What is an Ad Network, and What Makes it the Best in 2025?

Written March 13, 2023 by

Jennifer Miller

In recent years, display ad networks have emerged as key players in digital advertising. This article will explore the subject in more detail and identify what makes the best one.

So what is it?

An ad network is an intermediary platform that connects advertisers with publishers who want to display ads on their websites. Advertisers usually pay the ad network to place their advertisements on various websites, and the network pays a percentage of that revenue to the publishers whose websites display them. This arrangement allows advertisers to reach a wider audience while publishers can generate profit from their website traffic. In addition to providing a platform for advertisers and publishers to connect, ad networks also offer various other services. For example, some provide analytics tools to track the performance of ads, while others offer fraud detection to prevent fake clicks and impressions.

At HilltopAds, we have a lot of tools for advertisers and publishers that make their experience in affiliate marketing better. Check out the guides to learn more.

Guides for advertisers

Guides for publishers

Key aspects of success

With so many ad networks available today, determining the best one can take a lot of work. Here are some factors to consider when exploring:

  • Reach The best ones have an extensive reach, meaning they can connect advertisers with a wide range of publishers ready to display ads. This allows advertisers to target a larger audience and generate more profits. So, please pay attention to the number of publishers in the network and the amount of traffic they receive.
  • At HilltopAds, we have more than 73bn of ad impressions from direct traffic sources from all over the world. We work with high quality and trusted traffic sources only

  • Targeting Options The best advertising networks offer diverse targeting options to help advertisers find the right audience. For example, demographic and language targeting, GEO (geographic) targeting, device type, mobile carrier, browser type and OS versions, connection type, IP range, and more. The more targeting options an ads network provides, the more effective it will be at helping advertisers reach their desired audience and save money on unproductive impressions.
  • Creating ads in HilltopAds, you can set up the following targeting settings:

    • GEO (countries): For example, US, UK, Tier1, Asia, etc.
    • Mobile Applications: For example, Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), etc.
    • Interests: For example, movie, anime, games, sport, etc.
    • Browsers: For example, Chrome, Safari, Firefox, etc.
    • Operating Systems and its versions: For example, Android, iOS, Windows, etc.
    • Device type: Mobile/smartphone or Tablet.
    • Mobile Carrier: For example, Vodafone, Entel, etc.
    • Connection type: 3G/LTE or Broadband.
    • Language: For example, Arabic, Thai, Portuguese, etc.
    • Brand mobile devices: For example, iPhone, Samsung, Xiaomi, etc.

    Plus you can target your ads by IP Range and ISP. And it is not all our targeting settings! There are some options that are available upon request:

    • US States
    • Cities (of all countries)
    • Keywords
    • IP+UserAgent
  • Traffic Quality
    Another critical factor to consider when evaluating an advertising network is traffic quality, which may vary greatly. The best advertising networks prioritize traffic quality and prevent fraudulent clicks and impressions, as these can drive up costs for advertisers and reduce the effectiveness of their campaigns. A reputable digital ad network company constantly measures traffic quality and ensures that their advertisers receive high-quality traffic from legitimate sources. Providing high standards to attract reputable advertisers and publishers is essential, leading to a better overall experience for everyone involved.
  • Additionally, traffic may vary in user activity metrics, allowing advertisers to allocate budgets and set goals appropriately for their ad campaigns. For example, HilltopAds offers High, Medium, and Low activity traffic channels. Each of these channels has efficient methods for generating profits that meet the requirements and budgets of an advertiser.

  • Ad formats
    Different ad formats, including display ads, video ads, mobile ads, in-page push notifications, and POPs, work better depending on the types of websites and various audiences, so having a range of options is quite crucial. Additionally, some networks may offer more innovative ad formats, such as interactive ads or augmented reality ads, which can be more engaging for users.
  • At HilltopAds, advertisers can choose Popunder, In-Page, Video and Banner ads when creating their ad campaigns while publishers can monetize traffic with Popunder, Video VAST, MultiTag In-Page, MultiTag Video Slider, MultiTag Bannner. Our ad formats are available for both mobile and desktop devices.

  • Cost Advertising costs can vary significantly depending on the network’s pricing model, the type of ad format being used, and the level of competition for ad space. Some ads networks charge a flat fee for ad placement, while others use a bidding system where advertisers bid on advertisement space. Bidding systems can be more expensive but can also offer more targeted ad placement and better ROI (return on investment). A higher cost per click or impression may be worth it if it leads to a higher conversion rate or more sales. Additionally, some networks may offer discounts or special deals for new advertisers on bulk ad space purchases.

    At HilltopAds, we have a lot of promo codes and giveaways for our partners! And here is a special promo code for you: use the code HELLONETWORK when making a deposit of at least $100 and get +20% to your balance.

    Networks that provide rich targeting options, analytics tools, and support may be worth a higher cost compared to those with fewer features. Ultimately, the cost of services from a network company should be evaluated in conjunction with other factors, such as reach, targeting options, ad formats, analytics, and support, to determine the best overall value for your advertising needs. Another parameter to consider is the favorable conditions that a network may offer for those who want to be ad publishers. It is important that everyone involved receives appropriate profits; otherwise, it makes no sense.
  • Analytics and reporting Effective and diverse analytics and reporting tools help advertisers track the efficiency of their ads, which is crucial for optimizing budget spend. Analytics tools and reporting options that allow advertisers to monitor the performance of their campaigns in real-time are essential, as they enable them to quickly adjust their ad campaigns based on interaction data. These tools can provide valuable insights into audience behavior, ad performance, and other key metrics that can inform future ad strategy and optimization. This includes metrics such as click-through rates, impressions, conversion rates, audience targeting options, conversion tracking, and detailed performance reports. Access to this data is vital for tracking the success of campaigns over time and optimizing ad campaigns, ensuring advertisers get the most out of their ad spend.
  • The HilltopAds advertisers can track their results with our advanced tools and make game changing decisions. Moreover, we offer tools to optimize your ad campaigns. Check out the guides to learn more.

  • Support Finally, the best ad networks offer their users excellent support, including access to a personal account manager, technical support, and training resources. A comprehensive support system can help users navigate any issues and make the most of their advertising campaigns.
  • Yeah, and the HilltopAds ad network has it! For our clients without additionally rules or requirements, there are personal managers are available. They will help you create your first ads or optimize your spends as well as verify your website or set up custom settings for ads on websites.

  • Reputation A strong reputation within the industry and being known for providing high-quality services to everyone involved is essential. A reliable network with a good reputation attracts respected advertisers and publishers, resulting in higher-quality traffic and better overall results for all parties involved.

Hilltop Ads ad network upholds the highest quality standards and rightfully holds a place among the top ad networks. We continuously update our platform, following the latest trends in digital advertising to achieve the highest efficiency and profits for our clients.

Register with TOP ad network!

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