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InContext / An inside look at the business of digital content

Automating ad operations: turning doers into revenue drivers

Automation isn’t simply about streamlining processes, to be most effective, it means reimagining the roles within ad operations

August 26, 2024 | By Michele Bavitz, Global Head of Account Management – Theorem

Are the time-consuming, error-prone manual processes of traditional ad operations a thing of the past? The answer is simple – they can be. Because there’s a paradigm shift happening in the fast-paced world of digital publishing. The catalyst behind this shift is automation. And it’s not just transforming ad operations, it’s also driving growth and unlocking new revenue channels for media companies.

By automating repetitive and labor-intensive tasks, media organizations can streamline workflows, reduce errors, and free up resources for more strategic initiatives. But automation isn’t simply streamlining processes; it’s fundamentally reimagining the roles within ad operations. No longer confined to being mere ‘doers’ burdened with high stress and constant fire drills, ad operations teams are evolving into vital contributors to revenue growth. The result is a work environment once steeped in friction and burnout, shifting to one where productivity and motivation thrive.

New revenue streams unlocked by ad operations automation

To help media companies understand the impact automation of ad operations can have on long-term success, let’s explore the specific ways it’s opening new doors to revenue growth.

Maximizing ad inventory utilization

Automation optimizes the use of ad inventory, which significantly increases fill rates and revenue. By continuously analyzing real-time data, automated systems allow ad operations teams to make intelligent adjustments to ad placements. This ensures that every available slot is used efficiently, reducing wasted inventory. Automated platforms can help identify demand trends and dynamically allocate inventory to the highest-paying ads, maximizing potential revenue.

For example, during peak times, automation provides key insights that enable the prioritization of high-value ads, ensuring premium inventory is filled first. Conversely, during off-peak times, teams can quickly adjust their strategy to fill available slots with lower-paying ads, ensuring no space is left unused.

Real-time bidding and dynamic pricing

Dynamic pricing strategies supported by automated, real-time bidding allow media companies to instantly adjust prices based on demand. Automated systems continuously monitor market conditions, competitor pricing, and user engagement metrics. As a result, ad professionals gain instant insights, allowing them to optimize campaigns, adjust prices, and maximize ad inventory sales. For instance, during high-demand periods, such as seasonal events, automated systems can help teams increase interest or prices. On the other hand, in low-demand situations, prices can be lowered to attract more buyers, ensuring that inventory is still utilized efficiently. This flexibility helps media companies capitalize on market fluctuations and maximize revenue.

Personalized ad experiences

Personalized advertising, enabled by advanced data analytics, significantly enhances engagement and conversion rates. Automated systems analyze user data, including browsing history, purchase behavior, and demographic information, to create detailed user profiles and accurately segment audiences. This allows for highly relevant ads tailored to individual interests, increasing the likelihood of user interaction. Users are more inclined to click on ads that resonate with their current needs, leading to higher engagement and conversion rates.

Automation doesn’t just unlock new revenue channels; it also enhances operational efficiency. These efficiency gains play a critical role in boosting profitability. These efficiency gains play a critical role in boosting profitability.

Enhancing operational efficiency for revenue growth

Automation in ad operations takes care of routine tasks, freeing up teams to focus on strategic initiatives and explore new revenue opportunities. It reduces errors and makegoods with more accurate ad placements, improving client satisfaction and boosting revenue. It also significantly accelerates complex order-to-cash processes, enabling media companies to capitalize on time-sensitive opportunities and expedite revenue realization.

Creating additional revenue channels is just one aspect of how automation contributes to revenue growth.

Strategic revenue optimization with automation

Data-driven decision making

Data analytics enabled by automation can process vast amounts of data to identify trends and insights that would be near impossible to detect manually. This data-driven approach allows media executives to make strategic decisions that maximize revenue by understanding patterns in user behavior, market demand, and ad performance.

For example, automated systems help media companies track ad performance, revealing specific data insights that improve decision making and optimize ad spend.

Enhanced targeting and retargeting

Automation significantly improves targeting and retargeting, leading to more efficient ad spend and a higher ROI. Automated systems empower ad professionals to analyze user behavior and preferences to deliver ads to the right audience at the right time, increasing campaign effectiveness. This precise targeting ensures that ads are shown to users who are most likely to engage and convert, maximizing ad spend efficiency and boosting revenue.

Embracing automation in ad operations: thrive or fall behind

Purpose-built automation solutions are designed to meet a company’s hyper-specific needs. Unlike off the shelf options, these tailored solutions deliver optimal performance virtually out of the gate, driving rapid adoption and maximum ROI.

Media companies that embrace purpose-ready technology and automation have a distinct competitive advantage and an opportunity to transform ad operations into a revenue driving powerhouse. Companies who fail to evolve and continue to depend on legacy systems risk getting left behind, while the competition scales to new heights.

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