All About Ad Network: A Complete Guide for Publishers 2023

Let’s agree: Displaying ads is one of the easiest ways to monetize your content, either on websites or mobile. As a publisher, you need to work with as many advertisers as possible to improve ad fill rate; this is where ad network comes into play. Let’s go through everything you need about ad networks in our detailed guidelines. 

What is an ad network?

An advertising network, or ad network, is a platform that connects advertisers and publishers, or the demand side and supply side. The key function of an ad network is to gather available ad space and match them with the advertiser’s needs. 

To put it simply, an ad network works as an intermediary exclusive for online advertising between publishers and advertisers. It’s an integral part of the programmatic advertising ecosystem. Examples of the most popular ad networks for publishers include Google AdSense, Google AdMob, and Amazon Associates. 

=> Read more: Everything you need to know about Google AdMob 

Source: Adjust 

How do ad networks work?

Ad networks are beneficial for both publishers and advertisers. It helps publishers increase fill rates by securing unsold ad space. Meanwhile, advertisers can find the ad inventory that suits their budget and target audience. Normally, the process will happen as below: 

1. Ad networks collect the ad inventory or impressions from publisher sites  
2. Based on price and audience group, ad networks sort ad inventory according to the advertiser’s demand. 
3. Advertisers set up their ad campaigns through the ad networks of their choice (Google Ads, for example). They create ad campaigns and set the parameters for each one. They can define budget, targeting, and frequency caps.   
4. Ad networks study the advertiser’s requirements, determine which ad inventory suits the advertiser, and bring the two together. At this point, advertisers and publishers are connected thanks to ad networks. 

Source: AppsFlyer

Why you should use an ad network? 

Wide range of demand partners 

The range of bidding partners you can access through ad networks is countless. Besides working with popular ad networks like AdSense and AdMob, you have hundreds of third-party ad platforms that give you access to a wide selection of ad demand from popular DSPs such as Google AdX, Amazon, Xandr, Taboola, etc. Header bidding ensures you secure the highest-paying bid, so the more bidders you have, the more ad revenue you gain.         

Multiple monetization options

While pay-per-impression is still the most prominent monetization model, there’re many other options available: such as pay-per-click, pay-per-view, pay-per-download, pay-per-install, and more. 

Convenience

It’s easy to integrate with a third-party ad network and earn more immediately. Most ad networks will need only 24 or 48 hours to launch their services with a dedicated support team ready to help you.     

4 Main types of advertising networks

Horizontal ad network

Horizontal advertising network gains access to a vast inventory base with broader reaching impressions. Horizontal ads are highly appealing due to their ability to offer scalability, extensive reach, and multiple targeting opportunities for advertisers. 

Premium Ads is a horizontal ad network 

Vertical ad network

Vertical ad network type specializes in a particular niche, such as a fashion ad network. Instead of spreading a wide net on a horizontal platform, advertisers have the opportunity to reach their target audience more directly. 

This type of ad network enhances transparency as advertisers know clearly where their ads will run. 

Premium ad network

Premium ad networks are ideal if you seek premium prices in return for exclusive access to your inventory. Such networks exclusively collaborate with top-tier publishers and maintain strict criteria when choosing their partners.

Specialized ad network

Similar to vertical advertising networks, specialized ad network types are restricted to specific ad inventory. For instance, a specialized network can be one that works with only video or mobile ad formats. 

How to choose the right ad network? 

As we’ve mentioned, a variety of ad network types are available, and the number of ad networks in the market is countless, making it overwhelming to choose one. Don’t worry; you can always run a test with your preferred ad network for a short period (usually 2-4 weeks) and evaluate ad revenue performance before making a decision. Still, here are some factors you should take into consideration when deciding on the most suitable one: 

Ad fill rate

The ultimate purpose of working with ad networks is to multiply your ad revenue, so it’s apparent that ad fill rate should be the first factor you take into consideration. 

Ad fill rate depends mainly on the performance of the ad network you’re working with. As many ad networks share the same demand sources from Google AdX, the number of advertisers bidding in these ad networks is not very different. However, not all ad networks can give you a reasonable ad fill rate, given various factors involved, such as ad optimization and customized support.  

With 8+ years of experience working in the programmatic advertising industry and hundreds of publishers leveraging their ad revenue, Premium Ads can confidently offer you a satisfied ad fill rate. Contact us now, and we will take your ad revenue to the next level!