Today, businesses looking for digital advertising platforms to launch and manage an ad campaign have access to numerous options. However, finding the best digital advertising platform for your needs and business objectives can take significant time and effort.

Discover today’s top-performing advertising platforms and find out which options and features they have to offer and why they are among the most efficient solutions today.

What Are Digital Advertising Platforms?

A digital advertising platform is an online advertising software service designed to help advertisers create, manage, and adjust digital ad campaigns. Digital advertising platforms let you choose and configure which online advertising channels, ad types, and ad creatives your campaign should use and which target audiences you wish to reach.

The Best Digital Advertising Platforms of Today

Advertisers can choose from a large selection of digital advertising platforms such as Google Ads, Facebook Ads, or other social media platforms such as Facebook. Each one offers unique features and options suitable for different types of ad campaigns. However, one of the best ways to ensure the success of an ad campaign is to partner with one of the top-performing online ad platforms. Here are today’s top digital advertising platforms for advertisers looking to start new ad campaigns.

1. Google Ads

Originally known as Google AdWords, this is a well-known top competitor for the best advertising platform in search engine results. It is now called Google Ads. The search giant’s ad platform is one of the original “Big Three” pay-per-click (PPC) digital ad platforms launched by search engine companies, alongside Yahoo and Microsoft. Today, Google Ads offers a much more comprehensive array of ad space options and features than it used to when it first launched in 2000.

As one of the most prominent and widely-used digital platforms on today’s market, Google Ads has long been a top choice for advertisers due to its commitment to integrating the latest technologies, a free and comprehensive support knowledge base, and an easy-to-use interface.

For instance, Google Ads fully utilizes new technologies and solutions, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), to power and optimize campaigns like Responsive Search Ads.

Advertisers looking to use Google Ads can launch nine types of ad campaigns, each capable of reaching worldwide audiences:

• Search Ads: Advertisers looking to showcase products or promote their brands through the world’s largest search engine can do so with Google Search Ads. This solution allows you to display ads on the search engine result page (SERP) in the promoted results section. Popular Search Ad types include Responsive Search Ads and Dynamic Search Ads.
• Display Ads: Google Display Ads are served through the Google Display Network (GDN) and can reach over two million digital properties, including websites, blogs, videos, and mobile apps. They include static, single-image ads and the more popular Responsive Display Ads (RDAs).
• Video Ads: Advertisers using video-based creatives to promote their products and services may use Google Video Ads. The platform can serve video ads in video format to numerous outlets, including YouTube, allowing advertisers to reach multiple billions of potential users.
• Google Shopping Ads: One of the functions of the Google search engine is the Shopping tab, allowing visitors to look for eCommerce offers directly from Google. Google Shopping Ads leverages this convenient feature to let advertisers and retailers promote their brands directly on Google’s Shopping search results.
• Google Smart Ads: Google Smart Ads lets small and local businesses start ad campaigns to promote themselves through the search engine giant’s networks. Smart Ads campaigns use Machine Learning technology to target audiences in the business’s geographic area. Smart campaigns are easy to set up and configure, automating the ad delivery and audience targeting processes to make creating an ad campaign as convenient to use as possible.
• Performance Max: Google Performance Max (PMax) is one of the newer types of ad campaigns available on Google Ads. Pmax allows advertisers to launch a goal-based ad campaign to access their available Google Ads inventory and reach every Google channel, from Search and Gmail to YouTube and Maps. PMax leverages AI and ML technologies to improve audience targeting and ensure advertisers can reach high-intent customers easily.
• App Campaigns: Advertisers who primarily or exclusively advertise on mobile can use Google Ads App Campaigns to promote mobile apps and games. App Campaigns use ML technologies to reach users on the Google Play Store and mobile versions of Search and YouTube.
• Discovery Campaigns: Google Discovery Campaigns are ideal for businesses targeting audiences based on relevant interest topics. This form of advertising allows an advertiser or a brand owner to reach up to 3 billion customers across multiple Google feeds and channels.
• Local Service Ads: Google’s Local Service Ads (LSAs) are primarily aimed at businesses with a local or hyper-local focus offering products or services in a designated geographic area, such as plumbers or electricians. LSAs allow these businesses to promote themselves easily to customers in their designated area, ensuring that search engine users looking for their services see these businesses appear at the top of the SERP.

2. Facebook Ads

Although the company that owns the Facebook social media platform is now known as Meta,

Both Facebook and Facebook Ads have retained their original names.

This digital advertising platform is primarily intended to target audiences as well as Facebook users, giving it a potential reach of over 2.9 billion users.

One of the stand-out features of Facebook Ads is its integration with the social media platform’s data, enabling advertisers to use highly granular audience targeting options. In other words, advertising on Facebook Ads lets advertisers target users using the same demographic criteria as those they can find on the social media site.

While advertisers can use these options to promote any brand, product, or service, Facebook Ads is a digital advertising platform particularly suited for eCommerce marketing campaigns. The high precision of the audience targeting tools is ideal for attracting high-intent customers.

Advertisers looking to use Facebook Ads can reach audiences on any of Meta’s properties, including Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, and the Meta Audience Network. Facebook ad types and formats include static images, video ads, carousel ads, slideshows, Instant Experiences (fullscreen ads), Stories ads, and Collection ads.

3. Microsoft Advertising (formerly Bing Ads)

Microsoft Advertising, also called Microsoft Ads, is the technology giant’s digital advertising platform. Formerly known as MSN adCenter, Microsoft adCenter, and Bing Ads, Microsoft Advertising is one of the “Big Three” pay-per-click (PPC) platforms, initially launched in 2006 to compete with Google and Yahoo’s equivalents.

Advertisers today may be familiar with its previous name, Bing Ads, which was the platform’s longest-lived name: in use from 2012 until a rebranding in 2019.

Partnering with Microsoft Ads allows marketers, brand managers, and advertisers to reach audiences on various Microsoft-owned digital properties, including MSN.com, AOL, Yahoo, and the Bing search engine.

According to Microsoft data, the digital advertising platform can reach over 653 million users monthly on the Microsoft Search Network and up to 250 million unique users through its display and native advertising channels.

Advertisers running campaigns with Microsoft Ads can launch various ad types grouped into four categories: Search ad campaigns, Dynamic search ad campaigns, audience campaigns, and Microsoft Shopping Campaigns. The platform supports text ads, native ads, search ads on Bing, display ads, multimedia ads, and mobile-only app install ads.

Microsoft Ads has numerous convenient features to help advertisers launch new campaigns or transition from another digital advertising platform. For instance, Microsoft Ads features a campaign importation feature allowing you to easily move your ad campaigns from Google Ads to Microsoft Ads.

The platform also features robust analytics and data reporting features, comprehensive geo-targeting functionality, and a comprehensive resource base for building engaging ad creatives.

4. Instagram Ads

Although Meta owns both Facebook and Instagram, the two social media platforms have retained separate digital advertising platforms due to their many essential differences. Consequently, the best way to advertise on Instagram is to use the dedicated Instagram Ads platform.

As a digital advertising platform, Instagram Ads leverage the same high-granularity audience targeting features as Facebook Ads toward Instagram users, allowing advertisers and marketers to reach up to 2 billion active users monthly with highly relevant ads.

The typical Instagram ad uses native advertising to reach potential customers. Ad content managed with Instagram Ads and posted on the social media platform is designed to have the same overall appearance as a standard Instagram post, the only difference is that sponsored posts have a Sponsored label identifying them as paid ads.

Instagram Ads supports eight ad formats: standard Image ads, Story ads, Carousel ads, Explore ads, Reels ads, video ads, Shopping ads, and Collection ads.

Each ad format supports a selection of goals and objectives, letting advertisers decide which aspects of their business to grow with Instagram ad campaigns. For instance, you can configure Instagram image ads to boost engagement, drive more traffic, or increase sales. The digital advertising platform also lets you configure various call-to-action (CTA) buttons, such as “Apply Now,” “Contact Us,” or “Download.”

As an additional convenience feature, advertisers and digital marketers using the Meta Ad Manager to manage ad campaigns on Facebook Ads can also access and manage Instagram Ads campaigns from Facebook’s ad manager using the same dashboard. You can also create ads through Instagram directly, making it possible to generate high-quality ad creatives that fit easily in Instagram posts.

5. Amazon Ads

Amazon Advertising, formerly known as Amazon Marketing Services (AMS), is the online eCommerce giant’s PPC digital advertising platform, initially launched in 2012.

As of April 2023, Amazon Ads is the world’s third-largest digital advertising platform, behind Google Ads and Facebook Ads.

The primary goal of Amazon Ads is to allow advertisers to promote their brands and products on Amazon, the world’s largest eCommerce platform. While the platform is available to any individual with an active Amazon Seller Central account, Amazon Ads opens its full suite of functionality to certified Amazon Vendors with active Vendor Central accounts.

Amazon Ads supports three types of ad campaigns: Sponsored Brand Ads, Sponsored Product Ads, and Product Display Ads.

• Sponsored Brand Ads, formerly Headline Search Ads, can display up to three different products in a Sponsored section of the Amazon search results page. They are highly effective for building brand awareness with potential customers as they are intended to reach shoppers near the start of their product searching process.
• Sponsored Product Ads appear among search results, displaying ads for sponsored products in the top row. Sponsored Product Ads are generated based on the shopper’s keywords, making them an ideal solution for advertisers looking to attract customers with high purchasing intent.
• Product Display Ads appear near the Add to Cart section in the bottom right corner of a product page. They typically display a single sponsored product and are intended to reach shoppers about to add a product to their cart. Product Display Ads are intended to steer customer decisions and entice them to check out your offers before adding items to the cart.

6. TikTok Ads

Although TikTok was launched in September 2016, making it one of the youngest social media and digital advertising platforms on the market, its audience grew to exceed 1 billion active users monthly. Part of TikTok’s meteoric success is due to its digital advertising platform, TikTok Ads.

While advertising space on TikTok is a relatively simple process, this digital ad platform offers unique ad formats and types that no other platforms provide.

As a short-form video-sharing application, all ads on TikTok revolve around the video content posted. Ad types include In-feed ads, Brand Takeover ads, Branded Hashtag ads, Branded Effects ads, TopView ads, and Spark Ads.

• In-feed ads are TikTok’s equivalent of native ads. They showcase personalized selections of sponsored video content on users’ For You feed.
• Brand Takeover ads are highly competitive full-screen ads that can display static images or video creatives. Only one brand can use Brand Takeover daily, increasing exclusivity and engagement.
• Branded Hashtag ads, also called Branded Hashtag challenges, are unique ads inviting TikTok users to participate actively in a brand’s advertising effort. They typically feature games or challenges featuring a particular brand or product, encouraging users to create content around a specific theme.
• Branded Effects ads allow advertisers to design ad creatives with TikTok filters, which other users can integrate into their content. A Branded Effect can last up to 10 days and may significantly boost user engagement and brand awareness.
• TopView ads are displayed to users who open the app for the first time during the day. They contain longer ad creatives, up to 60 seconds long, offering advertisers opportunities to tell stories or showcase products in a longer format.

7. Taboola

Taboola is a digital advertising platform specializing in content discovery. Taboola can reach up to 1 billion web users with over 360 billion content recommendations monthly, making it the world leader in digital content discovery platforms.

Ads served through Taboola can be seen on various high-profile websites in numerous languages, including Bloomberg, NBC News, MSN, The Independent, Le Figaro, and the Weather Channel. Consequently, advertisers partnering with Taboola can showcase their products and services online to an engaged worldwide target audience.

When creating a new ad campaign on Taboola, the platform lets you choose from five possible marketing goals, tailoring your campaign to your needs. For example, you can configure your Taboola campaign to boost online purchases, increase your website traffic and engagement, generate more leads, increase brand awareness, or incite users to install a mobile app.

Taboola’s audience targeting tools are designed to be as precise as possible. Advertisers can target users by geographic area (filter by country, postal code, city, state, or region), platform (desktop, mobile, or tablet), Internet connection type (wired or wireless), operating system, and web browser.

The digital advertising platform also includes comprehensive brand safety settings, including options to block specific sites from displaying your ads.

8. BidVertiser

BidVertiser was founded in 2003, making it one of the oldest players in the digital advertising industry. This 100% self-serve digital ad platform serves over 80,000 clients worldwide and can reach audiences in 196 countries. Advertisers that partner with BidVertiser can bid on over 3 billion ad impressions daily from reputable worldwide publishers, and the platform claims over 1.5 million monthly conversions.

BidVertiser is known in the digital advertising industry as a fully self-serve demand-side platform (DSP), giving advertisers and brand managers complete control over their digital advertising campaigns and how their brand is presented. The platform features an extensive suite of ad campaign management and automation tools, allowing businesses and companies to run fully-automated ad campaigns regardless of their budget.

BidVertiser supports numerous ad types and formats. The most popular options are native ads, push notification ads, pop-unders, slider ads, and desktop and mobile XML feeds.

Additionally, BidVertiser’s audience targeting parameters are robust and highly comprehensive, allowing advertisers to target audiences by geographic area, operating system, device type, browser, mobile carrier, and internet service provider (ISP). Advanced targeting options, such as IAB categories, time of day, and contextual targeting, are also available.

9. AdRoll

AdRoll is another early player in the digital advertising industry, founded in 2006. This California-based digital advertising platform is primarily aimed at eCommerce marketers and brand managers.

The platform offers a powerful campaign management platform suitable for businesses of all sizes. Over 120,000 brands have used the platform to boost revenue and meet their business objectives, boasting a return on investment (ROI) of $3 to $10 for every $1 spent.

AdRoll can serve four categories of ads: web ads, social ads, native ads, and video ads.

• Web ads include static and dynamic banners, HTML5-powered banners, and in-banner video ads.
• Social ads are designed to appear on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram and include single-image static ads, carousel ads, dynamic ads, and out-stream video ads.
• Native ads can be either static or dynamic and are intended to blend into the publisher’s content. Both types typically feature large-format creatives with minimal text.
• Video ads served through AdRoll may feature up to 1 GB file sizes. Although any duration from 1 second to 30 minutes is supported, the platform recommends a creative length of 30 seconds for maximum impact and engagement.

10. BuySellAds

BuySellAds is a PPC digital advertising platform with a unique value proposition: a real-time ad inventory marketplace, allowing advertisers to instantly buy quality spaces from premium publishers and boost fill rates.

Advertisers on the BuySellAds digital advertising platform can create and manage many ad types. You can choose from more common ad types, such as native ads, display ads, and sponsored content, to more specialized forms of your advertising online, such as podcast ads and email newsletter ads.

While the platform’s dashboard and features are designed for ease of use, advertisers who need help setting up and managing campaigns can access BuySellAds’s dedicated support team, maximizing campaign management efficiency.

11. Twitter Ads

Twitter Ads is the leading solution for advertisers looking to showcase their brand and products on Twitter, the world’s most well-known microblogging platform and one of the top social media sites.

Advertising with Twitter Ads is an opportunity to reach a target audience of up to 450 million active users monthly with high engagement rates. Although ads served on Twitter are less frequent or visible than equivalents on other major social media ad networks, they generate less “ad fatigue,” resulting in higher viewer interest and more effective ad campaigns.

Twitter’s digital advertising platform offers seven Twitter ad formats unique to the network, offering advertisers numerous ways to have social media ads reach its highly engaged members. They include Promoted Ads, Follower Ads, Twitter Amplify, Twitter Takeover, Twitter Live, Dynamic Product Ads, and Collection Ads.

According to Twitter statistics, advertisers that use at least 3 of their unique ad formats to promote their sponsored brands, products, or services benefit from 20% higher campaign awareness and 7% more purchase intent.

Build and Manage Your Advertising Campaigns with CodeFuel

Starting a new advertising campaign with the digital advertising platform of your choice is typically a simple process. However, defining your goals and continuously building, managing, and optimizing your campaign requires attention and proper resource management.

The best way to ensure your ad campaign performs as expected and reaches your business objectives is to partner with CodeFuel. Our team can help you through the processes of managing and optimizing your ad campaigns, regardless of the digital ad platform you choose. Contact us today to get started.

If you regularly use mobile games and applications, you may have seen the term “push notifications” mentioned. This unique user notification technology, once considered revolutionary when first released in 2009, is now a staple of the mobile and desktop landscapes. 

Learn the definition, history, and specifications of push notifications and why they are a crucial tool for app publishers and marketers.

Essential Definition of a Push Notification

A push notification is part of web push notification technology. Push notifications technology is an online communication type of protocol. Push notifications and technologies are used in online marketing and online communication, where push message requests are not sent by the server. A typical example of web push notifications technology used in smartphones is instant messaging.

Push technology contrasts with its more common equivalent, pull technology or client pull, which is primarily used in traditional web pages. For instance, a website only sends information to the client when the client requests it from the server hosting the website.

Instead of a client pulling data or messages from a server, push technology allows servers to send data directly to clients without an initial request.

Push notifications apply push technology to send messages directly from a central server to a user’s device. Typically, push notifications are sent to mobile devices, where they appear in the device’s top banner, in the notification center, or on the lock screen. However, some types of push notifications can instead be sent through web browsers, making them compatible with a mobile device and a desktop device.

Brief History of the Push Notification

While desktop push notifications technology work and date to the early 2000s, with the introduction of push email notifications for BlackBerry mobile devices, these services were in their infancy. They did not offer the same degree of functionality as modern desktop push notifications do.

1. Apple Integration 2009

Apple implemented the first modern push notification system in June 2009 with the introduction of the Apple Push Notification Service (APNS). It was one of the new features introduced in the latest version of Apple’s iOS operating system, iOS 3.0. Alongside applications, Apple devices extensively used push notifications to communicate with users and enhance user interactions with their mobile ecosystem.

2. Google Cloud Messaging 2010 & Google’s 2013 Revolution

Google released an equivalent service in 2010 with Google Cloud to Device Messaging (C2DM), allowing owners of Android devices to receive push messages and push notifications similar to what iOS users could see.

While Apple made push notifications mainstream, Google was responsible for revolutionizing them and turning them into fully interactive elements. In May 2013, Google introduced rich notification technology. Previous-generation push notifications only supported text, whereas rich notifications supported images and action buttons, significantly enhancing their functionality.

Examples

An example application of the new possibilities offered by rich notifications is music players. A rich notification can display a player’s current song, album cover, and seek bar, whereas the action buttons can perform standard media player tasks (pausing, playing, and skipping tracks).

All these functions are accessible without switching the screen to the application, making it possible for new users to control the player directly from the notification.

Today, push notifications are more than just a notification system. They permanently change how smartphone users interact with their favorite devices. With the introduction of web-based push notifications, the technology became independent of operating systems and could even work on desktop devices.

Different Types of Push Notifications

Although multiple types of mobile push notifications and desktop push notifications are available, most can be grouped into two categories: app-based and web-based.

1. App-Based Mobile Push Notifications

An app-based push notification comes from an application installed on a user’s mobile device. It informs users about events, messages, deals, and other information through that application.

Most app-based receive push notifications that are opt-in call-ins, meaning the user has toggled an option to receive specific information from the application. This measure helps avoid spamming users with excessive notifications and ensures the ones users do see are as relevant to their interests as possible.

Application-based push notifications can use the mobile environment to their advantage to increase the relevancy of the information provided. Frequently used examples of mobile app push notification functionality include:

• Application update notifications: One of the most straightforward types of push notifications is alerts notifying one of the user’s apps is ready for an update, complete with an action button or a redirect to install it. Expanding the notification window may allow the user to learn about the new features in the update.
• Time-sensitive notifications: Applications that report information that could change a user’s daily plans may employ push notifications to issue alerts and news within a short time frame (e.g., 1 to 5 hours). A typical example is traffic applications reporting on accidents or roadworks on local highways.
• Personalized notifications: One of the top benefits of push notification technology is the possibility for app developers to tailor the content of the notices to each user. A personalized notification does just that: reporting news or updates based on user preferences. For example, a video-on-demand application may issue alerts for new episodes of the user’s subscribed shows and avoid sending notifications for shows the user doesn’t watch.
• Reminder notifications: Numerous mobile applications come with built-in reminder features. Some are dedicated reminder applications, providing users with reminders and to-do schedules. A reminder notification sends the user a message at precise times based on their input, helping them remember tasks or actions they must do at the correct time. A variant of the reminder notification is the user subscription notification, which issues a user-specified alert when an event is happening or about to begin instead of a specified time.
• Location-based notifications: This type of notification functions when the user’s location is known, such as with GPS on. Apps designed to use these notifications read the user’s current geographic location to send users location-specific messages. Common examples include promotional deals and suggestions from the app developer’s partners in that geographic area.

2. Web-Based Push Notifications

Web-based push notifications do not use a mobile app to deliver messages, updates, or information to users. Instead, servers push notifications through web browsers.

While the functionality of web-based push notification and notification services offer notifications isn’t as comprehensive as app-based ones, they have a potentially wider reach, as both desktop and mobile device users can receive them. Additionally, web push notifications can be highly personalized, enhancing user experience and ensuring the relevancy of the information provided.

Developers and publishers can use multiple types of web-based push notifications to inform users and potential customers. Although web-based notifications are primarily found on eCommerce websites, developers can implement them on any website for virtually any purpose.

Common examples of web push notifications include:

• Social proof notifications: This type of notification is typically patterned after a pop-up or toaster notification in the browser’s corner. It informs users of specific actions other website users just performed, such as when a customer purchased a product or a reader left a blog comment or a product review.
• Promotional notifications: Although primarily employed on eCommerce platforms, a web-based promotional notification is a versatile method of informing users of ongoing events and deals, such as time-limited promotions or coupon codes.
• Inventory stock notifications: Although this is another type of notification mainly used by eCommerce websites, they can provide critical information to users and incite them to make a purchase or complete a conversion. For example, an inventory stock notification can inform users that an item they’ve browsed before is running out of stock. Variants can also notify users when an item on the wishlist is back in stock.
• Informational notifications: An informational notification is a notification from a specific website that the user can read even when no active tabs or windows are currently displaying that website. Social media platforms and utilities such as Google Calendar are the most well-known users of this type of notification.
• Live chat/chatbot notifications: Many websites today employ chatbots or live-chat systems to provide visitors with text-based, instant-messaging assistance. These chat systems use web-based push notifications to announce themselves to the user. When expanded, they turn into chat windows, providing users access to instant support.
• Abandoned cart push notification:

Common Uses for Push Notifications

Whether served in mobile apps or web-based environments, all types of push notifications share the same traits: They are designed to capture the user’s attention and convey a small amount of critical information. Consequently, they are ideally suited for many specific applications, from user retention and marketing strategies to more informational purposes, such as government alerts or security.

1. User Retention

Push technology keeps the server side (e.g., the developers or publishers of an application) in control of the messaging delivered to the clients (users, customers). Seeing and interacting with a notification are reliable methods to ensure users continue interacting with your app or website and remain active.

However, implementing a push notification system isn’t enough to increase user retention. Publishers and developers must be careful not to spam users with too many notifications or messages. Excessive notifications may create an inverse effect and incite users to mute them, uninstall the app, or avoid browsing the website or digital property.

The best way to ensure maximum user retention is to provide the app user with a degree of control over the notifications with granular notification options. For example, many applications categorize notifications into types and groups, letting users toggle each type on or off at their convenience. These options allow app users to tailor the notification system to their preferences, boosting user experience.

2. Marketing

Numerous commercial applications have leveraged the capabilities of push notifications for marketing purposes. They provide eCommerce platform owners with a direct line to their customers. However, most customers are discerning and react negatively to generic marketing and push notification campaigns. For these reasons, the effectiveness of a push notification campaign for marketing directly depends on how personalized the content of each message is.

One of the most common methods eCommerce platforms employ is collecting user data, such as purchase history, product page browsing history, and other behavioral information, to determine the customer’s affinity toward specific products or product categories.

According to a study published by Econsultancy, proper use of personalization increases notification opening rates by up to 800%, making it critical for user engagement.

Other useful push notification marketing tools and strategies include the following:

• Showcasing new content or products based on the user’s preferences and viewing history
• Alerting users of abandoned carts, especially when one of the items in the cart is on sale or part of a deal.
• Collect time-based behavioral data to detect the user’s active hours and limit sending notifications to the most active ones, ensuring users aren’t disturbed by notifications at the wrong times (e.g., at night while the user is likely asleep).

3. Government and Civic Utilities

Non-commercial entities, such as governments, state organizations, and civic utility agencies, can also send critical alerts and messages through push notifications.

Most government and civic send push notifications that are issued at the local level on a geographic basis, typically used to inform members of a local community of important events or projects in the area. Push notifications are also a powerful tool to deliver messages from a regional or national warning system, such as the Emergency Alert System in the United States.

Typical examples of government and civic utility push notifications include:

• Severe weather alerts
• Natural disaster alerts
• Power outages
• Local traffic alerts
• Road closures
• Missing person alerts
• Other local safety alerts

Security and Multi-Factor Authentication

App developers can help users bolster account security through push notifications with Push Notification Authentication (PNA). The role of PNA is to serve as a critical part of a Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) system by informing a user whenever authentication is being attempted on one of their accounts.

Under normal circumstances, when a user tries logging into an account protected with MFA, the login portal will ask them to submit a secret code after entering their username and password. The code is delivered via push notification to a secure device (typically the user’s mobile phone), reinforcing account security.

If an illegitimate authentication attempt were to happen, the secret code push notifications serve as a warning system, informing users that their login details may have been compromised. This approach to security provides users with enough time to make necessary changes (e.g., changing their passwords) and helps ensure their accounts remain safe from bad actors.

Benefits of Push Notifications

Push notification technology is essential to the modern online landscape. Although they are typically associated with mobile devices, push notifications are integral to both desktop and mobile and offer the same benefits to marketers, developers, and publishers.

• Easy to implement: Whether you need a website or a mobile application push notification system, most SDKs offer tools and resources to implement and configure one quickly and efficiently.
• Increased user engagement and retention: Push notifications are a proven technology, particularly when the notifications served are helpful and relevant to your user base. Proper implementation of a push notification system for your digital property can significantly boost engagement and retention rates.
• Efficient user segmentation tool: Personalization is critical to the success of a push notification system. Segmentation tools (e.g., geographic, demographic, device and OS, behavioral) are essential to ensure your notifications provide the most relevant messages. Consequently, you can measure the efficiency of your segmentation strategy by analyzing responses to your notifications.
• Increased conversion rates: If implemented correctly and if your digital property’s business objectives are focused on conversions, the increased engagement rates of your push notification strategy will translate into higher conversion rates.
• Cross-platform support: Developers and publishers looking to maximize reach can use cross-platform web-based push notifications to ensure users are notified, regardless of their device. This technology is supported by all major web browsers on current operating systems (Windows, macOS, Android).

Boost User Retention and Engagement with CodeFuel

While implementing a push notification system is relatively simple, ensuring it is properly configured to deliver high-relevancy, personalized messages to your user base can be challenging.

Don’t go at it alone and risk losing customers. Instead, contact CodeFuel’s team of web and mobile marketing experts. We have the resources and experience to fine-tune your push notifications strategy and maximize your reach and target audience. Learn more about our services today.

Although newer and more dynamic forms of advertising have become dominant formats of the digital advertising landscape, banner ads haven’t disappeared yet. They remain one of the most common ways for brands, marketers, and advertisers to promote their products and services online.

An essential element to the success of a digital banner ad campaign is the banner size. Choosing the correct ad size for your needs is critical to attracting the highest number of clicks.

What is Banner Advertising?

Banner advertising uses digital banners comprising static or dynamic images containing ads promoting various products and services. These banners are displayed on websites, apps, blogs, and other digital properties. When viewers click on the banner ad, it typically redirects them to the advertiser’s site or product page, inciting them to complete a desired action, such as purchasing a product.

Banner advertising is the oldest form of digital online advertising. The first banner ad is the well-known “You Will” AT&T banner, first displayed on Wired Magazine’s first website (hotwired.com) in October 1994. Since then, it has become one of the dominant forms of advertising of the early Internet.

Is Banner Advertising Still Relevant?

Although more modern forms of advertising have been introduced and become more common than banner ads, such as pay-per-click (PPC) or video ads, banners are still commonly used to promote products and services online.

Well-designed banner ad campaigns continue to attract significant traffic with high intent and engagement rates, pulling high click-through rates (CTR). According to Statista, worldwide spending on banner advertising is projected to reach over $161 billion at the end of 2023, with an annual growth rate of 6.35%.

Advertisers looking to launch new ad campaigns today may still obtain positive results with banner advertising, provided they are correctly managed and configured.

Standard Banner Ad Sizes on Google Ads

Google Ads can display banner ads on desktop and mobile. Banner ads served through Google Ads must feature a file size of 150 KB or less and must use images in GIF, JPG, or PNG format.

GIF format ads may be animated but must follow Google’s limitations: no more than 30 seconds long with a maximum framerate of 5 FPS. Looping animations are allowed, but animations must stop after 30 seconds.

Standard sizes are categorized into four groups: squares and rectangles, skyscrapers, leaderboards, and mobile-specific banners.

Google Square and Rectangle Ad Sizes

Google Skyscraper Ad Sizes

Google Leaderboard Ad Sizes

Google Mobile Ad Sizes

Standard Banner Ad Sizes on Instagram Ads

Instagram ad creatives featuring standard banners can be found in the following categories: Single Image Ads, Carousel Ads, Stories Carousel Ads, Slideshow Ads, and Stories Image Ads. 

All Instagram Ads featuring static images must be in either JPG or PNG format, with a maximum file size of 30 MB.

Standard Banner Ad Sizes on Facebook Ads

Facebook’s recommended sizes for banner ads on the social media platform are similar to those of Instagram due to Meta owning both platforms. As with Instagram, the allowed image file types are JPG and PNG, and the maximum allowed file size is 30 MB.

Standard Banner Ad Sizes on Microsoft Ads (formerly Bing Ads)

Microsoft Ads, formerly known as Bing Ads until 2019, lets advertisers pick from a wide selection of banner sizes to promote products and services. Not all ad sizes may be available at all times; availability primarily depends on their placement.

Regardless of the size selected, all images submitted for use in banner ads must meet Microsoft’s stringent standards. For instance, blurry, fuzzy, or low-resolution images may not be approved, and advertisers may not use old, outdated, or mismatched logos. Accepted file formats include JPG and PNG.

What Are the Most Popular Banner Sizes Today?

Choosing the correct banner sizes for your ad placements plays a significant role in your campaign’s success. Every environment, whether websites, apps, blogs, or eCommerce platforms, requires advertisers to choose banner sizes carefully.

They must also ensure mobile versions of these digital properties have their own banner sizes, as mobile screen sizes have different resolutions, changing the requirements for a successful banner-based ad campaign.

Some of the most popular banner sizes across all sites and platforms include standard banners, standard leaderboards, large leaderboards, squares, inline rectangles, large rectangles, skyscrapers, large skyscrapers, and mobile leaderboards.

468 x 60 – Standard Banner

The 468 x 60 standard banner, also simply known as the banner, is the original format used for digital ad banners since the 1990s. Although the banner was initially meant for use at the top of web pages, the higher resolutions of modern screen sizes have changed the standard banner’s role and allowed it to become more versatile.

728 x 90 – Standard Leaderboard

Leaderboard banners are designed to attract the viewer’s attention. When placed at the top of a web page, it is usually among the first elements a viewer sees, ensuring impressions and increasing the chance of a click.

970 x 90 – Large Leaderboard

The large leaderboard banner size is relatively new, first introduced and standardized by the IAB in 2013. However, it is taller than its standard counterpart, allowing it to fill more space on modern desktop screen sizes.

250 x 250 – Square

This banner size is among the most versatile, as advertisers can use its desktop and mobile digital properties. While they are less commonly used today on desktop sites, square ads are popular in mobile advertising due to taking more relative screen space.

300 x 250 – Inline Rectangle

The inline rectangle also called the medium rectangle, is among the highest-performing banner sizes across all ad platforms. Typical placement for this banner type is in between content or on the margins. Inline rectangle banners perform well on desktop and mobile sites, making them highly versatile.

336 x 280 – Large Rectangle

A large rectangle banner typically offers similar benefits and performance to the standard inline rectangle but provides slightly more space. The extra space allows advertisers to show larger or more complex ad creatives.

120 x 600 – Skyscraper

These banners are designed for vertical placement, including the margins or the sidebars of a web page. Viewers experience skyscraper banners while scrolling through content, ensuring they see the ad for longer timeframes.

300 x 600 – Large Skyscraper

Also known as half-page ads, large skyscrapers offer a wide area for ad creatives, functioning as a hybrid of the standard skyscraper and the large rectangle banners.

320 x 50 – Mobile Leaderboard

Today, most Internet traffic comes from mobile devices. Because of this, the 320 x 50 mobile leaderboard is one of the most effective banner ad sizes today, bringing many of the same benefits as its standard counterpart to mobile environments. This format is primarily displayed on mobile applications and mobile versions of websites.

Get More Efficient Advertising and Monetization with CodeFuel

Regardless of the types of ads you run to advertise products and services, ensuring your ads are correctly configured and optimized is crucial to make the most of your campaign’s ad spend. 

For these reasons, CodeFuel is here to help. Our team of digital advertising and monetization experts can help you optimize your revenue channels and ensure your banner ad campaigns provide you with the best possible return on investment. Contact CodeFuel to get started.

Google Ads, formerly Google AdWords, is an online advertising platform developed by Google. It allows businesses to place ads on Google’s search engine results page (SERP), YouTube, and millions of other websites on Google’s advertising network.

Google Ads employs the pay-per-click (PPC) monetization model. Under Google PPC, advertising businesses bid on specific keywords and pay publishers for every click their ad receives.

There are several Google Ads types available for businesses to choose from, each with its unique features and benefits. There are 21 Google Ads types grouped into 9 categories: Search Ads, Display Ads, Video Ads, Shopping Ads, App Ads, Discovery Campaigns, Smart Campaigns, Local Service Ads, and Performance Max (PMax) Campaigns.

The 21 Types of Google Ads Are: 

Search Ads

1. Responsive Search Ads (RSAs)
2. Dynamic Search Ads (DSAs)
3. Call ads

Display Ads

4. Single-image display ads
5. Responsive Display Ads (RDAs)

Video Ads

6. Bumper ads
7. In-stream ads (Skippable)
8. In-stream ads (Non-skippable)
9. In-feed video ads
10. Outstream ads
11. Masthead ads

Google Shopping Ads

12. Product Shopping ads
13. Local inventory ads

Google Smart Ads

14. Smart ads

Google Performance Max (PMax) Ads

15. Performance Max (PMax) ads

Google Ads App Campaigns

16. App install campaigns
17. App engagement campaigns
18. App pre-registration campaigns

Google Ads Discovery Campaigns

19. Discovery campaigns

Google Local Service Ads (LSAs)

20. Google Guaranteed LSAs
21. Google Screened LSAs

How Google Ads are Categorized

Google offers advertisers more than 20 ways to launch ad campaigns. Each type of Google ad belongs to a different category based on the campaign type. For instance, while there are 6 different types of video ads, they all belong to the same category of Google video ad campaigns.

1. Search Ads

Search ads are the most common type of Google Ads. Google displays Search Ads at the top or bottom of its search engine results page (SERP) for users searching for specific keywords or phrases. These ads are created using text-based ads with a headline, two description lines, and a display URL.

Advertisers bid on specific keywords, and Google displays the ad when a user searches for those keywords. Search ads are a great way to target potential customers who are already searching for products or services similar to those offered by your business. They are also cost-effective since you only pay when someone clicks on your ad.

Why choose search ad campaigns:

There are several reasons why businesses might choose to run Search Ad campaigns on Google Ads. Here are some of the most common:

• Attracting high-intent traffic. Google Search Ads are shown to users actively searching for a particular product or service. This means the traffic generated from these ads is typically high-intent and more likely to convert into leads and customers.
• Precise audience targeting. Google Search Ads allow businesses to target specific keywords related to their products or services. These ads can also target audiences in specific geographic locations, languages, and device types. This level of targeting can result in higher conversion rates and a better ROI.
• Detailed analytics and insights. Google Search Ads provide comprehensive analytics and reporting, allowing businesses to track their ad performance and adjust their campaigns accordingly. This transparency and measurability make optimizing campaigns easier and generate better results.
• High flexibility. Google Search Ads offer flexibility regarding budget, ad copy, and creativity. Advertisers can adjust their campaigns in real time based on performance data and experiment with different ad formats and targeting options.
• Fast traffic and lead generation. Unlike other forms of digital marketing that can take weeks or even months to see results, Google Search Ads can generate traffic and leads almost immediately. It is an attractive solution for businesses looking to boost their online visibility and generate new business as quickly as possible.

Types of Search Ads

From call-only ads to dynamic search ads, various options are available for advertisers looking to increase their online visibility and generate new leads.

1. Call ads (Call-only ads)

• Estimated Cost: $5-$10 per click
• Target Audience: Users searching for businesses on their mobile devices and looking to reach the business directly.
• For Target Owners (Business owners): Call-only ads are an excellent option for businesses that rely on phone calls as a primary source of leads and conversions.

These ads are designed for mobile users who want to call a business directly. They are a good option for businesses that rely on phone calls as a primary source of leads and conversions.

2. Dynamic Search Ads (DSAs)

• Estimated Cost: $1-$2 per click
• Target Audience: Users searching for specific products or services related to the content on a business’s website.
• For Target Owners (Business owners): DSAs are suitable for businesses operating a large, content-rich website, as manually creating keyword lists for every page can be difficult and time-consuming.

A Dynamic Search Ad (DSA) automatically generates headlines and landing pages based on the content of a business’s website. DSAs are a good option for companies with large websites and a lot of content.

3. Responsive Search Ads (RSAs)

• Estimated Cost: $1-$2 per click
• Target Audience: Users searching for specific keywords related to a business’s product or service.
• For Target Owners (Business owners): RSAs can create multiple ad variations automatically, making them excellent for businesses looking to save time and effort.

Responsive Search Ads (RSAs) automatically create variations of the same ad using different headlines and descriptions. They are a good option for businesses that want to save time and effort in ad creation.

2. Display Ad Campaigns

A display ad campaign is a form of online advertising that allows businesses to place visual ads on various websites. These ads can appear as static images, animated GIFs, or videos. Each can be targeted to specific audiences based on measurable factors and criteria, such as demographics, interests, and browsing behavior.

Why choose display ad campaigns:

• Increased Brand Awareness: Display ads can help businesses increase their brand awareness through visual elements of their brand identity, such as logos, names, products, or colors. They are ideal for informing audiences of the existence of a brand across multiple websites. Display ads can be particularly beneficial for businesses that have just entered the market or are trying to establish themselves in a competitive industry.
• Targeted Advertising: Display ads allow businesses to target specific audiences based on demographics, interests, and browsing behavior. This level of targeting can result in higher conversion rates and a better return on investment (ROI).
• Cost-Effective: Display ads are among the most cost-effective advertising solutions, especially compared to other, more traditional advertising media like print or TV. Businesses can set their budgets and bid on ad space, making controlling ad campaign costs easier and avoiding overspending.

Types of Display Ad Campaigns

Running a display ad campaign is a powerful way for businesses to increase their online visibility and reach new audiences. There are several different types of display ad campaigns, each with its unique features and benefits. The list of Google display ad solutions includes:

4. Single-image Display Ads

• Estimated Cost: $0.10-$2.00 per click
• Target Audience: Users who are browsing websites that are relevant to a business’s product or service.
• For Target Owners (Business owners): Single-image display ads are a good option for businesses that want to showcase their products or services with a visually appealing image.

A single-image display ad is the simplest type of display ad. These campaigns display simple, static images targeting users browsing websites relevant to the advertiser’s product or service.

5. Responsive Display Ads (RDAs): 

• Estimated Cost: $0.10-$2.00 per click
• Target Audience: Users who are browsing websites that are relevant to a business’s product or service.
• For Target Owners (Business owners): RDAs are suitable for businesses looking for a cost-effective solution to create multiple ads from a bank of existing assets.

RDAs are designed to pull content from a bank of uploaded assets, such as images, text-based descriptions, logos, headlines, or video content. Google then automatically generates arrays of ads in various sizes and display formats using these assets. Like single-image ads, RDAs target users browsing websites relevant to the advertiser’s sector.

3. Video Ad Campaigns

Video ads are a popular form of online advertising, allowing businesses to showcase their products or services in a video format. These ads can be placed on various platforms, including YouTube, social media, and websites.

Why choose video ad campaigns:

Businesses may choose to run video ad campaigns for several reasons, including:

• Increased Engagement: Video ads are highly engaging and can capture a viewer’s attention more effectively than other forms of advertising. This can result in higher conversion rates and a better return on investment (ROI).
• Increased Brand Awareness: Video ads are ideal for showcasing a product or service dynamically and engagingly. The video format can help businesses increase brand awareness and reach new audiences efficiently.
• Highly Targeted Advertising: Video ads can target specific audiences based on demographics, interests, and browsing behavior. This level of targeting can result in higher conversion rates and a better ROI.
• Measurable Results: Video ads provide detailed analytics and reporting, allowing businesses to track their ad performance and adjust their campaigns for better results. This can help businesses optimize their advertising spend and achieve a better ROI.

Types of Video Ad Campaigns

Video ads are a powerful way for businesses to increase online visibility and engage with their target audience. Various options are available to companies looking to run video ad campaigns, from in-stream ads to out-stream ads.

6. Bumper Ads:

• Estimated Cost: $0.05-$0.15 per view
• Target Audience: Users watching shorter videos, such as YouTube videos or social media stories.
• For Target Owners (Business owners): Bumper ads are a good option for businesses that want to convey a concise message to their target audience, such as a new product launch or promotion.

A bumper ad delivers an engaging message to viewers in a short period, typically five to six seconds. They are non-skippable and are best suited for promoting a quick message or product offering.

7. In-feed Video Ads: 

• Estimated Cost: $0.10-$0.30 per view
• Target Audience: Users browsing social media feeds or other video content feeds.
• For Target Owners (Business owners): In-feed video ads are suitable for businesses that want to reach a broad audience with engaging video content that fits seamlessly into the user’s browsing experience.

In-feed video ads are displayed within social media feeds or other content feeds that can play video. They are designed to fit seamlessly into the user’s browsing experience and can effectively reach broad audiences, as they can appear on any user’s feed.

8. In-stream Ads, Skippable: 

• Estimated Cost: $0.10-$0.30 per view
• Target Audience: Users watching longer-form video content, such as YouTube videos or streaming TV shows.
• For Target Owners (Business owners): Skippable in-stream ads are a good option for businesses that want to reach a captive audience with a longer message but also want to preserve user experience by offering the option to skip the ad after a certain amount of time.

In-stream ads display the ad creative inside existing video content. They may play at the beginning (pre-roll), in the middle (mid-roll), or at the end of a video (end-roll).

Skippable in-stream ads let viewers skip the ad after a short period (typically five seconds) has passed. They are best suited for businesses that want to reach a high-intent audience with a longer message while preserving user experience and convenience.

9. In-stream Ads, Non-skippable: 

• Estimated Cost: $0.10-$0.30 per view
• Target Audience: Users watching longer-form video content, such as YouTube videos or streaming TV shows.
• For Target Owners (Business owners): Non-skippable in-stream ads are a good option for businesses that want to ensure the viewer sees their message. They trade some user experience for the guarantee of visibility.

Non-skippable in-stream ads are displayed the same way as their skippable counterpart. The only difference is the lack of a skip button, which ensures viewers see the ad to the end. While this option is ideal for boosting visibility, it can harm user experience, as viewers tend to find non-skippable ads intrusive or annoying.

10. Masthead Ads: 

• Estimated Cost: Varies based on platform and ad placement
• Target Audience: Users browsing YouTube or other video-sharing platforms.
• For Target Owners (Business owners): Masthead ads are a high-impact option for businesses that want to promote a major campaign or product launch.

Masthead ads are high-impact ad creatives displayed prominently on video-sharing platforms like YouTube. While masthead ad campaigns are more expensive than other video ads, they can provide significant exposure to a large audience and are best suited for promoting major campaigns or product launches.

11. Out-stream Ads: 

• Estimated Cost: $0.10-$0.30 per view
• Target Audience: Users browsing websites across the internet with video content embedded within the page.
• For Target Owners (Business owners): Outstream ads are suitable for businesses that want to reach a broad audience across the Internet with engaging video content.

An out-stream ad appears in embedded video players on various websites. Viewers must typically manually unmute the video or manually click “play,” making them slightly less effective at reaching audiences. However, they are less expensive than in-stream ads and can be a more cost-effective solution. They are best suited for businesses that want to reach a broad audience with engaging video content outside standard video-sharing platforms.

4. Google Shopping Ad Campaigns

Google Shopping is a platform that allows businesses to showcase their products in a visually engaging way to potential customers who are searching for those products. Google Shopping campaigns can help businesses increase visibility and drive traffic to their website or online store.

Why choose Google Shopping ad campaigns:

Businesses may choose to run Google Shopping campaigns for several reasons, including:

• Increased Online Visibility: Google Shopping campaigns allow businesses to showcase their products in a visually engaging way to potential customers who are actively searching for those products. This capability can increase a business’s online visibility and drive traffic to a website or an online store.
• Targeted Advertising: Google Shopping campaigns offer high-precision targeting options, allowing advertisers to reach specific audiences based on demographics, interests, and browsing behavior. This level of targeting can result in higher conversion rates and a better return on investment (ROI).
• Increased Sales and Conversions: Visually engaging product showcases allow businesses to boost sales and increase their conversion rates. Google Shopping campaigns are an efficient solution for promoting specific products or collections of products to potential customers.
• Detailed eCommerce Analytics: Google Shopping campaigns provide detailed analytics and reporting data specifically tuned for eCommerce. They allow businesses to track eCommerce-specific performance and adjust their campaigns accordingly. This can help businesses optimize their ad spend as accurately as possible and achieve a better ROI.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Google Shopping campaigns can be a cost-effective way for businesses to promote their products online, as they only pay when a user clicks on their ad. This benefit can result in a better ROI than other advertising forms.

Types of Google Shopping Ad Campaigns

There are several types of Google Shopping campaigns, each with unique features and benefits. Here is the list of Google Shopping ad campaigns:

12. Product Shopping ads: 

• Estimated Cost: $0.20-$2.
• Target Audience: Product Shopping Ads target specific audiences based on demographics, interests, and browsing behavior.
• For Target Owners (Business owners): Product Shopping Ads can help increase online visibility and drive sales by showcasing products to potential customers actively searching for those products.

A Product Shopping ad allows businesses to showcase one or multiple products within Google search results. This type of ad can display product details, images, prices, and other relevant information. Each Product Shopping ad can target specific audiences based on demographics, interests, and browsing behavior.

13. Local Inventory Ads: 

• Estimated Cost: $0.30-$1.50.
• Target Audience: Local Inventory ads can help businesses promote their in-store inventory to nearby customers searching for specific products.
• For Target Owners (Business owners): Local Inventory Ads can help businesses drive foot traffic to their physical locations and increase sales by promoting in-store inventory.

Google Local Inventory ads allow businesses to promote inventory in brick-and-mortar stores to nearby customers searching for specific products. They are an ideal option for businesses that primarily rely on sales from physical locations.

5. App Campaigns

An App Campaign is a Google Ads solution for businesses looking to promote their mobile apps to potential users across Google’s network of platforms. App Campaigns can reach audiences on Search, YouTube, and the Google Play Store. They employ machine learning (ML) technology to optimize ad delivery and targeting based on user behavior and engagement with the app.

Why choose App campaigns:

Businesses may run Google Ads App campaigns for several reasons, including:

• Increased App Installs: Businesses running an App campaign benefit from increased app installs and user base growth. These ad campaigns leverage Google’s platforms, such as Search, YouTube, and the Google Play Store, to reach audiences and attract new users.
• Targeted Advertising: Like other types of Google ad campaigns, a business running an App campaign can target specific audiences based on demographics, interests, and browsing behavior. This level of targeting can result in higher app installs and a better return on investment (ROI).
• Measurable Results: App campaigns provide detailed information and reports using mobile-optimized analytics suites. These solutions are ideal for tracking ad performance and adjusting campaigns on the fly to improve performance, optimize ad spend, and achieve a better ROI.
• Cost-Effective: App campaigns can be a cost-effective way for businesses to promote their app, as they only pay when a user installs or engages with the promoted app. This method typically results in a better ROI than other advertising forms.
• Automatic Optimization: App campaigns use machine learning to optimize ad delivery and targeting based on user behavior and engagement with the app. This feature functions automatically, helps businesses reach potential users at scale, and increase their chances of driving app installs and engagement.

Types of App Campaigns

Businesses can launch several types of App campaigns on Google Ads, including:

14. App Install Campaigns: 

• Estimated Cost: $0.50-$3.
• Target Audience: App Install Campaigns can target specific audiences based on demographics, interests, and browsing behavior.
• For Target Owners (Business owners): App Install Campaigns can help increase app installs by promoting the app to potential users across Google’s network of platforms.

An App Install Campaign is specifically designed to boost the number of app installs, making it ideal for growing the app’s user base. This campaign type promotes the app through Google’s network and encourages users to visit the app’s Play Store page.

Businesses can set a target cost per install, and Google’s machine learning technology will automatically optimize ad delivery and targeting to achieve the best results. Additionally, businesses can use deep linking to direct users to specific content within the app, such as a product page or a promotion.

15. App Engagement Campaigns: 

• Estimated Cost: $0.10-$1.
• Target Audience: App Engagement Campaigns target specific audiences based on demographics, interests, and user behavior within the app.
• For Target Owners (Business owners): App Engagement Campaigns can help businesses increase user engagement and retention by promoting the app to users who have already installed it.

App Engagement Campaigns are best suited for boosting engagement rates with an existing user base. This campaign type promotes the app to existing users and is intended to showcase new features, time-limited content, or other updates of interest for your app’s user base.

Businesses can use various ad formats, such as interstitials or video ads, to promote new features or content within the app. Additionally, businesses can set a target cost per engagement, and Google’s machine-learning technologies will optimize ad delivery and targeting based on user behavior within the app.

16. App Pre-registration Campaigns:

• Estimated Cost: $0.50-$2.
• Target Audience: App Pre-registration Campaigns target users who have shown an interest in the app but have yet to install it.
• For Target Owners (Business owners): App Pre-registration Campaigns can help businesses generate buzz and anticipation for their app before it is officially launched.

These campaigns are ideal for businesses about to launch new apps. They are designed to generate buzz and anticipation for an app before its official launch.

Businesses can use various ad formats, such as video ads or playable ads, to showcase the app’s features and benefits. Additionally, businesses can set a target cost per pre-registration, and Google’s ML technology will optimize ad delivery and targeting based on user behavior and interests.

By leveraging these different types of Google Ads App campaigns, businesses can reach potential users at various stages of the app lifecycle and drive app installs, engagement, and retention.

6. Discovery Campaigns

A Discovery Campaign is designed to help businesses reach potential customers through feeds on various Google platforms, such as Discover, YouTube, and Gmail.

These campaigns use machine learning (ML) to deliver highly targeted ads to users based on their interests, behaviors, and intent.

Why choose Discovery campaigns:

Google Discovery ad campaigns offer businesses a range of benefits, including:

• Increased Reach: Google Ads Discovery campaigns allow businesses to reach potential customers on the feed system of multiple Google platforms, including Discover, YouTube (including Home and Watch Next), and Gmail. They can help businesses expand their reach and connect with new audiences.
• Highly Targeted Advertising: Google Ads Discovery campaigns are powered using machine learning (ML) and deliver highly targeted ads to users based on their interests, behaviors, and intent. This level of targeting can result in higher click-through rates (CTRs) and a better return on investment (ROI).
• Engaging Ad Formats: Google Ads Discovery campaigns offer various engaging ad formats, including Discovery Ads, Carousel Ads, and Showcase Shopping Ads. These ad formats allow businesses to showcase their products and services in visually appealing and interactive ways.
• Cost-Effective: Google Ads Discovery campaigns can be a cost-effective way for businesses to promote their products and services, as they only pay when a user clicks on their ad. This payment method results in better average ROI than other forms of advertising.
• Automated Optimization: Google Ads Discovery campaigns use ML technologies to optimize ad delivery and targeting. These technologies automatically learn from user behavior and engagement patterns to optimize ad campaigns as efficiently and seamlessly as possible. The primary benefit for businesses is the possibility of reaching potential customers at scale and driving more conversions and sales.

Types of Discovery Ad Placements

The placement of a Discovery Ad depends on the context. Google’s machine learning (ML) algorithms detect the topics the viewer is interested in based on the content they are watching or following. It then displays a relevant ad automatically.

Discovery Ads may appear in the following Google networks:

• Gmail: Discovery Ads displayed on Gmail appear in the Promotions and Social tabs, reaching users through their email inboxes.
• YouTube: A Discovery Ad on YouTube may appear in two high-traffic parts of the site: the YouTube Home feed or the Watch Next feed.
• Google Discover: Discovery Ads may also appear in a Google Discover user’s personalized feed.

According to Google, a business leveraging Google Discovery Ads may reach up to 3 billion potential customers monthly. The ads are visually appealing, may feature interactive content, and are designed to maximize engagement. Discovery campaigns can boost a business’s click-through rates (CTRs) and provide a high return on investment (ROI).

7. Google Smart Campaigns

A Google Smart Campaign is a unique ad campaign for small businesses. Google Smart Campaigns can help a business create and run highly-targeted ads across Google’s network using technologies powered by machine learning (ML).

Why choose Google Smart Campaigns:

Smaller businesses choose Google Smart Campaigns for the following benefits:

• Easy Setup and Management: Google Smart Campaigns are designed to be easy to set up and manage, even for businesses without much experience with digital advertising. The platform uses machine learning to automate ad delivery and targeting, letting business staff focus on core business operations.
• Targeted Advertising: Google Smart Campaigns use machine learning to deliver highly targeted ads to potential customers based on their behavior and intent. These technologies help businesses achieve higher click-through rates (CTRs) and a better return on investment (ROI).
• Cost-Effectiveness: Google Smart Campaigns are relatively inexpensive, helping small businesses promote their products and services efficiently. With Google Smart Campaigns, an advertising business only pays when a user clicks on their ad, boosting the return on investment (ROI).
• Wide Range of Ad Formats: Google Smart Campaigns offer a comprehensive selection range of ad formats that may appear on Google Search, YouTube, Gmail, Maps, and other Google partners. These formats are an excellent way to reach potential customers across multiple platforms and create engagement with visually appealing ad creatives.

8. Google Local Service Ads (LSAs)

Google Local Service Ads (LSAs) are a type of ad campaign designed for local service businesses, such as plumbers, electricians, and cleaners. These ads appear at the top of Google search results when potential customers search for relevant services in their geographic area.

Why choose Google LSA campaigns:

Businesses focusing on providing local services use Google LSAs for these reasons:

• Increased Visibility: A business’s Local Service Ads will appear at the top of Google search results when potential customers search for relevant products or services in its geographic area. This campaign type is ideal for informing local users of a local business’s existence, increasing its visibility and exposure, and helping them connect with more potential customers.
• Targeted Advertising: Google Local Service Ads leverage Google targeting for ultra-local marketing. They are designed to reach highly targeted users searching for specific services in their local area. Google’s targeting capabilities help businesses boost click-through rates (CTRs) and returns on investment (ROI).
• Credibility and Trust: Google Local Service Ads require businesses to complete a verification process and meet the platform’s quality standards. LSA-approved businesses are more credible and trustworthy, giving potential customers confidence when choosing their services.

Types of Google LSAs

The two types of Google Local Service Ads are:

17. Guaranteed LSAs: 

• Estimated Cost: $5-$30
• Target Audience: The target audience for Guaranteed LSAs is users in specific geographic locations who are searching for specific services.
• For Target Owners (Business owners): By leveraging Guaranteed LSAs, businesses can increase their visibility and credibility on Google’s search results and generate more leads and customers. For business owners, Guaranteed LSAs offer a cost-effective way to promote their services and generate leads without paying for advertising that doesn’t result in actual business.

Guaranteed LSA ads appear at the top of Google search results and are reserved for businesses that meet certain eligibility requirements and have completed the verification process.

These ads are labeled as “Google Guaranteed” and offer a money-back guarantee for customers in case of unsatisfactory services. The estimated cost for Guaranteed LSAs varies depending on the industry and location.

18. Screened LSAs: 

• Estimated Cost: $5-$30
• Target Audience: The target audience for Screened LSAs is users in specific geographic locations who are searching for specific services.
• For Target Owners (Business owners): By leveraging Screened LSAs, businesses can increase their visibility and credibility on Google’s search results and generate more leads and customers. For business owners, Screened LSAs offer a cost-effective way to promote their services and generate leads in a credible and trustworthy way.

Screened LSAs are designed for businesses that have completed the verification process and passed a background check.

These ads feature the “Google Screened” label, offering potential customers an additional layer of trust and credibility. Like their Guaranteed counterparts, the estimated costs of a Screened LSA campaign vary depending on the industry and location.

9. Google Performance Max (PMax) Campaigns

Google Performance Max (PMax) Campaigns are a type of ad campaign that uses machine learning (ML) and automation technologies to deliver ads across multiple Google platforms and networks.

PMax campaigns are designed to optimize performance and deliver the best results for advertising businesses by using various ad formats, including text, image, video, and app ads.

Why choose Google PMax campaigns:

Businesses that select Max Performance for their advertising needs benefit from the following:

• Increased Efficiency: Performance Max leverages machine learning and automation to optimize ad performance and deliver the best results for advertising businesses. Advertising with PMax can help businesses save time and resources and improve the efficiency of their advertising efforts.
• Cross-Platform Optimization: Google PMax Campaigns can deliver ads across multiple Google platforms and networks, including Search, Display, YouTube, and Gmail. This can increase the reach and visibility of businesses and help them connect with potential customers across multiple touchpoints.
• Ad Format Flexibility: Google PMax Campaigns utilize a range of ad formats, including text, image, video, and app ads. This can provide businesses with flexibility in their advertising efforts and allow them to choose the ad format that best fits their goals and target audience.
• Improved Targeting: Google PMax Campaigns use advanced targeting options, including demographic, geographic, and audience targeting, to help businesses connect with their ideal customers. This can improve the effectiveness of ad campaigns and increase the likelihood of generating high-quality leads and conversions.

What Are the Best Types of Google Ads?

The best types of Google Ads for a business depend on their goals, target audience, and advertising budget. By working with a Google Ads expert or conducting thorough research, businesses can identify the types of ads that will deliver the best results for their specific needs.

How to Run Ads on Google?

Follow these essential steps to run an ad campaign on Google.

1. Set Up a Google Ads Account: Before running your first ads on Google, you must first create a Google Ads account. The process is relatively simple; provide Google with basic information about your business, such as your website URL, location, and contact details.
2. Define Your Advertising Goals: After opening and setting up your account, you must define your advertising goals. This could include increasing website traffic, generating leads, or increasing sales.
3. Choose Your Ad Campaign Type: There are many ways to advertise with Google. Choose one of the nine types of Google Ad campaigns: Search, Display, Video, Shopping, App, Discovery, Smart, and LSA. Choose the campaign type that best aligns with your advertising goals and target audience.
4. Define Your Target Audience: To ensure your ads reach the right people, you must define your target audience. Targeting criteria include geographic locations, demographics, interests, and behaviors.
5. Design Your Ad Creative: Once you have defined your target audience, you may design an ad creative for Google to use in your campaign. The types of creatives you’ll need depend on the campaign type. For instance, a Video campaign requires video ad content.
6. Set Your Budget and Bidding Strategy: Each ad campaign requires setting a budget and a bidding strategy. For example, you’ll have to decide how much you are willing to pay per click, impression, or conversion.
7. Launch Your Campaign: Once you have created and uploaded your creatives and decided your targeting, budget, and bidding strategies, you are ready to launch your campaign.
8. Monitor and Optimize Your Campaign: To ensure your ads are performing well and delivering the best results, you must monitor your campaign regularly and make adjustments as needed. Use Google’s analytics suites to obtain the information needed to adjust and optimize your targeting, ad copy, or bidding strategy.

Running ads on Google can be a complex process. You may find it helpful to partner with a Google Ads expert or a digital advertising agency to ensure your campaigns are set up for success.

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FAQs

Which Google Ads type is the best?

There is no single best type of Google Ads for all businesses. The best type for your case depends on your specific advertising goals and target audience. Different types of Google Ads have their own strengths and weaknesses, making it critical to review the pros and cons of each and choose the type that best aligns with your business objectives.

Which campaign type would an advertiser use to target users searching on Google.com?

The campaign type that an advertiser would use to target users searching on Google.com is a Search campaign. This type of campaign allows businesses to place text-based ad creatives at the top of Google search results when users search for specific keywords or phrases related to their products or services. Search campaigns are an excellent option for businesses looking to reach users that actively search for their products or services on Google.

Although there are so many factors, many data points, and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to monitor in the digital marketing sector, few are as essential to your business as the conversion rate. Understanding the conversion rate and its relation to other crucial KPIs is critical to ensure your business’s growth and continued success.

Essential Definition of What the Conversion Rate Is

The conversion rate is a crucial metric in digital marketing that measures the percentage of users who complete a desired action, transforming them into converted users or converts. The definition of conversion can vary depending on the business objectives, goals, and industry specifics. Based on the numbers, companies invest also in conversion rate optimization.

A conversion rate measures what happens when a user of your website, app, or digital property successfully completes a desired action. The conversion rate is the measure of all user actions and the percentage of users who have completed such actions, transforming them from regular users into converted users, also known as converts.

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In digital marketing, the meaning of a conversion varies depending on your business objectives and particular goals. Traditionally, the term “conversion” comes from the retail industry. In this context, a conversion occurs when a visitor buys a product, turning into a paying customer. This particular definition is employed by most eCommerce platforms and similar properties, where the primary business objective is increasing sales or acquiring more customers.

However, there are many other definitions of a conversion. For example, if your business conversion goal is expanding your web page’s readership and gaining more subscribers for your newsletter. You may define a conversion as a reader submitting their email address on your web page and becoming a new subscriber.

Another example of conversion events is registration forms. To grow your website’s user base and turn more visitors into registered members, for example, you may define filling out a registration form as a conversion.

Why Conversion Rates Matter

Knowing your conversion rates offers critical insight into your business performance. It provides information regarding your marketing efforts and serves as a metric to evaluate whether you are currently meeting your business goals. A good conversion rate shows that your chosen marketing channels are successful.

Relationship Between Conversion Rates and ROI

The Return on Investment (ROI) is another essential metric regarding your digital property’s performance and overall conversion tracking. Measuring your ROI helps you determine the cost-effectiveness of your advertising and marketing campaigns, especially if your conversions result in increased sales or revenue.

The higher your conversion rates, the better your ROI becomes, as your advertising campaign effectively brings you more traffic and more converts for the same amount of money spent on marketing.

Consequently, focusing on increasing your conversion rates typically benefits your ROI.

What is a Good Conversion Rate?

While a higher conversion rate is always better, knowing what constitutes a good conversion rate is crucial to set achievable business goals and ensuring steady growth. The definition of a good conversion rate varies significantly depending on the type and industry your business belongs to, your advertising campaigns, the nature of the products or services you offer, and many other factors.

The best way to determine a good conversion rate for your business is to research average and median conversion rates in different channels in your particular industry. These numbers provide essential information (conversion data) on how typical competitors in the target market usually perform and where to set your own goals to increase sales and ensure growth.

Average Conversion Rates by Sector

The numbers in this table show data on the median and average conversion rates for websites of various industries. Median rates indicate the middle value across all recorded conversion rates, while the average conversion rates measure and show the sum of all conversions and rates divided by the number of entries, sometimes per landing page.

Conversion Rate Formula

What is a Good eCommerce Conversion Rate?

Although the median conversion rate for eCommerce digital properties is 5.2%, you shouldn’t expect your site to achieve this metric immediately unless it is already among the best-performing in the sector. A good conversion rate for sites, apps, and other properties in this sector is typically between 2 and 5%, with rates exceeding 5% considered high-performing.

Remember that your particular business may want to target a higher or lower conversion rate depending on other factors than the sector. For example, the type of products sold can affect your expected conversion rates. If your eCommerce store or website primarily sells niche or specialized products, your conversion rates may be lower than a generalist platform.

How to Calculate Conversion Rate

Knowing the know-how of calculating conversion rate is essential in any marketing strategy, even if your conversions and business objectives aren’t about increasing sales and revenue. There are multiple methods to define conversions, and learn how to calculate your conversion rate based on your conversion goals.

Related Content: How To Calculate Conversion Rate

How to Boost Your Conversion Rate

Regardless of your industry, target audience, or business objectives, applying the best available methods to make user interactions and boost conversions while gaining new unique visitors,  is essential to ensure the highest number of users and visitors complete the tasks that matter and become converts.

1. A/B Testing

Testing any planned changes before implementation is crucial to ensure they work as intended. A/B testing involves two versions of your digital property: Version A, the current version, and Version B, which features any changes you’ve made to boost the conversion rate. A/B split testing lets you directly compare both versions’ performance before implementation, ensuring you retain only the most efficient modifications.

2. Headline Optimization

The headlines of landing pages are the first thing viewers see when they visit your site and its digital properties. Optimizing them with short, highly descriptive copy and relevant keywords is a cost-effective method to boost your conversion rates.

3. Refined Audience Targeting 

Analytics tools on mobile devices and software can provide you with crucial information and insights on engagement metrics, such as the consumer profile of your conversions. Understanding your audience better helps you improve your targeting and attract more visitors with a similar profile.

4. Keyword Optimization 

Optimizing keywords for conversion rates is called Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO). Using keyword research tools such as Google Keyword Planner or the keyword tool in Google Ads Reports can help you find the best high-conversion keywords for your sector.

Developing Your Offer with a Robust Conversion Funnel

One of the most efficient methods of ensuring higher conversion rates is developing your offer and creating a process that encourages users and visitors to complete the desired task. Whether you want to encourage regular website visitors to become paying customers or get new visitors, new registered members, or subscribers, this process is known as the conversion funnel.

A sales funnel is comprised of four stages whose end goal is for visitors to convert. Each stage brings a visitor closer to becoming a convert:

• Awareness: A visitor becomes aware of your product, brand, or service through advertising, social media posts, or word-of-mouth. Building robust ad campaigns can improve visitor awareness of your brand, helping make more people aware of your platform.
• Interest: Once a visitor knows of your brand, the next stage is to get them interested. Visitors will compare your offerings with their needs and problems to determine whether you offer the best solution. The most reliable way to increase interest is to use audience analytics tools to understand your visitors better and ensure your products and services match their needs.
• Decision: Although many visitors may be interested in your product, interest doesn’t necessarily guarantee a conversion. At this stage, they will look into the conditions. For example, when trying to secure a sale, potential customers at this stage will pay close attention to deals, pricing, and packages. Ensuring your conditions are as clearly defined as possible is crucial to bringing them to the next stage.
• Action: The final stage is whether or not a visitor decides to complete the task necessary to convert. Making the conversion process as easy and convenient as possible is critical. Overly complex conversion processes can instead drive visitors away and make them reconsider at the last moment.

Enhance Your Digital Properties with CodeFuel

While adopting the right strategies to get more website traffic and boost your conversion rates and obtain maximum ROI is necessary to ensure your business’s success, it can sometimes be challenging without expert assistance. CodeFuel’s team of digital marketing experts can help you analyze your business goals and find the best strategies to increase your website’s organic traffic and conversion rates. Contact us today to get started.

Maximize your revenue with Codefuel. Earn more conversions

FAQs

What do you mean by conversion rate?

The conversion rate is calculated with the percentage of conversions achieved divided by the number of total users or interactions. The calculated conversion rate provides an easy-to-read value that helps compare the number of users or total interactions with the number of conversions.

What does conversion rate mean in sales?

In the context of retail, eCommerce and web analytics, and other sectors where the primary business objective is increasing sales, a conversion represents a visitor that spent money and was converted into a customer. In this context, the conversion rate represents the percentage or actual number of visitors that became paying customers.

What is a 2% conversion rate?

A 2% conversion rate means that out of a given number of total visitors or a total number of interactions, 2% of them were converted. For instance, if an eCommerce platform were to record 20,000 visits and 400 sales in one month, its conversion rate would be 400 ÷ 20,000 = 0.02, or 2%.

How do you calculate conversion value?

To obtain the total number of conversions before calculating the conversion rate, define a period (e.g., one month) and count the number of successful conversions during that period. Ensure you compare the number of conversions with the number of total interactions within the same time period to calculate an accurate conversion rate.

Is a 3.5% conversion rate good?

A given conversion rate is the percentage of a high-performing website and its business in one industry, but if below average, it can be low performing in another. To check whether a 3.5% conversion rate is good, compare it with the median rates for your business sector. Conversion rates approaching or exceeding the median for your sector are typically considered good.