Types of Display Advertising: A Comprehensive Guide

Display advertising is a popular choice for businesses looking to showcase their products or services on websites, blogs, and social media platforms. It utilizes various ad formats and targeting methods to reach potential customers. In this article, we explore the different types of display advertising, from traditional banner ads to innovative rich media and video ads.

Common Types of Display Ads

Banner Ads

Banner ads are one of the most recognized and used forms of display advertising. They are rectangular in shape and often displayed at the top or bottom of web pages. These ads typically include an image or graphic along with a call-to-action button or link. Banner ads can either be static (non-interactable) or interactive (with clickable elements).

Sidebar Ads

Sidebar ads are positioned on the side of web pages, usually in the left or right margin. They are often smaller than regular banner ads and can contain various types of content such as images, text, or clickable elements.

Pop-up Ads

Pop-up ads are small, often full-screen, windows that appear when a user visits a webpage. They can be intrusive but are effective at capturing user attention. Pop-up ads can include images, videos, or clickable buttons designed to prompt user interaction.

Interstitial Ads

Interstitial ads, also known as interstitial pop-ups, are full-screen ads that appear before users reach their intended destination. These ads take up the entire screen and can be designed to be engaging by including interactive elements like videos, animations, or sliders.

Rich Media Ads

Rich media ads use interactive elements like video, audio, and clickable elements to enhance user engagement. They are often more costly than traditional banner ads due to their production complexity and the interactivity they offer. Rich media ads can be embedded into web pages or shown in pop-ups.

Retargeting and Targeting Options

In addition to the types of display ads mentioned above, there are several targeting options available to advertisers. Retargeting, also known as remarketing, allows advertisers to show ads to users who have previously interacted with their website or social media profiles. Other targeting options include:

Subject and Contextual Targeting

Subject contextual targeting involves showing ads based on the content of the web page or article the user is reading. For example, an ad for winter gear would appear on a website about winter sports.

Interest targeting, on the other hand, is based on a user's behavior and browsing history. If a user frequently visits pages about travel gear, an ad for a new backpack might appear.

Sponsored Post and Display Ad Types

Other display ad types include:

Sponsored Post

A sponsored post is an ad that appears within the content of a social media post or blog. It typically includes a picture or link. Including a picture in a sponsored post can increase its visibility and click-through rates, but it often requires a separate payment.

Banner Ads vs. Non-Banner Display Ads

Banner ads are traditional display ads with a large image and a link or call-to-action. Non-banner display ads are smaller and can be integrated into the content of a web page. They may include text or images that can be clicked to reveal more information.

Exploring Advanced Display Advertising

Video Ads

Video ads have become a popular choice for display advertising due to their ability to capture user attention and promote engagement. Video ads can be run on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and various websites. While video ads are more expensive than traditional banner ads, they offer greater impact and can boost overall brand awareness.

Conclusion

Display advertising offers a wide range of options for businesses to reach their target audience. From traditional banner ads to innovative rich media and video ads, there are numerous formats and targeting methods available. By understanding the different types of display ads and their benefits, advertisers can create effective campaigns that drive traffic, generate leads, and increase conversions.

Keywords: display advertising, banner ads, video ads