What are Display Ads?
Visual-based online advertisements, known as display ads, show up on websites, apps, and social media platforms. These can feature visuals, banners, videos, or engaging media and are usually distributed via advertising networks such as Google Display Network (GDN). In contrast to search ads that hone in on specific intent-driven queries, display ads emphasize awareness, branding, and retargeting by showcasing visuals in users’ browsing environments.
Why Display Ads Matter
Brand Visibility:
Display ads ensure that businesses maintain a strong presence across countless websites, enhancing brand awareness.
Retargeting Power:
They assist in bringing back users who checked out a site but didn’t make a purchase.
Cost-Effective Reach:
When you look at it, display ads have the advantage of connecting with larger audiences while keeping costs per thousand impressions lower than traditional media.
Creative Flexibility:
Businesses can try out various formats like images, GIFs, carousels, and videos to grab attention.
Targeting Precision:
Networks enable targeting based on demographics, geography, context, and behavior.
Key Components of Display Ads
- Ad Formats: Promotional banners, tall ads, leaderboard placements, integrated ads, adaptable display ads, and video content.
- Targeting Options: Target audience segmentation, situational targeting, user behavior analysis, interest alignment, and retargeting strategies.
- Ad Network: Channels such as Google Display Network, Meta Audience Network, or programmatic DSPs.
- Creative Assets: High-quality visuals, clear copy, and compelling CTAs.
- Tracking & Analytics: Monitoring impressions, clicks, CTR, and conversions.
How SEO Agency Boston Uses Display Ads
- Local Boston Branding: Executing location-specific display advertising strategies for companies to excel in Boston’s digital landscape.
- Retargeting Campaigns: Reconnecting with visitors who left service inquiry forms or shopping carts behind.
- Multi-Channel Integration: Integrating display advertising with search ads and SEO strategies for enhanced effectiveness.
- Creative Testing: Conducting A/B tests on banner designs, calls to action, and messaging strategies.
- ROI Monitoring: Leveraging analytics dashboards to monitor performance and consistently refine expenditures.
Best Practices for Display Ads
- Incorporate striking visuals that are straightforward and limit the amount of text.
- Ensure that your calls to action are straightforward and encourage immediate engagement (e.g., Reserve Today, Discover More, Get in Touch).
- Align the design with the brand’s colors and identity.
- Target specific audiences to maximize your impact.
- Keep an eye on placement reports to filter out unhelpful sites.
- Update your creatives regularly to avoid ad fatigue.
Related Terms
- Retargeting
- Contextual Advertising
- Programmatic Advertising
- Conversion Funnel
- Banner Blindness
Common FAQs About Display Ads
They excel at building brand recognition and awareness, but can also effectively boost conversions when combined with remarketing strategies.
Typically, this is done through CPM (Cost per Mille) or CPC (Cost per Click), based on the objectives of the campaign.
Not in a direct manner. They can boost brand searches and site visits, which in turn can enhance SEO efforts.

From Passive Browsing to Active Engagement
At SEO Agency Boston, we craft display ad campaigns that merge eye-catching visuals with targeted strategies to enhance brand visibility and reconnect with customers efficiently.
