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Ad Networks

The Best Ad Servers: Maximizing Ad Performance

Are you looking for the best ad servers to skyrocket your online advertising game?

Look no further!

In this article, we have curated a list of the top ad servers in the market.

From customizable options to free versions, micro-targeting to creative control, we’ve got you covered.

So buckle up and get ready to dive into the exciting world of ad servers that will revolutionize your online advertising strategies.

best ad servers

The best ad servers available in the market include Kevel (previously Adzerk), DoubleClick for Publishers (now Google Ad Manager), OpenX, Broadstreet, DoubleClick Campaign Manager, Revive Adserver, Sizmek, OIO Publisher, Publift, Magnite (formerly Rubicon Project), AdButler, Smart Ad Server, and Epom Ad Server.

These ad servers offer a range of features and capabilities, such as customization, targeting options, detailed reporting, real-time updates, programmatic advertising technology, various ad formats and channels support, self-serve marketplaces, and technical support.

Prices for these ad servers vary, starting from free options to more expensive plans.

Key Points:

  • Kevel (previously Adzerk)
  • DoubleClick for Publishers (now Google Ad Manager)
  • OpenX
  • Broadstreet
  • DoubleClick Campaign Manager
  • Revive Adserver
  • Sizmek
  • OIO Publisher
  • Publift
  • Magnite (formerly Rubicon Project)
  • AdButler
  • Smart Ad Server
  • Epom Ad Server

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💡 Did You Know?

1. Ad servers were first introduced in the late 1990s, revolutionizing the way online advertising was managed and delivered.

2. The term “ad server” originated from the radio industry, where it referred to a device used to broadcast advertisements to multiple radio stations simultaneously.

3. Ad servers implemented an innovative feature called “frequency capping,” which limits the number of times a specific user sees the same ad to avoid excessive repetition and ad fatigue.

4. In the early days of ad servers, the process of serving ads was quite manual, requiring ad operations teams to physically upload and update ad creatives on each individual site.

5. Today, ad servers use advanced algorithms and machine learning to enhance targeting capabilities, allowing advertisers to reach specific audiences based on location, demographics, behavior, and other factors.


Customizable Server-Side Ad Server: Kevel (Formerly Adzerk) For $3K/Month

Kevel, previously known as Adzerk, is a top-tier ad server that offers customizable server-side ad serving solutions to publishers and advertisers. With plans starting at $3,000 per month, Kevel provides a wide range of features and capabilities that allow businesses to tailor their ad serving experience to meet their specific needs.

One of the key advantages of Kevel is its server-side infrastructure, which offers several benefits over traditional client-side ad servers. By serving ads from the server-side, Kevel reduces the latency associated with client-side ad calls, resulting in faster page load times and an improved user experience. Additionally, server-side ad serving provides increased control and flexibility, as it allows for more advanced targeting options and the ability to seamlessly integrate with other technology platforms.

What sets Kevel apart from other ad servers is its customizability. With Kevel, publishers can easily create ad placements that blend seamlessly with their website’s design and layout. Furthermore, Kevel’s advanced targeting capabilities enable publishers to deliver personalized ads to specific segments of their audience, ensuring that the right message reaches the right user at the right time.

Kevel also offers comprehensive reporting and analytics, allowing publishers to gain valuable insights into their ad performance. With detailed metrics and data, publishers can optimize their ad serving strategies and make data-driven decisions to maximize their revenue.

Overall, Kevel is a powerful and customizable ad server solution that offers publishers and advertisers the tools they need to create and manage successful digital ad campaigns. With its server-side infrastructure, advanced targeting options, and robust analytics, Kevel is a top choice for businesses looking to optimize their ad serving capabilities.

Range Of Features: DoubleClick For Publishers (DFP) (Now Google Ad Manager) With Free Version Available

DoubleClick for Publishers (DFP), now Google Ad Manager, is a popular ad server that provides publishers with a wide range of features and monetization options.

One of the key advantages of DFP is its flexibility. It caters to both small business publishers with a free version and larger enterprise publishers with advanced features.

The free version of DFP allows small business publishers to manage their ad inventory, optimize campaign performance, and serve ads on their websites without any financial burden. Although it may not offer all the advanced features of the paid version, it is a great starting point for publishers looking to monetize their websites.

For larger publishers, DFP offers a comprehensive suite of features to maximize ad revenue. These include advanced ad targeting, audience segmentation, and inventory forecasting. With DFP, publishers can deliver highly targeted ads to their audience, ensuring that advertisers reach the right users at the right time. The inventory forecasting capabilities also help publishers optimize their ad space allocation and maximize revenue potential.

DFP also integrates seamlessly with other Google products and services. By using Google Ad Manager, publishers can integrate their ad serving with Google AdSense, Google’s popular advertising network. This integration streamlines the ad monetization process and gives publishers access to a broader range of advertisers.

In summary, DoubleClick for Publishers (DFP), now Google Ad Manager, is a comprehensive ad server solution that offers a range of features and monetization options for publishers of all sizes. Whether you’re a small business publisher or a larger enterprise publisher, DFP has the tools and capabilities to meet your needs.

Micro-Target Audiences: OpenX With 12 Months Of Historical Analytics Data

When it comes to micro-targeting audiences and leveraging data for ad optimization, OpenX is a long-standing platform that offers publishers the ability to reach their target audience with precision. OpenX’s ad server provides publishers with the tools and features necessary to analyze, segment, and deliver highly personalized ads based on valuable historical analytics data.

One of the key advantages of OpenX is its ability to leverage 12 months of historical analytics data. This data enables publishers to gain insights into user behavior and preferences, allowing them to create audience segments based on various demographic, geographic, and behavioral attributes. By segmenting their audience, publishers can deliver highly targeted ads that resonate with specific groups of users, ultimately increasing the effectiveness and performance of their ad campaigns.

OpenX also offers real-time bidding capabilities, allowing publishers to participate in programmatic advertising auctions. With real-time bidding, publishers can maximize the value of their ad inventory by selling it to the highest bidder in real-time. This automated process saves publishers time and effort while ensuring they receive the best possible price for their ad space.

Furthermore, OpenX provides detailed reporting and analytics to help publishers understand the performance of their ad campaigns. Publishers can access real-time reports, monitor key metrics, and make data-driven decisions to optimize their ad serving strategies. With OpenX’s analytics tools, publishers can identify areas of improvement, refine their targeting strategies, and ultimately increase their ad revenue.

In conclusion, OpenX is a powerful ad server solution that empowers publishers to micro-target their audiences and optimize their ad campaigns based on historical analytics data. With the ability to segment audiences, participate in real-time bidding, and access detailed reporting, OpenX provides publishers with the tools they need to reach the right audience at the right time, ultimately driving higher ad performance and revenue.

FAQ

Is ad server free?

Unfortunately, the ad server is not free. While a free account option exists, it has limitations such as allowing only 10 ads and 10 zones, and lacks access to advanced functionalities like API and comprehensive technical support. To manage and serve a larger number of ads, upgrading to the Premium plan is necessary, which starts at just $9.95 per month.

Who uses ad servers?

Ad servers are utilized by both publishers and advertisers to optimize and manage the delivery of online advertisements. Publishers predominantly rely on first-party ad servers to control the placement and performance of ads on their websites. These servers enable publishers to effectively track impressions, clicks, and other crucial metrics while maintaining full control over their ad inventory. On the other hand, advertisers primarily employ third-party ad servers to efficiently deliver their ads across multiple publishers’ websites. Third-party ad servers offer advertisers the advantage of reaching a wider audience base, measuring the effectiveness of their campaigns, and implementing advanced targeting techniques. Both publishers and advertisers benefit from the functionality and versatility of ad servers, albeit with varying objectives.

Do I need an ad server?

Yes, an ad server is essential for publishers looking to efficiently manage their direct campaigns. It provides a centralized platform to track and deliver ads, ensuring accurate targeting and ad placement. Additionally, ad servers facilitate the effective measurement of campaign performance, generating valuable insights for optimization purposes.

Furthermore, the versatility of ad servers extends beyond direct campaigns. They can serve as a valuable tool for programmatic needs, allowing publishers to connect with multiple programmatic vendors and streamline ad inventory tests. By harnessing an ad server’s capabilities, publishers can optimize their programmatic strategies, improving efficiency and maximizing revenue potential.

What is an example of an ad server?

One example of an ad server is DFP Small Business. This ad server offers basic functionality and is highly customizable, making it a popular choice among small businesses. It is a free open-source ad server, providing cost-effective solutions for managing online advertising campaigns. Another example is Revive Adserver, which also falls under the category of free open-source ad servers. Revive Adserver is known for its flexibility and ability to support both small and large advertising networks. These ad servers provide businesses with options for effectively managing and optimizing their online advertising efforts.