Elevating Online Experiences: The Importance Of Better Ads Standards For Publishers

In the vast online world, where everyone is vying for attention, creating a positive and enjoyable user experience is crucial for publishers. One way to achieve this is by adhering to Better Ads Standards. In this article, we’ll delve into what Better Ads Standards are and why they matter so much to publishers, explained in simple language.

What are Better Ads Standards?

Better Ads Standards are a set of guidelines developed by the Coalition for Better Ads, a coalition of leading international trade associations and companies involved in online media. The primary aim of Better Ads Standards is to improve the online advertising experience for users by discouraging the use of ad formats that are considered disruptive, annoying, or intrusive.

The Coalition for Better Ads conducted extensive research to identify specific ad experiences that users find particularly frustrating. Based on this research, they established the Better Ads Standards, which outline specific types of ads that should be avoided or improved to enhance the overall online user experience.

Key aspects of Better Ads Standards include

Ad Formats to Avoid

• Pop-up ads
• Auto-playing video ads with sound
• Prestation ads with countdowns
• Large sticky ads
• Full-screen scroll over ads

Improving Ad Experiences

• Encouraging the use of less intrusive ad formats
• Promoting transparency in advertising practices
• Providing clear guidelines for acceptable ad experiences

Global Consensus

• Better Ads Standards are recognized and implemented globally to create a consistent and positive online advertising experience across different regions and platforms.

User Feedback

• The standards are informed by extensive research involving input from users who share their feedback on the types of ads they find disruptive or annoying.

Industry Collaboration

• The Coalition for Better Ads encourages collaboration among industry stakeholders, including publishers and advertisers, to collectively improve the quality of online advertising.

By adhering to Better Ads Standards, publishers and advertisers aim to create a more user-friendly and engaging online environment. Following these standards can help build trust with users, reduce the use of ad blockers, and contribute to a healthier digital advertising ecosystem. Adhering to Better Ads Standards benefits both users and the online advertising industry by promoting a balance between effective advertising and a positive user experience.

Why do Better Ads Standards Matter to Publishers?

Happy Visitors, More Views

• When ads are well-behaved and don’t interrupt the user experience, visitors are more likely to stick around.
• Imagine you’re reading an interesting article, and suddenly, a pop-up covers the entire screen. That’s annoying, right? Better Ads Standards prevent such interruptions, keeping visitors happy and engaged on your site.

Building Trust with Your Audience

• Following Better Ads Standards shows your audience that you care about their experience.
• Users are more likely to trust and revisit a website that doesn’t bombard them with annoying ads. It’s like being a good host – people enjoy their time and want to come back.

Avoiding Ad-Blocker Rebellion

• Ad-blockers are like shields that users use to protect themselves from annoying ads.
• If your website is full of disruptive ads, users might resort to using ad-blockers, leading to a loss in potential revenue for publishers. Following Better Ads Standards helps maintain a healthy balance between ads and content.

Better Performance on Mobile Devices

• Many people browse the internet on their smartphones, and clunky ads can ruin the mobile experience.
• Better Ads Standards emphasize mobile-friendly formats, ensuring that ads load smoothly and don’t slow down the page, contributing to a positive mobile experience for users.

Global Recognition and Collaboration

• Better Ads Standards are not just a local trend; they are recognized globally.
• When publishers adhere to these standards, they become part of a larger community working towards creating a better online environment. Adhering to these standards can also open doors to collaborations and partnerships.

Conclusion

In the ever-evolving digital landscape, creating a positive online experience for users is paramount. Better Ads Standards serve as a beacon, guiding publishers towards practices that enhance user satisfaction, build trust, and contribute to a healthier online ecosystem. By embracing these standards, publishers not only improve their bottom line but also play a crucial role in shaping a more enjoyable online world for everyone.