Native banners have been a part of the web as we know it forever. However, these banners have undergone many changes and optimizations in the last few years, and staying on top of these changes differentiates the good affiliates from the best ones!
If you want to make the most out of native banners you need to know exactly how they work, what you can optimize, and what formats fit your traffic channel and audience the best. If you find the right balance between them, you can turn a nice profit with native banners, so here is what you need to know to make it happen!
What Are Native Banners?
Native banners are usually static ads that are placed in specific parts of the website (this is where the banner comes from) that blend in with the content of the webpage (hence the word native).
Unlike traditional ads that are trying to be attention-grabbing and usually look out of place from the content already hosted on the site, native banners fit in with the site and mimic its look and feel. They are placed in such a way that is not intrusive and that makes sense for the users when browsing.
In most cases, they are either a single big ad or multiple (3-4) smaller ones that are in the same general area.
Their key characteristic is that they are contextually relevant, adapt and fit in with any page, and are user-centric. In simple terms this means that the banners fit in with the page content, they adjust to placements depending on their format and style, and focus on the user instead of directly promoting a product.
Why Native Banners Are Profitable for Publishers
Native banners have been a huge part of the industry for decades, and there are good reasons for it, here are some of the most important ones!
Higher Engagement Rates
Native banners often result in higher click-through rates (CTR) because they don't disrupt the user experience. Users are more likely to engage with ads that feel like a natural part of the content.
This doesn't mean that they get more clicks than regular ads, they often get less since they are less distracting, but the people who click on them usually click through the whole page and get deeper into the sales funnel you have set up.
Improved User Experience
By providing value and relevance, native banners enhance the overall user experience. This leads to longer site visits and increased chances for ad interaction.
People like that they are not being shown obnoxious ads and it generally improves their attitude towards the product or service you are promoting. Due to the being native, some even think that the thing you are advertising is part of the regular website, which also can help a lot with engagement rates and conversions.
Better Ad Performance
Since native banners are less intrusive, they reduce ad fatigue. This means users won't be as likely to develop banner blindness, ensuring your ads remain effective over time.
A good tactic for increasing performance even more, you can do some light clickbaity titles or graphics to catch some attention, but dont overdo it or overpromise, as users will notice this and react negatively towards it. It is also important to always fulfill your promise in the ad so that you dont scam your audience into clicking while not providing anything that you promised.
Monetization Opportunities
For publishers, native banners open up new revenue streams. By integrating ads that resonate with your audience, you can boost your earnings without compromising on content quality.
Best Practices for Implementing Native Banners
To make these ads work as best as possible, there are a few things you can do to make them better. Here are some of the best practices you should consider when making your native banner campaigns!
Understand Your Audience
As with any sort of ad, understanding your audience is the most crucial aspect of any advertising campaign. You need to know who your audience is, what they are interested in, and how to properly approach them.
This knowledge is not easy to come by, and you will need to do a lot of research and trial and error testing to know exactly what to do. No matter what you run and test out, make sure to write down the stats and compare them between your optimizations and launches. With enough tests, you should be able to determine what your audience responds well to, and what they dislike.
Strategic Placement
Place native banners in sections where they are most likely to be seen without disrupting the flow of content. Common areas include within articles, sidebars, or after a blog post.
Split test placements and see which ones work the best. Some probably work better than others and there is no reason why you should be advertising on barely working placements when you can optimize for the best ones.
Optimize for Mobile
With a significant amount of traffic coming from mobile devices, ensure your native banners are mobile-friendly. Responsive design is key to providing a seamless experience across all devices.
The web is mobile-first nowadays, and some affiliates even prefer to make their ads for mobile devices, and then adapt them for bigger screens, compared to the other way around.
Test Different Formats
Experiment with various banner sizes and formats to see which ones perform best. A/B testing can provide insights into what resonates with your audience.
You can test colors, CTAs, headlines, angles, and styles. All of these will have some impact on performance. We recommend you start with a style and design similar to the native website, and then slowly change parts of it to see if some variations in colors or style work better.
Use High-Quality Images
Visual appeal matters. Use custom, high-resolution images that align with the site's aesthetics and content. Some marketers also like using AI images, but for now, most of them have an artificial look, and people tend to dislike them. So try going the old-school way until AI images dont improve a bit more!
How to Maximize Profit with Native Banners
Making as much profit as you can is something that every marketer is after. Here are a couple of ways to make sure you increase your revenues with banners!
Partner with the Right Ad Networks
Choose ad networks that specialize in native advertising and have a good reputation among publishers. They can provide access to high-quality ads that match your content. Look for networks that have regular payouts and low thresholds so you can circulate your revenues better!
Leverage Targeting Options
Use advanced targeting options to show relevant ads to specific user segments. This increases the likelihood of engagement and conversions. Target the right demographic and interests and you should be able to make higher revenues with the same spend!
Monitor Performance Metrics
Keep an eye on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as CTR, conversion rates, and revenue per thousand impressions (RPM). Regular analysis helps in making informed decisions. Cut campaigns and adsets that are underperforming early to minimize losing money.
Continuously Optimize
Based on your performance metrics, make necessary adjustments. This could involve changing ad placements, tweaking designs, or refining targeting options. Always optimize and keep improving your campaigns to make them as good as they can be!
Comply with Advertising Standards
Ensure your native banners comply with industry regulations and guidelines to avoid penalties and maintain user trust.
Native Banners Examples
Here are some examples of what native banners can be and look like!
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In-Content Ads
These are native banners placed within the content of a page. For instance, a banner ad seamlessly integrated into a blog post about travel tips, promotes a travel booking service. You will find these the most as they are present on almost every site!
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Sidebar Widgets
Custom widgets placed in the sidebar that display native ads related to the page content. For example, a fashion blog featuring native banners for clothing brands. These are usually present on websites that have multiple pages, listings, or articles.
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Footer Ads
Banners are placed at the bottom of the page, offering additional resources or products related to the content the user just read.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Native Banners
- Overloading Pages with Ads: Too many ads can overwhelm users and negatively impact the user experience. Balance is key.
- Irrelevant Content: Displaying ads that don't align with the site's content can reduce engagement and harm your credibility.
- Ignoring Mobile Users: Failing to optimize for mobile can lead to a poor experience for a significant portion of your audience.
- Neglecting Performance Analysis: Without monitoring and analyzing performance, you won't know what's working and what's not.
- Not Testing Different Strategies: Sticking to one approach without testing others can limit your potential for higher profits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions about native banners!
Q: What are native banners?
A: Native banners are image ads that blend with the content and design of a webpage. They provide a non-intrusive way to display ads. They have been used for decades and are relatively affordable and work surprisingly well.
Q: How do native banners help increase revenue?
A: By offering a better user experience and higher engagement rates, native banners can help with increased clicks and conversions, ultimately boosting revenues.
Q: Where should I place native banners on my website?
A: The placements are very important. Consider placing them within content, sidebars, or after articles where they are noticeable but do not disrupt the user experience. Split test to see where they perform the best.
Q: How can I optimize native banner performance?
A: Regularly monitor performance metrics, conduct A/B testing, and adjust your strategies based on data insights to optimize native banner performance.
Q: What are common mistakes to avoid with native banners?
A: Avoid overloading pages with ads, displaying irrelevant content, neglecting mobile optimization, ignoring performance analysis, and not experimenting with different strategies.
Q: Which ad networks are best for native banners?
A: Ad networks specializing in native advertising, are often recommended. Research and choose a network that aligns with your goals and offers quality ads.
Q: Can native banners affect user experience?
A: When implemented correctly, native banners enhance user experience by providing relevant and engaging content. However, poor implementation can have the opposite effect.
Conclusion
So as you might realize native banners are a great thing for advertisers to utilize. There is a reason they have been in use since the beginning of the internet, are are likely to stay relevant for many years to come.
Launching your first banner ad isn't difficult or expensive, but optimizing it and perfecting the targeting and style is what takes time and what influences the results the most.
With the right approach and skills, you can create incredible native banner ads that get a lot of clicks, and conversions and boost your revenues!
Have you used native banner ads in your campaigns? What was your experience with them? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
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