In managing your ads, it is essential to understand how the ad server decides on what ads to display in each particular zone. There are several ways to Adserver.Online manages to assign ads to zones. You can set up an assignment mode in the Settings / Common / Advertiser menu. So let's find out more about the options available.
Automatic mode
In this mode, the ad server makes a decision automatically by matching ad sizes (e.g., 728×90) and formats (e.g., banners).
Things to consider
We recommend that ad networks or agencies use automatic mode. This mode helps to avoid extra manual work linking large amounts of ads/campaigns and zones to each other. In this mode, you can still use the Sources targeting located on the campaign form if you need to exclude/include some websites/zones.
Manual mode
This mode is a simple and precise way to specify the placements of your ads.
Depending on your business model, you can find it convenient to assign ads to zones or zones to ads.
To assign ads to zones, use the "Assign zones" button on an ad view page or an icon in the ads lists. After pressing the button, you will see a list of zones that match your ad (size and format). Select the zones you need and press the "Save" button.
To assign zones to ads, use the "Assign ads" button on a zone view page or an icon in the zones lists. After pressing the button, you will see a list of ads that match your zone (size and format). Select the ads you need and press the "Save" button.
Things to consider
You may want to use this mode if strict ad placement control is crucial for your business.
Mixed mode (default)
This mode is a combination of automatic and manual modes. You may link some ads/campaigns manually and leave others unassigned. In this case, a special mixed logic will be applied.
The zone is considered 'free' when it's not manually linked to any ads/campaigns. A free zone can display free ads only.
The ad is considered 'free' when it's not linked to any zones manually. The ad server displays free ads on free zones only.
If your ad/campaign is manually assigned to a zone, the ad server will run it on this particular zone and this zone only.
If your zone is manually assigned to an ad, the ad server will show this ad on this particular zone and this zone only.
Things to consider
This mode is enabled by default. It is suitable for most users as it allows practicing different approaches in assigning your ads. Besides, it handles free ads and zones automatically, so you don't have to worry whether you have linked all your ads.
Campaigns to zones assignment
Additionally to ads to zones assigning, Adserver.Online supports campaigns to zones assigning. It works in both manual and mixed modes.
The main benefit of assigning an entire campaign to one or more zones is that all ads in that campaign will be linked to selected zones. Adserver will automatically use dimensions (e.g., 728×90) and formats (e.g., banner) to match ads and zones. This may save you considerable time.
This logic will be applied to both current ads and those you may add later after linking your campaign to a zone(s).
You should use the "Assign zones" button on a campaign view page or an icon in the list of your campaigns. After pressing the button, you will see a list of all zones. You can apply a filter by format and/or dimension or use context search to find the necessary zones. Afterward, you should select these zones and press the "Save" button.
Please note we do not recommend using campaigns and ad assignments simultaneously in the same campaign.
Things to consider
This mode may be useful if you usually create many ads for each campaign and assign them to the same zone.
Configuration
This option is disabled and not available to Adserver.Online users by default. We can activate it upon request.