episodes, start at the beginning of our Countdown to the Cookieless Future series with episode one where we break down the implications of Google’s removal of third-party cookies. Check it out here. 

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Moving the conversation toward additional future-proof strategies advertisers can use, de Leon asks:

What other data types, channels, and tactics would you recommend to reach audiences post-cookie depreciation?

Osborne offers a wide variety of tactics and solutions for advertisers to consider. She encourages advertisers to look beyond traditional online channels and offers tangible solutions across data, tactics, and channels. She recommends combining offline, purchase & transactional, and owned media (such as retail media networks and walled gardens) data to ensure robust options for reaching consumers.  She highlights the potential of contextual advertising, search retargeting, keyword targeting, custom site lists & Private marketplaces, and location targeting as viable targeting tactics not reliant on third-party cookies. Finally, she encourages using inherently cookieless channels such as advanced TV, advanced audio, retail media, and walled gardens.–

To close the conversation, de Leon asks the panelist to address another concern that was mentioned at the top of the conversation with the question:

How will these changes impact measurement and performance metrics across different channels?

Howard states that the transition away from third-party cookies necessitates the development of new metrics and KPIs focused on privacy-first strategies. She discusses the need for more aggregated data reporting and probabilistic models to understand campaign performance. Finally, she notes that she also foresee a greater reliance on brand lift studies and customer satisfaction surveys to gauge the effectiveness of advertising efforts.

Planning for the Future: Prioritize Cookieless Solutions Today

Welcome back to our “Countdown to the Cookieless Future” series. In our previous episode, Future-Proofing Digital Advertising: Mastering First-Party and Zero-Party Data, we discussed these valuable data types and how advertisers can use them to maintain privacy compliance and effective consumer reach. Next up we’re diving into another critical piece of the post-third-party cookies puzzle: alternative identity solutions. Victoria de Leon, Director of Marketing sits back down with Kyle Malone, Director of Solutions Engineering, and Otniel Calderon, Manager of Solutions Engineering, to dissect what identity solutions are, how they function, challenges, benefits, and their significance in a cookieless world. Ready to dive in? Hit play on the video below.

Identity Solutions Demystified: How They Work and Why They Matter

To level understanding throughout the conversation, de Leon kicks off the discussion by asking:

What are identity solutions?

Malone takes the lead, explaining that identity solutions are technologies developed by data companies to track users across various channels, platforms, and devices without relying on third-party cookies. These solutions utilize authenticated traffic and opt-in mechanisms to provide a persistent, non-PII (Personally Identifiable Information) ID for each user, maintaining privacy while allowing targeted advertising.

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Diving deeper, de Leon probes into the mechanics of identity solutions, specifically without the use of third-party cookies by asking:

Short on time? Listen to or download the content of this episode on Spotify.

Without third-party cookies, how do ID solutions track the entire customer journey?

Calderon elaborates that these systems primarily leverage first-party data collected directly from users. By allowing users to opt in and out, these solutions create a persistent identifier that works across all advertising channels, respecting user privacy and compliance requirements.

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With a better understanding of how these solutions enable targeted advertising, de Leon moved the conversation forward, asking:

What are some of the benefits advertisers gain when using ID solutions?

Malone highlights the main advantages of utilizing identity solutions, such as unified user profiles, improved attribution modeling, and personalized messaging. These benefits contribute to a better customer experience by enabling more relevant and targeted advertising without invading privacy.

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Safeguarding Privacy: The Backbone of Identity Solutions

Understanding that privacy is a paramount concern, de Leon inquires:

What are some elements that make ID solutions privacy-compliant?

Calderon explains that these ID solutions have three primary fundamentals to ensure privacy compliance: transparency, control, and the opt-in/opt-out mechanism. These pillars allow users to understand how their data is used and give them the power to control their participation.

Overcoming Identity Solution Challenges

Because so many advertisers have long relied on Google’s third-party cookies, de Leon prompted Malone and Calderon to address any potential challenges advertisers may face as they transition away from beloved cookies to different data sources, such as alternative IDs. She asks:

What challenges do you foresee advertisers facing as they switch from third-party cookies to ID solutions?

Malone notes that integration across the advertising ecosystem is a significant hurdle. Moreover, relying on opt-in data could potentially limit scale, particularly for smaller publishers. Ensuring interoperability and getting buy-in from all parties involved are crucial steps toward overcoming these challenges.

Key Players and Choosing ID Solutions Wisely

As the conversation shifts to the current identity solutions available, de Leon asks:

What are some ID solutions on the market right now?

Calderon and Malone outline several key players making strides in the market, such as UID 2.0 and LiveRamp ID. They stress the importance of each solution’s unique advantages and limitations, highlighting the open-source nature of UID 2.0 as a beneficial feature for industry-wide collaboration and development.

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Choosing the right identity solution requires careful consideration. de Leon closes the conversation by asking:

What should advertisers think about when evaluating an ID solution for their campaign?

Malone advises focusing on reach, KPIs, and the specific parts of the funnel an advertiser aims to target. It’s about finding the right mix of solutions that offer the optimal balance between reach, accuracy, and addressability.

Key Takeaways on Identity Solutions and Next Steps

Few tools of the digital age date as far back as display ads, with perhaps the exception of the internet itself. But that’s not to say that the state of display ads, and even the ads themselves, haven’t continued to evolve right alongside the rest of the online and mobile ecosystems. Today, in 2024, display advertising remains a dynamic discipline and an important overall piece of the digital advertising puzzle.

With this explainer, you’ll get a complete overview of the current state of display advertising — what it is, its benefits, how it’s evolved, and how brands and agencies can make the most of this essential tool within their larger omnichannel strategies. 

Table of Contents

• What is Display Advertising?
• Does Display Advertising Still Work?
• Examples of Display Ads
• What Are the Main Types of Display Ads?
• What Are the Key Components of Display Ads?
• What are the Benefits of Display Ads?
• How to Create a Successful Display Ad Campaign?

What Is Display Advertising?

Display advertising is a form of online advertising that uses visual elements — whether that’s images, videos, graphics, or animations — to convey a marketing message or promote a product or service. These visual ads are typically displayed on websites, social media platforms, and mobile apps in various formats and sizes. The goal of display advertising is to attract the attention of the audience and drive them to take a specific action, such as clicking on the ad to visit a website, making a purchase, or signing up for a newsletter.

Does Display Advertising Still Work?

Display advertising, despite having come into existence in the mid-1990s, is still an effective and important part of the digital marketing toolbox. In 2023, advertisers in the United States were projected to spend more than $149 billion on programmatic digital display advertising. In 2024, that spending is expected to increase to more than $168 billion. Part of this growth is fueled by the impressive rise of retail media networks, which leverage display ads as a part of promoting products within e-commerce environments. 

Although many within our industry point to low click-through rates on display ads as evidence that they do not “work,” this is an oversimplification of where display advertising can and should fit within the broader advertising ecosystem. Reasons display ads continue to be effective for brands and agencies include the following:

• Brand Awareness: Display ads are highly scalable and can reach a broad audience, increasing brand visibility and recognition, even among users who might not immediately convert.
• Targeting Capabilities: Modern display advertising platforms offer advanced targeting options, allowing advertisers to reach people based on specific demographics, interests, and behaviors — and even to retarget users who have previously interacted with their websites or apps. 
• Cost-Efficiency: Display advertising can be cost-effective, especially when compared to traditional advertising channels like TV or print. Advertisers can control their budgets, set bidding strategies, and allocate resources to campaigns that generate the best returns.
• Complementing Other Marketing Channels: Display advertising can work in concert with other marketing channels, such as search advertising, social media marketing, and content marketing. When integrated into a holistic digital marketing strategy, display ads reinforce messaging and improve overall campaign performance.

While the effectiveness of display advertising can vary based on campaign strategy and industry, its adaptability, targeting capabilities, and potential for brand building continue to make it a valuable component of modern marketing efforts. 

Examples of Display Ads

Skyscraper Ad

Here is an example of a 160×600 ad unit, also known as a skyscraper or super skyscraper ad. This unit appears on the side of a web page or content piece. Advertisers can use this ad size to engage audiences as they scroll down a page.

Banner Ad

This ad unit is 728 pixels wide and 90 pixels tall (728×90) and is one of the most common banner ads because of its usual placement. It is typically found at the top of a web page or content, enabling advertisers to immediately capture audience attention.

Medium Rectangle

The medium rectangle, which is 300 pixels wide and 250 pixels tall (300×2500, is arguably the most popular ad unit as it can be leveraged across desktops and mobile devices. Because of its size and shape, the medium rectangle can be embedded within content, allowing advertisers to drive impressions while audiences are actively engaged with content.

Mobile Standard

This ad banner is a 320×50 and is known as a mobile standard ad unit.

What Are the Main Types of Display Ads?

Having been in existence for nearly 30 years now, you might imagine that display ads have evolved quite a bit since they first hit the scene in 1994. These days, display ads take many forms, with organizations like IAB working hard to keep pace by establishing standards for these ad units. Let’s take a look at some of the main types of display ads, how users experience them, and the benefits of each. 

Banner Ads

Banner ads are a ubiquitous presence in the digital landscape — and perhaps what advertisers most commonly think of when they hear the phrase “display ads.” These ads often appear at the top, bottom, or sides of web pages, demanding attention—and sometimes hindering the user experience. However, it’s important to acknowledge that not all banner ads are created equal.

While banner ads are often held up as the quintessential example of intrusive online advertising, they can be both informative and engaging, especially when the content is relevant to a user’s interests. For instance, a person shopping for a new laptop might appreciate a well-targeted banner ad showcasing the latest models and deals. In this way, banner ads can serve as a helpful tool for discovering products, services, or information that align with a user’s needs and preferences.

Despite their mixed reputation, banner ads offer a range of benefits for advertisers. For one, they provide a cost-effective way to reach a broad online audience and build brand awareness. With data-driven targeting strategies, marketers can ensure their ads are seen by the right audience, maximizing the return on investment. Banner ads also allow for creative flexibility, enabling marketers to convey their brand message through visuals, text, and multimedia elements. Furthermore, they facilitate tracking and measurement of ad performance, providing valuable insights into user engagement and conversion rates. 

Retargeting Display Ads

Retargeting display ads, often referred to as remarketing ads, is a type of online advertising that targets users who have previously interacted with a website or online content but did not complete a desired action, such as making a purchase or filling out a form. These are the ads that famously “follow” people around the internet based on their activity. For this reason, they represent a bit of a polarizing topic. On one hand, retargeting ads can serve as helpful reminders, gently nudging users towards completing a purchase they may have abandoned or prompting them to revisit a site they’ve previously shown interest in. However, for some, this constant presence of retargeting ads can feel invasive and even creepy, as it can give the impression that their online activities are being closely monitored. Striking the right balance between reminding users of their interests and respecting their privacy is crucial for the success of retargeting campaigns.

Despite mixed perceptions of retargeting ads, they do offer substantial benefits for advertisers. As display ads go, they are particularly effective in converting prospects into actual customers, as they target individuals who have already shown an interest in a product or service. By focusing resources on a warm audience that is more likely to convert, they deliver a higher return on investment than traditional display ads. 

Native Ads

Native display ads provide a distinct and often more seamless experience for users compared to banner ads and other traditional display ads, which typically appear around the content a user is seeking. Native display ads are designed to blend in with the content and style of the website or platform on which they appear, making them less obtrusive. 

By seamlessly integrating with the surrounding content, native ads can enhance user engagement and generate higher click-through rates. They also have the potential to improve brand perception, as they are typically more informative than traditional display ads. Additionally, native advertising can provide valuable storytelling opportunities, allowing brands to communicate their message in a contextually relevant and engaging way. 

Social Ads

Social display ads, as the name suggests, are integrated into the user experience on social media platforms. They might appear around a user’s social feed, or even directly in it. These ads are typically targeted based on a user’s interests, demographics, and online behavior, which means users are more likely to see content that aligns with their preferences. 

These ads provide an effective way to reach a highly targeted audience, leveraging the extensive user data and demographic information available on social media platforms. Additionally, social display ads often offer interactive elements, such as “Shop Now” buttons or forms for lead generation, which can drive direct conversions. 

Video Ads

Video advertising can take many shapes, including within the context of a display ad. Banner-style ads that contain video are eye-catching and enable brands to enhance their storytelling and get greater mileage out of their branded video assets. In general, video is a highly engaging medium that can convey complex information and evoke emotions effectively. In the context of a display ad, however, it must be used wisely, given the limited attention users are often willing to give to display ads appearing outside the content they’re consuming. 

Discovery Ads

Discovery Ads are a form of display advertising that enables brands to reach a wide audience across Google-owned properties and partner platforms like Google Discover, YouTube, and Gmail. These ads leverage machine learning and user data to provide personalized content recommendations, making them highly relevant to individual users based on their interests and online behavior. 

What Are the Key Components of Display Ads?

While display ads can take many forms and appear in many different places, they typically contain three core elements: 

1. Visuals

The goal of a display ad is to capture a user’s attention, even though they’ve come to a web page with a separate purpose in mind. Thus, compelling visuals are key. That said, standard display ad sizes, as defined by the IAB, vary greatly, meaning advertisers must be discerning in terms of how much they try to accomplish within the space they have. Core concepts to keep in mind include: 

• High-Quality Imagery: Use high-resolution images or graphics that are clear, sharp, and visually appealing. Blurry or pixelated visuals can make your ad appear unprofessional.
• Relevance: Ensure that the visuals directly relate to your product, service, or message. The imagery should immediately convey what the ad is about and capture the viewer’s attention.
• Consistency: Maintain a consistent visual style and branding across all your ad creatives. This helps build brand recognition and trust.
• Simplicity: Keep the design clean and uncluttered. Too many elements or a busy layout can confuse viewers and detract from the message.

2. Copy

While visuals get noticed first, copy represents the meat of the ad. If you’re lucky enough to have a user notice your ad, make sure the copy is compelling, adheres to your brand promise, and effectively guides them to your call to action. 

3. Call to Action (CTA)

A strong call to action (CTA) in a display ad is essential for encouraging user engagement and achieving your campaign objectives. Here are some examples of effective CTAs for display ads:

• Shop Now: This CTA is commonly used in ecommerce ads and encourages users to make a purchase.
• Learn More: Use this CTA when you want to provide additional information about a product, service, or offer.
• Get Started: This CTA is effective for ads promoting sign-ups, free trials, or onboarding processes.
• Book Now: This CTA is commonly used in the travel and hospitality industry to prompt users to make reservations.
• Contact Us: This CTA is suitable for businesses that want users to reach out for inquiries or support.
• Claim Your Reward: This CTA is effective for loyalty programs, rewards, or promotions.
• Get Your Deal: Also useful for e-commerce promotions, this CTA is used to highlight special offers or discounts.

What are the Benefits of Display Ads?

The display ad market can be competitive — but for good reason. Here are some of the key benefits provided by strong display ads: 

They’re Targeted

To ensure your marketing dollars are being used efficiently, you need to make sure you’re marketing to the right audience. With display ads, you can pinpoint exactly the audience you want to reach, down to even the most specific niche.

They’re Personal

Given the targeting potential behind display ads, these campaigns let you cater to your audience with personalized creative that maximizes your chance of scoring a conversion.

They Drive Brand Awareness

As marketers well know, consumers must encounter a brand’s message multiple times before it starts to sink in and move them toward conversion. Even if a user doesn’t click through to your website, display ads can put your company’s visual identity in front of enough people to have a brand-boosting impact. 

They Can Be Effectively Tracked

There’s no shortage of insight to be gleaned from a display ad campaign. If you’re running multiple campaigns, you can easily see which has been viewed the most and which has performed the best — all in real time. Such insights are invaluable to optimizing efforts not just on display ads, but also throughout an omnichannel campaign. 

How to Create a Successful Display Ad Campaign

Display ads represent a foundation of digital advertising efforts, and the best results are seen when marketers put in time and effort on developing a thoughtful strategy. It takes multiple steps and ongoing optimization to help a display campaign reach its full potential. To lay the right foundation, be sure these key steps are given proper attention: 

Define Your Target Audience — as Specifically as Possible

Defining your target audience for a display ad campaign is a crucial first step. Start by analyzing your existing customer data and market research to identify demographics, interests, behaviors, and pain points. Create detailed buyer personas representing your ideal customers, taking into account factors like age, gender, location, income, preferences, and online habits. Consider your product or service’s unique selling points and tailor your messaging to address the specific needs and aspirations of your target audience. 

Outline Your Campaign’s Goals and Budget

When planning your display ad campaign, setting clear goals and budget parameters is essential. Begin by defining your campaign objectives, whether it’s increasing brand awareness, driving website traffic, boosting sales, or achieving a specific conversion rate. Once your goals are established, allocate a budget that aligns with your objectives and the expected costs of reaching your target audience effectively. Consider factors such as ad spend, creative production costs, and any associated expenses. By regularly monitoring your campaign’s performance against these goals and budget, you can make necessary adjustments and optimize your ad spend in real time for the best results.

Craft Compelling Creative

Crafting compelling creative for a display ad campaign is essential for capturing audience attention. Start by creating visually striking imagery or graphics that align with your brand identity and campaign objectives. Use concise, persuasive copy that communicates a clear and enticing message, and be sure to highlight unique selling points, offers, or benefits to grab viewers’ interest quickly. Incorporate a strong CTA that guides users on what action to take next, and ensure that the creative elements are responsive to different screen sizes and devices to guarantee a seamless user experience. By then A/B testing various ad creatives, you can identify which visuals and messaging resonate most effectively with your target audience.

Display Advertising: A Valuable Approach to Driving Consumer Engagement

A lot of work goes into a strong display advertising program. Anything less will result in not only poor performance but also wasted ad spend. But now that you understand how to best leverage your display assets to capture attention and drive engagement, you’re ready to launch a winning campaign. 

Check back with Digilant regularly for additional content and insights that can help you make the most of your budget and creative assets.

Welcome back to our journey through the evolving digital advertising landscape as we venture towards a cookieless future. Following our initial exploration into the background and the impending shift away from third-party cookies, which you can revisit here, our second episode, “Mastering First-Party and Zero-Party Data” delves into practical strategies and solutions advertisers can start leveraging as the digital ecosystem undergoes this monumental transition. Join Victoria de Leon, Director of Marketing at Digilant, along with Welsey Farris, VP of Partnerships and Sales Engineering, and Otniel Calderon, Solutions Engineer at Digitalent, as they navigate through the realms of first and zero-party data, shedding light on these pivotal assets in maintaining privacy compliance and effective consumer reach.

First and Zero-Party Data: The New Gold Standard

To set the stage for the remainder of the conversation,  de Leon level set everyone’s understanding of the topic with the question:

What is a basic understanding of first-party data?

As described by Farris, first-party data has emerged as the cornerstone of future digital marketing strategies. It encompasses data directly collected from customers by a brand or advertiser, including authenticated identifiers like emails or phone numbers, purchase data, and web behavior insights collected through a brand’s digital properties. First-party data stands out for its direct collection method, offering brands a comprehensive, owned dataset for personalized marketing initiatives.

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Zero-party data has emerged in conversations alongside first-party data, prompting de Leon to ask:

How does zero-party data differ from first-party data?

Calderon introduces us to zero-party data, a subset of first-party data characterized by the voluntary nature of its collection. This data type is proactively provided by users through interactions like surveys or questionnaires, revealing their preferences, interests, and purchase intentions. Zero-party data represents a deeper level of engagement and consent from consumers, enabling even more tailored and relevant marketing efforts.

Short on time? Tune into our podcast and master the art of first and zero-party data on-the-go, paving your way in a cookieless future.

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With everyone aligned on how first and zero-party data are defined, de Leon addresses a common misconception with these data types, asking:

Do first-party and zero-party data have to adhere to the same privacy regulations as third-party cookies?

Farris clarifies that these data types still fall under the jurisdiction of laws like CCPA and GDPR. The key distinction lies in the direct relationship between the user and the brand, offering clearer consent and data usage pathways compared to third-party cookies. Advertisers must ensure transparent data collection practices, providing users with opt-out options and respecting their privacy choices.

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For advertisers who haven’t focused on building their first-party footprint, de Leon prompted the panelists to provide tangible actions with the question:

How can advertisers focus on building their first-party data footprint?

For advertisers lacking a substantial first-party data footprint, the path forward involves engaging content creation and value exchanges. Both panelists emphasized the importance of offering users valuable content or incentives in exchange for their data, such as access to exclusive content, discounts, or membership perks. This strategy not only enriches the user experience but also paves the way for expanding an advertiser’s first-party data reservoir.

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Once the advertisers have built the footprint, de Leon questioned how that data can then be implemented with two questions: 

How is first-party data leveraged in campaigns to target consumers? What do advertisers need to be careful about when leveraging first-party data?

Transitioning into the practical application of first and zero-party data, Farris emphasizes its transformative potential across advertising platforms. He notes the crucial advantage of first-party data in enabling direct, accurate targeting and personalization, thereby ensuring a cohesive and engaging consumer journey. However, Farris also cautions advertisers about the paramount importance of adhering to privacy regulations and maintaining transparent practices with consumers. The handling of first-party data requires careful consideration to not only optimize campaign performance but also to uphold the trust and privacy of the consumer base.

Revisit Episode 1 for a foundational understanding of the upcoming changes to third-party cookies.

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T0 addresses a main concern that advertisers have in the face of third-party cookie deprecation, the panelists were asked:

Are there any tactics advertisers can take to mitigate loss in scale?

Farris emphasizes that while the transition away from third-party cookies may lead to a decrease in scale, there are several tactics advertisers can employ to counterbalance this effect. He suggests that first and zero-party data, due to their accuracy and reliability, can actually enhance campaign performance. Advertisers are encouraged to leverage these data types for more targeted and personalized marketing efforts. Furthermore, he highlights the importance of lookalike modeling as a viable strategy. By creating models based on existing first-party data, advertisers can identify new prospects that resemble their current customers, potentially mitigating the loss in scale.

Calderon adds to the conversation by underscoring the necessity of upper funnel strategies such as contextual targeting and lookalike modeling to augment first-party data pools. He points out that for sustained growth in first-party data, advertisers need to continually attract new users through effective prospecting tactics. The solvency of first-party data growth hinges on these upper funnel activities, ensuring a steady influx of new users to the site and expanding the overall reach of campaigns.

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To continue to address some of the top concerns for many advertisers, de Leon offered the panelists and opportunity to shed light on the topic with the question:

Considering the fragmented digital ecosystem, how can advertisers ensure they create a cohesive experience with their brand by leveraging first-party and zero-party data?

Both panelists acknowledged the challenges and opportunities in creating a cohesive brand experience in a fragmented digital ecosystem. With consumers interacting with brands across multiple devices and platforms, leveraging first and zero-party data becomes crucial for advertisers aiming to maintain a unified brand presence. The focus here is on utilizing these data types to deliver personalized and relevant content that resonates with consumers, regardless of the touchpoint. This approach not only enhances the consumer journey but also strengthens the overall brand experience.

The conversation also touches on the integration of first and zero-party data across different advertising channels, including digital out-of-home and connected TV. While some channels may present challenges in personalization due to the nature of their delivery, the advancement in connected TV and other digital platforms offers new avenues for leveraging first-party data to achieve a more personalized and engaging consumer experience.

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To summarize an insightful conversation, de Leon offered both panelists the opportunity to summarize thier thoughts on first-party and zero-party data with the following prompt: 

How do you think the shift to first-party and zero-party data will transform advertisers and consumer relationships? What are the top benefits of these data types?

Farris articulates that the primary benefit of shifting towards first and zero-party data lies in its future-proof nature. Regardless of the evolving digital landscape, these data types offer a consistent and reliable basis for targeting, personalization, and measurement. He posits that this shift not only ensures advertisers can continue to reach their audience effectively but also fosters a more sustainable and ethical marketing environment.

Calderson then highlights the dual benefits of this shift for both advertisers and consumers. From the consumer’s perspective, the use of first and zero-party data enables more personalized and relevant advertising, improving the overall experience with the brand. This personalization can lead to increased brand loyalty and engagement, creating a positive feedback loop that benefits both parties. Moreover, he suggests that a well-implemented strategy based on these data types can lead to a more enjoyable and meaningful interaction between consumers and brands, underscoring the value of tailored content and offers.

Embracing the Future with First and Zero-Party Data

As we conclude Episode 2 of our Countdown to the Cookieless Future, it’s clear that first and zero-party data are not just alternatives to third-party cookies; they are the foundation of a more privacy-conscious, efficient, and engaging digital advertising future. Stay tuned for our next episode, where we will delve into ID solutions, exploring the technologies and strategies that will further define our journey into a cookieless landscape.

In a landmark move, Walmart recently unveiled its agreement to acquire Vizio Holding Corp, the smart TV and software manufacturer, for $2.3 billion. This pivotal step aims to bolster the growth of Walmart Connect through Vizio’s SmartCast Operating System, signaling Walmart’s intent to deepen its engagement within the digital advertising and advanced TV ecosystem. Leveraging Vizio’s extensive reach, advanced capabilities, and valuable data Walmart will significantly enhance its advertising platform.

What Vizio’s Acquisition Means For the Advertising Landscape

This move highlights the growing importance of advanced TV platforms in the digital advertising ecosystem. As Walmart integrates Vizio’s capabilities with Walmart Connect, we can anticipate enhanced advertising solutions that leverage advanced TV’s direct engagement with consumers. This integration promises to deliver more personalized and effective advertising experiences, benefiting advertisers and consumers alike.  

However, it also prompts a larger discussion about the historical and widespread use of Vizio’s valuable Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) data. ACR technology, which allows smart TVs to identify and analyze content viewers are watching, has become a cornerstone technology for targeted advertising and content recommendations. Vizio, via its Inscape entity, has played a central role in the ACR data ecosystem as one of the primary providers of this crucial technology (alongside Samba and others).

The ubiquity of this ACR data in the market is noteworthy; virtually every Demand-Side Platform (DSP) has easy access to its data and inventory. This accessibility enables advertisers to fine-tune their campaigns with precision, reaching the right audience at the right time. However, Walmart’s recent acquisition of Vizio may prompt changes to the accessibility of ACR data for the broader digital advertising industry. 

There is a conceivable scenario where Walmart could restrict access to Vizio’s ACR data, opting to bring the valuable asset in-house. Such a move would not only reshape the competitive landscape of ACR data providers but would also pose challenges for advertisers who have relied on this data for targeted advertising—all ahead of third-party cookie deprecation, no less. 

Furthermore, Vizio’s scale has helped power existing measurement solutions in market. These entities rely on ACR data to provide advertisers with insights into the effectiveness of their campaigns, and any restriction on access could necessitate a reevaluation of their methodologies.

For digital advertisers, the evolving dynamics underscore the need for agility and adaptability. The potential exclusivity of Vizio’s ACR data under Walmart could prompt a shift in strategy, with a heightened emphasis on partnerships with other original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Advertisers must stay ahead of these changes, exploring diverse data sources ,technologies, and partners to maintain the effectiveness of their campaigns. 

Samsung: A Beacon in the Evolving ACR Landscape

While Walmart may call “lights out” on Vizio data for the rest of the industry, Samsung Ads shines brightly as a powerful alternative. As the largest TV manufacturer by market share, coupled with its ACR data, Samsung Ads stands out as a viable and potent source. Consider for instance that Samsung has more than 60 million opted-in smart TV viewers across 45 million households in the U.S.—this reach is a clear differentiator that keeps Samsung as a top provider for advanced tv and data solutions.

As walled gardens continue to grow and the industry shifts, it’s critical that advertisers work with partners that empower them with access to the inventory and data they need to reach audiences across all their favorite platforms and devices. As a Samsung partner, Digilant can continue to provide agencies access to premium ACR data and premium advanced TV inventory, enabling targeting and measurement, even in light of tremendous industry change.

Navigating the Future with Strategic Partnerships 

This acquisition marks a significant pivot in the digital advertising landscape. It solidifies the strategic positioning of advanced TV in advertising while also presenting potential ramifications for ACR data. For digital advertisers, this development demands a proactive approach, seeking innovative solutions and partnerships to navigate the shifting terrain. As the landscape evolves, the ability to adapt and leverage new opportunities will be paramount to sustained success.

The marketing industry has spilled a tremendous amount of ink discussing the ways in which artificial intelligence and machine learning are and will continue to change how marketers work, from brand strategy and creative ideation to media execution and attribution and measurement. 

But that’s missing the forest for the trees. The real shift that’s underway is far more fundamental to not just what marketers do, but how they think. In the coming years, the industry is going to pivot from being one built on “look-back” analytics to one driven by “look-forward” predictive marketing. 

That’s easy to say, but harder to fully comprehend. To grasp how artificial intelligence will change our industry (and our world), we first need to consider how human intelligence works. 

The Questions Marketers Ask Today

Human brains are amazing at predicting the future based on the past. Today, that’s how marketers are spending their time. Our industry has spent vast time and resources developing studies, thinking frameworks, and methodologies designed to figure out the most likely business outcomes based on past experiences (i.e., data). Marketers are using these approaches to answer key questions like:

• How can we get people to know and desire our brand? 

• How can we ensure that people can find our products in stores and online?

• What is the right price for our product?

• How much should we invest in this effort or campaign?

• Who should our brand target with its ads? 

• What message will convince people to purchase our product?

• What is the right media mix to reach the audiences that matter? 

In relatively short order, marketers aren’t going to have to spend their time and brain power on such questions—because AI will do it for them. 

Why AI Is Better Equipped to Answer Those Questions 

With the latest technology developments in AI, we are now reaching a point where the above predictions can be handled by artificial brains called neural networks — with similar or superior accuracy. We’re at a tipping point and about to witness a drastic change in both the marketing industry and our everyday lives. 

Why? 

Our brains are slow and get tired easily, but computers don’t.

The revolution in which machines shattered past manual work requirements due to their ability to move mountains has now come to thinking. As we harness machine thinking power, our teams will evolve and restructure around AI to optimize our businesses. The rhythm of work, once based on human thinking, will completely change. The slow iterative marketing cycle that gives teams time to gather information, analyze past results, make decisions, and implement next steps will give way to an always-on environment of micro-optimizations. Marketers will pilot important variables, spend minimal time to analyze the past, and instead focus their energy on predicting the future.

Our input and output are limited, but computers’ are not.

Humans can only read, listen to, or watch a limited amount of information as input for our thought processes. Then we have to output what we think in concepts and languages that others can understand. Ultimately, the amount of useful thinking we produce is very limited. Machines, on the other hand, can ingest, process, and implement relevant output at incredible superhuman scale and speed. 

Our memory is limited, but computer memory is not.

Humans during their very short lifespans can remember only a small amount of information and events, and without a lot of details. Because of our relatively shallow thought processes, we use conceptual shortcuts to guesstimate outcomes, whereas machines can refine the same prediction by processing very large amounts of data and computing a multitude of scenarios. 

Manpower is expensive, but computers are not.

Humans eat, sleep, get sick, and take vacations. Sometimes they even decide suddenly to spend unproductive time with their spouses and kids — or just go surfing!  We’re expensive and not always available. That’s why we should be applying the cost of human work to areas where smart automation is not an option today, such as jobs that require long strides of coherence versus short “heavy lifting” tasks. The majority of what is perceived today as high-value work — research, strategy, creativity, media planning, ad operations, reporting and analytics — will become heavily automated and quickly a commodity. Marketers will instead spend their human power on understanding, in great detail, the needs of their businesses in order to help them apply, maintain, and optimize automation in a way that avoids its danger and drives responsible and sustainable business growth.

The Questions Marketers Will Ask Tomorrow

That brings us back to the questions that absorb a marketer’s time. Today, we’re focused on questions that require us to look back in time. Tomorrow, we’ll be applying our human predictive intelligence to new questions that will allow us to predict the future, like:

• What should we automate or improve first with artificial intelligence? 

• What should we evolve (business models, teams, structures) to embrace this power?

• How can we build and refine our predictive models? 

• How do we source and leverage qualitative, affordable, and relevant data? 

• How do we do all of this in a smart, secure, responsible, and sustainable way?

What’s Holding Back This Transition from Look-Back to Look-Forward Marketing? 

This transition from look-back analytics to look-forward predictive marketing? Like winter, it’s coming. But how quickly we get there will depend on a few needed elements falling into place. 

First, let’s talk about money! Every transformation comes at a price, and jumping into the “AI-powered marketing era” is no exception. It takes training, talent, and software. For a smooth, successful transition, it is paramount to draft a realistic roadmap that prioritizes AI for operational efficiency. Doing so, you can quickly save — and loudly communicate to your organization — the amount of money you need to (re)inject in more ambitious transformative projects. It’s a great way to bring your CFO along for the ride: Test fast and small, allow imperfections on non-critical parts of the business, and learn what works.

Then, let’s remember that AI can’t learn to help you with a task if you’re not clear about what you want. That means we need to be putting effort toward training AI to think and act like a marketer. To date, very few companies in our industry have made the investment and taken the time to systematically and thoroughly solidify and document their ideal processes in a way that can be learned by a machine. 

Likewise, given the near-unlimited capacity of AI to process information and identify patterns, access to reliable data has become more crucial than ever. The art and science of sourcing great (and affordable) data and organizing it in a way that can be leveraged by AI to gain competitive advantage will be at the forefront of our industry evolution.

Over time, our industry is going to see dramatic shifts in the type of data that fuels it. AI’s ability to extrapolate the information it is fed means we’re going to become far less dependent on the personal, deterministic data of individuals. (That’s great news on the privacy front.) Meanwhile, new types of non-marketing data are going to become relevant to predicting marketing outcomes and building plans—data sets like weather, traffic patterns, local context, event schedules, and more. AI’s ability to connect dots among seemingly unconnected elements will broaden the range of what kind of data is useful for marketers. Finally, when and where we need to increase the amount of data we need, its granularity, or even close the gap on data we don’t have, we will leverage “synthetic data,” a new breed created for machines by machines to accurately match real data.

Digilant’s Role in the AI-Driven Future of Marketing 

AI capabilities continue to grow among the Metas, Apples, Microsofts, and Googles of the world. But to truly bring the marketing industry into a transparent, sustainable, beneficial AI-driven future, we need independent players, like ISPD and Digilant, to develop neutral and honest AI models that seamlessly integrate and leverage the power of our industry giants but without any bias toward specific media or publishers. It’s imperative that we ensure that data, creativity, and media directly serve clients’ best interests, brands and agencies alike. 

As a part of ISPD, Digilant’s AI-driven marketing solutions include: 

• Advanced qualitative research tools that leverage large language models (LLMs) to impersonate specific consumer personas and deep dive in their lives, behaviors, interest, and purchase decisions.
• A groundbreaking marketing intelligence platform that accurately replicates your category consumers with synthetic data to understand how your past actions contributed to your results and to inform your future decisions with forecasts.
• A new generation of brand health tracking that measures awareness, intent, and purchase at each category entry point through machine learning instead of lengthy cumbersome studies.

We’re committed to building the future of AI-driven marketing by serving as an independent, agnostic player that drives your business growth in an increasingly complex ecosystem of platforms, walled gardens, ad tech, and media. We’re excited to unlock a new path forward for marketers — one where our immense human capabilities are leveraged to their full potential, for the betterment of our brands, ourselves, and our world.

We’re excited to announce our new video series, “Countdown to the Cookieless Future,” aiming to demystify the impending shift in digital advertising due to the depreciation of third-party cookies in Chrome and outline proactive steps for advertisers.

As we embark on this journey, it’s crucial to recognize the foundational role third-party cookies have played in digital advertising and the reasons behind their phased removal. Our first episode,  “Understanding the Deprecation of Cookies and Its Implications for Advertisers,” sets the stage as Digilant’s Director of Marketing, Victoria de Leon, sits down with Digilant’s own Kyle Malone, Director of Solutions Engineering, and Otniel Calderon, Manager of Solutions Engineering, to discuss what these changes mean for advertisers and how they can adapt.

For anyone looking for a primer to better understand and navigate the post-cookie landscape, hit play on the video or check out the full recap below.

Want to tune in but short on time? Listen to or download the full episode on Spotify and get up-to-speed while you’re on the move.

The Dawn of a New Era in Digital Advertising

To set the stage for the removal of third-party cookies, Victoria de Leon covered the basics with a simple, but important question:

What is a basic understanding of third-party cookies?

Otniel Calderon elaborates on the essence of cookies, likening them to digital footprints that map a user’s journey across the internet. This tracking capability has been instrumental in enabling advertisers to deliver personalized experiences, measure campaign effectiveness, and optimize strategies in real-time. He underscores the critical junction the industry faces, propelled by technological advancements and heightened legal scrutiny, signaling a pivotal moment for evolution.

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Third-party cookies have acted as a cornerstone for targeted advertising, leading de Leon to ask:

Why is Google removing third-party cookies from Chrome?

Kyle Malone points to the growing global demand for privacy and data protection as the catalyst for change. With regulations like GDPR and CCPA setting new standards, the digital landscape is shifting towards a more privacy-conscious framework. Calderon adds that transparency has become a non-negotiable expectation among consumers, driving platforms like Google to reimagine data collection and usage practices. This transition, they argue, reflects a broader industry movement towards ethical data use, prioritizing user consent and control.

Background: A Brief History of the Cookie Depreciation

The conversation takes a step back to review the timeline of Google’s announcement and the industry’s journey towards acceptance and preparation for a cookieless future, as de Leon asks:

What is Google’s Timeline for the removal of Third-Party Cookies?

Reflecting on the initial announcement in early 2020, the panelists discuss the industry’s mixed reactions, ranging from skepticism to proactive adaptation. The slow progression towards cookie deprecation, marked by delays and uncertainty, served as a grace period for many. However, in January 2024, Google began phasing out cookies, starting with 1% of users, making the reality of a cookieless future undeniable.

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de Leon then challenged the panelist to underscore the urgency of Google’s changes by asking:

When will we see third-party cookies completely disappear?

Malone offers insights into the timeline, noting Google’s tentative deadline but also acknowledging the fluidity of these estimates. The uncertainty underscores the need for continuous adaptation and preparedness. He advocates for a proactive approach, emphasizing the importance of staying ahead through ongoing testing and learning.

Navigating the Transition: Strategies and Considerations

Knowing that the removal of third-party cookies from Chrome is underway, the conversation transitioned to actionable insights and strategies for advertisers to adapt and thrive de Leon asks:

Now that we have arrived and Google has started this process of removing third-party cookies, what should advertisers do to embrace cookie-free solutions?

Calderon highlights the urgency of adopting new strategies, citing the example of companies like Apple, which has already moved away from cookies, demonstrating significant impacts on the advertising ecosystem. The key, he suggests, is in experimentation and flexibility. Advertisers need to explore alternative data sources, such as first-party data and contextual targeting, to maintain relevance and effectiveness in their campaigns. This transition period offers a unique opportunity for innovation, pushing advertisers to develop more sophisticated and privacy-compliant methods of engaging with their audiences.

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To offer solace for those who haven’t made steps toward cookie-free advertising, de Leon prompted the panelists to offer tangible tactics and solutions with the question:

How does the industry prepare for this massive change if they haven’t already?

Malone and Calderon offer a comprehensive roadmap for advertisers, stressing the significance of first-party data, collaboration with technology partners, and the exploration of new advertising channels. They encourage a holistic view of audience engagement, moving beyond cookies to embrace a future built on transparency, consent, and mutual value exchange between brands and consumers.

The Future is Bright: Looking Forward with Optimism

The episode concludes with a message of resilience and opportunity, encouraging advertisers to focus on the future with a strategic and open-minded approach. The panelists reflect on the transformative potential of the cookieless future, envisioning a digital advertising landscape that is not only more privacy-compliant but also more innovative and effective. They underscore the importance of embracing change, testing new approaches, and remaining adaptable as the key to thriving in the evolving digital ecosystem. Watch the full video for a comprehensive exploration of the topics discussed.

Looking for more tips and solutions as we face the depreciation of third-party cookies? Check out us for the next installment in our series, where we dive into the nuances of first and zero-party data strategies. Watch Episode 2 here. 

As Mother’s and Father’s Day draw near, the advertising world buzzes with activity, aiming to tap into the sentimental value of these occasions. With individuals seeking to express their appreciation through thoughtful gifts, advertisers are presented with a golden opportunity to engage with their target audience. This surge in consumer spending behavior is a call for brands to refine and tailor their advertising strategies to meet the ever-evolving market demands effectively. 

To help, this blog offers insights into consumer behaviors, strategic digital tactics, and the creative messaging that resonates, ensuring advertisers can craft Mother’s and Father’s Day campaigns that not only engage but also convert.

Interested in our full roundup of trends and strategic recommendations ahead of Mother’s and Father’s Day? Download Digilant’s snapshot for advertisers here.

Market Snapshot: Key Figures Shaping Mother’s and Father’s Day Purchases

Before diving into the specifics, it’s essential to understand the broader landscape of Mother’s and Father’s Day shopping. The evolving consumer preferences, combined with the surge in spending, highlight the need for advertisers to be agile and informed. Crafting strategies that are both data-driven and empathetic towards the sentiments of these holidays can significantly enhance the effectiveness of marketing efforts.

Ramping Up for a Record-Breaking Year

The significance of Mother’s and Father’s Day in the retail calendar cannot be overstated. 2023 was a record-breaking year as consumers spent an average of $274.02 on a person’s gift, totaling a staggering $35.7 billion. Father’s Day wasn’t far behind, with an average spend of $196.23 per person, amounting to $22.9 billion. 

Shift in Preference Toward Personalized and Unique Gifts

Consumer preferences are evolving, with a noticeable shift towards personalized and unique gifts. For Mother’s Day, 31% of consumers planned to gift an experience, and 46% showed interest in subscription services, indicating a desire for more meaningful and enduring gifts. The top three gift categories for Mother’s Day were greeting cards, flowers, and special outings, while for Father’s Day, they were greeting cards, clothing, and special outings, highlighting the diversity in gift preferences.

Consumers Opt for Multi-Channel Shopping

Shopping habits reveal a multi-channel approach, with 34% of consumers shopping online and an equal percentage visiting department stores. Specialty stores and local or small businesses also play a significant role, demonstrating the importance of a robust presence across various channels to capture consumer interest.

The Majority of Consumers Shop Last-Minute

Procrastination in gift shopping presents a unique opportunity for advertisers. Nearly one-third of consumers shop for gifts two days before the holiday, so being top of mind through targeted advertising becomes crucial. This trend underscores the need for timely and persuasive messaging to sway decision-makers in a rush.

3 Digital Strategies to Win Mother’s and Father’s Day

1. Leverage Retail Media Networks (RMN)

Retail Media Networks offer a treasure trove of first-party data that can be instrumental in targeting Mother’s and Father’s Day shoppers. The benefits of leveraging RMNs include access to deterministic data, resilience against the deprecation of cookies, and the ability to reach consumers at various points in their online journey. Advertisers can use this data to craft messages that resonate with consumers looking for the perfect gift, ensuring that their products are front and center during the decision-making process. The measurable nature of RMNs and their accessibility for non-endemic brands mean that even companies not traditionally associated with these holidays can effectively engage potential customers.

2. Harness the Power of Robust Audience and Contextual Solutions

Understanding the audience is key to engaging Mother’s and Father’s Day shoppers effectively. By utilizing a mix of audience data (behavioral, purchase history, first-party, and location-based), advertisers can segment their campaigns to target those most likely to be in the market for gifts. Contextual targeting further refines this approach, aligning ad placements with content related to Mother’s and Father’s Day gifts, such as articles about flowers, high-tech gadgets, or wellness trips. This strategy ensures that ads are not only seen by the right people but also in the right context, enhancing relevance and the likelihood of engagement.

3. Emerging Channels & Formats

To stand out in the crowded digital space, employing innovative channels and creative formats is crucial. Advanced TV, digital audio platforms (including podcasts and streaming music), in-game advertising, and digital out-of-home mediums offer fresh avenues to capture the attention of those shopping for Mother’s and Father’s Day gifts. Additionally, dynamic creative formats, such as social CTV ads and dynamic product feeds, allow for personalized messaging that can update in real-time based on inventory data, ensuring ads remain relevant and engaging. These strategies enable advertisers to reach consumers in unexpected yet highly engaging ways, making their message more memorable.

Interested in more strategic recommendations ahead of the holidays? Download Digilant’s Mother’s Day and Father’s Day snapshot for advertisers here.

Tying it all Together for a Successful Season 

The intricacies of Mother’s and Father’s Day marketing demand a nuanced approach, blending data-driven insights with creative flair. By understanding key consumer trends and leveraging the right digital strategies, advertisers can create impactful campaigns that resonate with their audience. Whether through the precise targeting capabilities of Retail Media Networks, the relevance of audience and contextual data, or the novelty of emerging channels and formats, the opportunities to connect with Mother’s and Father’s Day shoppers are vast. 

For those seeking to elevate their marketing game, the Digilant team provides tailored solutions that harness these strategies for maximum effect. Reach out today to discover how we can help you capture the hearts and minds of consumers during these special occasions.

Throughout our three-part series to help political digital advertisers prepare for the election, we’ve explored various strategies and platforms to effectively engage with voters online. In the final installment, we’ll dive into a critical aspect (arguably, the most critical) of digital advertising: brand safety. In a landscape where credibility and integrity are paramount, it’s essential to understand the tools and techniques available to safeguard your campaign’s brand online.

Navigating Challenges in Political Digital Advertising

According to a study conducted by Integral Ad Science, approximately 73% of consumers express unfavorable sentiments toward brands associated with misinformation. Moreover, 71% of individuals encounter misleading digital content while browsing the web. These statistics underscore the critical importance of brand safety and integrity in political advertising. However, digital political campaigns face numerous challenges and risks that can compromise brand safety. These challenges include:

• Ad Fraud: The prevalence of ad fraud poses a significant threat to digital campaigns, potentially leading to wasted ad spend and damage to brand reputation.
• Inappropriate Content: Ads appearing alongside inappropriate or sensitive content can tarnish a campaign’s image and alienate voters.
• Misinformation: The spread of misinformation and fake news on digital platforms can undermine trust in political messages and erode brand credibility.

In the political arena, the consequences of brand safety breaches can be particularly severe. A single instance of ad misplacement or association with inappropriate content can erode voter trust, damage campaign credibility, and undermine the effectiveness of messaging. Therefore, political advertisers must adopt proactive measures to mitigate risks and uphold brand integrity in the digital sphere.

Download our eBook, “Beyond Linear TV: A Political Advertiser’s Guide to Reaching Voters in 2024,” for a comprehensive overview of the 2024 voter landscape and key channels advertisers can use to better reach voters.

4 Brand Safety Tools and Techniques for Political Advertisers 

For political advertisers, technologies that validate content, evaluate editorial credibility, vet authors, or verify media content before completing an ad buy on a website or web page are indispensable tools. Whether promoting a product or a politician, instilling and upholding trust is crucial to campaign success.

To mitigate these risks and maintain brand integrity online, political advertisers can leverage a range of tools and techniques:

1. Enlist Brand Safety Partners

Collaborate with brand safety partners and third-party verification services to monitor ad placements and ensure compliance with brand safety standards. These partners offer real-time monitoring and reporting capabilities to identify and address potential brand safety issues.

2. Utilize Blocklists and Allowlists

Implement blocklists to exclude specific websites, channels, or content categories that may be deemed unsafe or inappropriate for your campaign. Conversely, allowlists can be used to whitelist trusted publishers and environments where your ads are displayed.

3. Negatively Target Unsafe Keywords

Utilize negative keyword targeting to prevent your ads from appearing alongside content containing specific keywords or phrases that are deemed unsafe or irrelevant to your campaign. By proactively excluding these keywords, you can minimize the risk of ad misplacement and protect your brand’s reputation.

4. Consider Premium Ad Buys

Opt for premium ad placements on reputable and trustworthy publishers’ websites. While premium ad buys may come at a higher cost, they offer greater assurance of brand safety and quality placements, reducing the risk of ad fraud and inappropriate content adjacency.

Charting the Course Ahead: Implementing Brand Safety Measures in Political Digital Advertising

In conclusion, brand safety is a critical consideration for political advertisers operating in the digital space. By leveraging the tools and techniques outlined above, advertisers can navigate the digital landscape with confidence, safeguarding their campaign’s integrity and credibility.

As we conclude our series, we encourage readers to revisit our first blog post, “The Shift to Screens: Capturing Voter Attention in a Digital World“ for a comprehensive overview of engaging today’s voters online. For further insights and strategies, we invite you to download our ebook, “Beyond Linear TV: A Political Advertiser’s Guide to Reaching Voters in 2024,” to learn more about how we can continue to innovate and adapt as we navigate the digital terrain of political advertising.