Key Takeaways

Scalability and Simplified Activation Through Programmatic Buying

Scaling direct, host-read podcast ads has traditionally been challenging, but programmatic solutions now offer audience-based buys that increase reach and efficiency while preserving the personalized touch. This technology also simplifies activation, allowing advertisers to quickly launch campaigns and integrate podcast ads into broader media strategies for maximum impact.

Ensuring Brand Safety

Brand safety concerns are being addressed through AI-powered contextual targeting and third-party verification from partners like Comscore. This technology ensures advertisers can confidently place ads without worrying about inappropriate content.

Measurable Results and Performance

Podcast ads are proven to deliver exceptional performance, with conversion rates 2x better and click-through rates 6x higher than traditional display ads. Tools like AudioPixel provide sophisticated tracking for measuring brand lift, foot traffic, and overall campaign success.

Podcasts Complement Other Media

Podcast ads complement other media channels, especially when combined with social media and Connected TV (CTV). This integrated approach drives higher recall and message association, significantly boosting campaign effectiveness.

Did You Miss Us at the MediaPost Planning and Buying Insider Summit? 

In conclusion, the MediaPost Planning & Buying Insider Summit highlighted the growing impact of podcast advertising. With high engagement, scalable programmatic solutions, and strong brand safety measures, podcasts are an effective channel for reaching audiences. AdsWizz showcased how its tools simplify ad activation and boost performance, making podcasts essential in future media planning.

• Here are the slides we presented for your reference. 
• Ready to take your advertising to the next level? Contact us to discover how AdsWizz can expand your digital audio presence!
  

by 

Robyn Meyers, Vice President, Programmatic and Marketplace Partnerships 

and

Dave Sosson, Senior Manager, Business Development, Programmatic Demand

The post MediaPost Planning and Buying Insider Summit 2024 Recap appeared first on AdsWizz.

Key Takeaways

A Holistic Approach to Audio Advertising: Beyond the Checkbox

Gretchen emphasized the importance of treating audio as a unique and essential element within a broader marketing strategy, not just a checkbox in a 360-degree plan. She argued that audio—whether podcasts or streaming—presents distinctive opportunities to engage audiences through the power of sound.

“You have five senses. You have sight and sound, which are the only two senses advertisers can play with without getting totally invasive, but you’re completely ignoring one of the senses that people will remember brands by.”

Emphasizing the Human Element in Creative Strategy

In a data-driven world, it’s crucial to remember the human aspect of advertising. Gretchen advocates for creative content that genuinely resonates with listeners, focusing on what action brands want consumers to take, rather than just tracking metrics.

“There’s a human on the other end of that speaker that has no idea they’re being evaluated. Forget your promo code and survey issues on your website. What do you want the consumer to do?”

Increasing Investment in Audio: A Growing Opportunity

There will be continued growth in podcast ad spending as more brands recognize the untapped potential of audio to reach consumers in unique ways. Gretchen sees audio as a relatively underutilized channel with significant room for budget growth.

“Audio is 30-something percent of listening time but only 9% of marketers’ budgets. There’s room to increase audio spends, and I see podcasting and streaming being a huge opportunity.”

The Need for Better Consumer Research: Putting the Listener First

Gretchen urges the industry to invest more in understanding consumer behavior before planning audio strategies. She argued that consumer-centric research is crucial to align media plans with actual listening habits and preferences.

“Actually study your consumer… know what they’re listening to and know what they’re watching, and then make your media mix match that.”

Blasting the Volume on Podcast Ads

Gretchen’s message is clear: Embrace audio with a strategy that combines compelling storytelling, smart data practices, and a deep understanding of the audience’s behaviors. The future of podcast advertising is dynamic and full of potential for those ready to adapt and innovate. 

Want to learn more about leveraging podcast advertising for your brand? Contact us today to explore tailored solutions that can help you reach your target audience in new and engaging ways!

The post The Future of Podcast Advertising appeared first on AdsWizz.

Marsha, could you start by telling us about your journey into the world of audio adtech?

I began my career in audio with Powell Broadcasting, an independent radio group in Sioux City, Iowa, focusing on both traditional and digital radio ad placements. Over time, I transitioned into digital audio adtech and eventually joined AdsWizz, coming full circle from traditional radio sales to leading digital audio partnerships across North America.

What are the most significant shifts in audio advertising recently, and how are they impacting publishers?

The audio landscape has evolved dramatically, allowing listeners to access content anytime, anywhere, and across various devices—from connected TVs to wearables. This accessibility offers unique opportunities for advertisers, such as in podcasts, connected car audio, and in-game audio. However, it also brings challenges like the need for advanced fraud protection and aligning audio metrics with other media formats.

Can you describe the different tiers of publishers you work with and how their needs differ? 

We collaborate with a wide range of publishers, from traditional radio broadcasters to cutting-edge digital streaming apps. Each has distinctive needs—some focus on content creation and programmatic sales, while others aim to scale their direct sales efforts. At AdsWizz, we offer a flexible platform that tailors to these varying requirements, from hosting streams to managing sales and optimizing monetization strategies.

What are the primary obstacles to monetizing audio advertising, and what essential tactics should publishers employ to optimize their strategies?

A major challenge is aligning audio with other media formats like video and display ads, especially regarding metrics and capabilities. Publishers need to balance providing clear audience signals with respecting privacy regulations. Successful monetization requires understanding the particular characteristics of different audio environments and adapting strategies accordingly. We support publishers by offering comprehensive analytics and connecting them with diverse demand sources.

How do you view the integration of audio advertising within in-game experiences? What opportunities does this create for game publishers?

In-game audio advertising is an exciting new frontier that’s capturing the imagination of both advertisers and publishers. Audio integrates seamlessly into the gaming experience, offering a non-intrusive way to connect with audiences. This approach allows advertisers to tap into a highly engaged demographic that might be out of reach through traditional media channels. Additionally, it creates fresh revenue streams for publishers by providing targeted advertising opportunities within the immersive gaming environment.

Which metrics are the most crucial for publishers to gauge their success accurately?

Success metrics vary based on the goal. For audience growth, metrics like unique monthly users and stream counts are vital. For monetization, understanding ad consumption patterns—such as mobile versus in-car—provides valuable insights. AdsWizz’s platform offers a range of analytics to help publishers track these metrics and optimize their strategies.

Drawing from your insights, what recommendations do you have for publishers to improve their audio advertising monetization efforts?

Publishers should focus on leveraging their first-party data to enhance audience targeting while ensuring compliance with privacy policies. They should also consider diversifying their content offerings across different environments and devices to reach broader audiences. The best part is that AdsWizz provides crucial tools and support to navigate these complexities and maximize revenue.

What is AdsWizz focusing on in the next 6-12 months to support publishers?

We’re constantly pushing the boundaries of audio advertising, exploring exciting new possibilities like in-car and wearable technologies. We’re putting a strong emphasis on data—not just for enhancing audience insights but also for upholding strict data privacy standards. As we dive into burgeoning areas like podcasts and in-game audio, we’re opening up fresh monetization avenues for publishers. Our aim is to deliver holistic capabilities that support publishers in every aspect of their business.

The Future is Loud

My conversation with Marsha Fischer highlights the innovative drive behind AdsWizz’s mission. As we navigate the complexities of audio advertising, the potential ahead is immense. AdsWizz empowers publishers to experiment, refine their strategies, and ensure a seamless, relevant experience for listeners.

Unlock the full potential of your audio advertising strategy with AdsWizz’s innovative solutions and expert guidance—contact us today!

by Daniel Einhorn, Senior Manager, Content Marketing

The post Mastering the Complexities of Audio Advertising for Publishers appeared first on AdsWizz.

Serious About Audio Cabana

Our cabana on Cabana Row was buzzing with energy, transforming into a lively hotspot where attendees delved into our cutting-edge technology via an interactive, self-serve experience. For those craving a deeper dive, we offered private meetings with our team throughout the week, ensuring an immersive and personalized journey into our innovations.

Cannes Soundscape

During the festival, our cabana became the go-to spot for live interview recordings with trailblazers from every corner of the audio industry. These sessions delivered valuable insights into the market’s current dynamics, the transformative role of technology, and future trends. Attendees not only listened in but also had the chance to engage directly with these industry experts.

The Empower Cafe

AdsWizz proudly supported The Empower Cafe, a vibrant space at L’Avenue Cafe. This venue fostered meaningful connections and built a supportive network, allowing attendees to collaborate and empower each other.

AdsWizz After Dark

One of our most eagerly awaited events was at Le Chrystie. The party dazzled with an open bar, delectable light bites, top-notch DJs, and an electrifying atmosphere, offering an ideal mix of fun and networking for all attendees.

Thanks to Everyone who Joined Us at Cannes Lions 2024

Whether you stopped by our cabana, participated in a live recording, connected at The Empower Cafe, or danced the night away at After Dark, we appreciate your presence and look forward to continuing these conversations and connections. 

Did you miss us at the event? Contact us today to learn more about our offerings or to schedule a meeting with our team.

We’re Not Done Yet

Stay tuned for some great studio content coming soon from AdsWizz as we continue to innovate and lead in the digital audio space.

by Daniel Einhorn, Senior Manager, Content Marketing

The post AdsWizz at Cannes Lions 2024 Recap appeared first on AdsWizz.

What is Episode Scheduling and Targeting?

Episode Scheduling and Targeting revolutionizes advertising by enabling pre-scheduling ads in podcast episodes before they’re published. It streamlines workflows across different platforms and merges cutting-edge automatic episode generation with high-level forecasting and targeting abilities. 

The bottom line: Episode Scheduling and Targeting allows publishers to plan, forecast, target, and sell ads efficiently in future episodes, which creates new revenue streams and boosts each episode’s effectiveness and value.

How Episode Scheduling and Targeting Simplifies Inventory Management

This new feature dramatically simplifies inventory management by leveraging historical data for precise forecasts, ensuring campaigns can be booked without the risk of overselling or under-delivering. Once an episode is scheduled, it’s immediately available for ad campaigns across AdsWizz’s platforms. The feature uses unique episode IDs for targeting, ensuring ads are delivered to the correct episode, even if its release date changes.

Episode Scheduling and Targeting in Action

Imagine a weekly podcast series focused on sustainable living. The publishers of this series decided to leverage the Episode Scheduling and Targeting feature to use in a client’s advertising campaign for an upcoming series of episodes about urban gardening.

Scheduling Episodes and Attracting Advertisers

The team schedules the episodes two months before the series launch, documenting the topics and expected release dates. These future episodes are immediately shared with AdsWizz’s platforms, where potential advertisers can view if the planned content offers enough inventory to reach their advertising objectives.

Targeted Ad Booking

Seeing the alignment with its target market, a gardening tools company decides to book ad slots for the entire series. Utilizing the detailed forecasts provided by the system, they confidently book their campaign, knowing the ads will reach an engaged and relevant audience.

Flexible Ad Scheduling Ensures Uninterrupted Revenue

As the release dates approach, one episode must be delayed by 4 days due to unforeseen circumstances. However, the scheduled ads automatically adjust to the new release date thanks to the Episode Scheduling and Targeting system. The gardening tools company’s ads still hit their mark, appearing in the designated episode upon its release, ensuring the podcast’s revenue stream is unaffected by the schedule change.

Unlock New Revenue Opportunities

Episode Scheduling and Targeting is a significant advancement in podcast advertising, opening new revenue opportunities for publishers and podcasters. By automating and refining the ad delivery process, this feature improves monetization efficiency and contributes to a more predictable and financially stable ecosystem.

Want to learn more about Scheduling and Targeting?

• If you are an existing AdsWizz customer, check out our knowledge base for more information.
• Visit the Contact Us page if you are not an AdsWizz partner and want to get in touch with us.

by Nicoleta Vieru, Senior Product Marketing Manager at AdsWizz

The post Revolutionizing Podcast Monetization with Advanced Scheduling and Targeting appeared first on AdsWizz.