We have been hearing a lot of chatter about the explosive growth in the Real Time Bidding (RTB) space. In fact, the headlines are saying that 2013 is the year of RTB. And it seems as though technology platforms, trading desks, demand-side platforms (DSPs), ad verification partners, and the like are coming out of the woodwork, offering solutions to get advertisers and agencies bidding for digital media impressions.
Along with the growth comes continued skepticism from the publisher side. Change is hard, and much of what may be motivating this skepticism is coming from an interest in protecting turf-control direct sales efforts, including pricing, data, and inventory.
Language like “remnant,” “cheap,” and “low quality” has been floating out there, creating doubt in some buyers' minds and leading to a state of slow, or even sometimes “no,” adoption for some brands. Yet despite the fear, growth continues and long-term projections indicate that RTB will produce a very healthy stream of buying.
The debate also continues about whether or not RTB is ready for more upstream branding campaigns, or if its primary value is limited to its roots in direct-response campaigns. Click-through rate continues to be a primary measure of campaign success. But as inventory availability grows, technology improves, and data continues to feed the targeting process, we will see more opportunities to drive success through other measures. The growth of video inventory also points to more robust branding opportunities in the near future.
Regardless of the obstacles, it’s clear to me that RTB is a viable marketplace and something that advertisers need to consider as they move forward with digital buys. I recently attended OMMA's RTB conference in New York City, where industry leaders talked of a future for RTB outside of the digital ad space. The day may be coming when media buyers find themselves bidding for traditional media within an exchange.
With the winds of change constantly upon us, looking toward the future and being prepared will be critical.
Applying the same test and learn strategy that you would for any digital buy is a smart way to proceed. There will be situations when RTB isn't right, but advertisers and their buying partners should examine the facts before taking a pass. There could be a tremendous upside.
Getting Into the Game
Here are a few of the things to keep in mind as you consider playing the exchange game:
While it's true that there are still hurdles to overcome, including inventory quality perceptions, the various layers of the supply chain that can add to cost, and the resistance from the publisher side, the opportunity exists for a tremendous upside. To clients weighing the options, I say, “Test the RTB waters!”
The volume most certainly is there, and growing: in our Adfonic AdSnap for mobile RTB we recently saw how, for the first time, in October 2012 RTB accounted for more of our inventory than non-RTB. And the proposition benefits publishers and advertisers alike, with significantly stronger CTRs and eCPMs (if you want to see more, take a look: http://bit.ly/11SZJCI).
But I like the 'test the waters' advice: it's what I said when I worked for a dotcom, then in social media, and now in mobile advertising!