Programmatic Advertising vs. Traditional Ad Buying: What You Need to Know

Programmatic advertising vs. traditional advertising! Which is better? More importantly, which one is best for you? Do you have these questions in mind? No worries! We have got your back.

In today’s time, where making the right decision decides the future of your business, choosing the right advertising method matters. While both offer unique advantages, understanding their strengths, merits, and demerits is crucial. In this blog, we will explore programmatic advertising and traditional advertising comparison in detail, so that you can evaluate which one best fits your business.

What is programmatic advertising?

Programmatic advertising, also known as programmatic marketing, is an advertising method that involves buying online ad space via automated technology and algorithms to maximize the chances of conversions.

Programmatic advertising benefits

Here are some of the most effective benefits of programmatic advertising:

Accurate targeting

Programmatic advertising ensures accurate targeting, helping brands reach the target audience that is most likely to buy their services or products. There are various categories of users for which programmatic advertising can be employed, including location, age, gender, purchase history, and more. Such refined targeting drives more actions from potential buyers.

Saves time

By automating the tiring process of bid placement, programmatic advertising takes away the hassle of making ad buying strategies and streamlines ad campaign management. All marketers have to do is set a budget and goal, and AI takes care of the bidding and purchasing of ad space in real time, helping you to focus on the other important aspects of marketing.

Data-driven

Once the ad is placed, you can track its performance in real time. Referring to the insights, you can adjust your copy, style, design, and ad placement and optimize your ad campaign. When you make informed decisions based on the data, you are more likely to bring in visitors who are more likely to take action.

What is traditional advertising?

There are differences in ad buying methods when we compare programmatic and traditional advertising. Unlike programmatic advertising, traditional advertising involves the use of manual processes of buying ad spaces on traditional platforms like TV, radio, direct mail, and newspapers. In this, the advertiser usually reaches out to different traditional ad publishing channels and cable operator owners, negotiates the price, and books an ad spot to run their advertisement.

Traditional advertising benefits

Some of the key benefits of traditional advertising are:

Regional targeting

With the help of billboards, flyers, and local radio stations, marketers can reach local audiences more effectively in traditional marketing. Moreover, being the oldest form of advertising, people tend to trust these advertising mediums more while also increasing brand awareness within the region with visual advertisements. 

Wider reach

Traditional advertising is great for those brands whose majority of the target audiences are not active users of the Internet. Such audiences can be persuaded through various mediums, such as a TV commercial with a strong storyline or an attractive newspaper ad.

Lasting impression

When you advertise with posters or billboards, people tend to remember them more because they are located near their regular commuting route. Moreover, people can also take flyers with them home and can always take a look back at your ad whenever they want.

Programmatic advertising Vs. Traditional advertising: Which is better for you?

The answer to—Which is better, programmatic advertising and traditional advertising completely depends on your marketing goals and budget. If you are starting out, have a low budget, and want to target a local audience, traditional advertising is best for you.

For those who are looking for more refined targeting, follow a data-driven marketing approach, and want maximum ROI, programmatic advertising would be the right option for you.

Still can’t make up your mind? Visit FindingMena and search for the best advertising agency near you from an inventory of hundreds of qualified agencies. Contact them directly on the platform and get started right away!