In a dynamic digital advertising sphere, brands and advertisers encounter ever-evolving challenges and opportunities. One such challenge that has gathered significant attention in recent times is the prevalence of Made-for-Advertising (MFA) sites and the resulting digital media waste. Recently, Travis Lusk, Group Director of Digital Media, and George Leyva, Director of Retail Media, led a webinar tackling the issue of Made-for-Advertising (MFA) sites.
MFA sites, as the name suggests, are websites created primarily for the purpose of hosting advertisements. These sites often employ aggressive monetization tactics, such as high ad clutter, frequent ad refresh rates, pop-up ads, and autoplay videos, in an attempt to maximize revenue from ad placements. While they may appear to offer a wide reach and brand-safe environment, MFA sites often provide a poor consumer experience and contribute to environmental issues due to their inefficient operations.
Despite the known risks, six months post the ANA report on Programmatic Media Supply Chain Transparency, the recent Adalytics study conducted on MFA sites, revealed that a significant number of brands identified in previous studies were still running ads on MFA sites despite the known risks associated with them - 94% of named brands participating in the study were still found on MFA sites.
How are retail media networks grappling with the challenge of MFA sites?
Retail media networks, which play a crucial role in connecting brands with consumers through digital platforms, are also grappling with the challenges posed by MFA sites. While platforms like Amazon DSP and Walmart Media Group have implemented measures to prevent ad placements on MFA sites, the problem persists. Retail media networks are investing in technology and partnerships to ensure ad quality and brand safety, yet the problem still needs to be solved.
Traffic attribution on MFA sites
One of the key challenges in dealing with MFA sites is traffic attribution. These sites often rely on paid means to inflate their traffic metrics, making it difficult for advertisers to accurately assess the effectiveness of their campaigns. Distinguishing between organic and paid traffic is essential for understanding the true reach and impact of advertisements placed on MFA sites.
Looking ahead
Looking ahead, the digital advertising industry is poised for significant changes that could have far-reaching implications for how brands engage with consumers online. Revisions to industry standards, such as the Open RTB spec, may impact ad formats and placements, requiring brands to adapt their strategies accordingly. Proactive measures, such as working with DSPs that exclude MFA inventory and leveraging inclusion lists to ensure ad placement on reputable sites, will become increasingly important in safeguarding brand reputation and maximizing advertising ROI.
In addition to the challenges posed by MFA sites, digital advertising also faces the issue of media waste. As brands strive to reach their target audiences across multiple channels and platforms, they often end up wasting resources on ineffective or irrelevant impressions. This not only undermines the efficiency of advertising campaigns but also contributes to environmental concerns, as the energy and resources required to serve digital ads can have a significant impact on carbon emissions.
Addressing digital media waste requires a holistic approach that takes into account the entire advertising ecosystem. Brands must prioritize transparency and accountability in their advertising practices, ensuring that every dollar spent delivers measurable results. By leveraging data analytics and insights, brands can optimize their campaigns to reach the right audience with the right message at the right time, minimizing waste and maximizing impact.
In conclusion, our digital experts shed light on the complex issue of MFA sites and underscored the importance of transparency, brand safety, and consumer experience in digital advertising.
