If you’ve ever noticed visual banners on websites or ads following you around after visiting a product page, you’ve already seen display ads in action. Display advertising is one of the most widely used forms of digital promotion today, helping businesses reach audiences across websites, apps, and video platforms.
Unlike search ads that appear when someone actively searches for something, display ads focus on grabbing attention through visuals such as banners, images, and videos.
In this blog, we’ll explain how display advertising for beginners works, the types of display ads available, and why many businesses partner with a PPC marketing agency or PPC agency in London to manage successful campaigns.
What Are Display Ads in Digital Marketing?
Display ads are visual advertisements placed across websites, apps, and online platforms to promote a product, service, or brand.
How Display Advertising Differs from Search Ads
While both are forms of digital marketing ads, they serve different purposes:
- Search ads appear when users type queries into search engines.
- Display ads appear while users browse websites or apps.
- Display advertising focuses more on brand awareness and audience targeting.
This makes display advertising an essential part of modern online advertising types.
Where Display Ads Appear Online
Display ads can be seen across many digital platforms, including:
- News websites and blogs.
- Mobile applications.
- Video platforms such as YouTube.
- Websites within the Google Display Network.
This massive reach allows businesses to expose their brand to millions of potential customers.
How Do Display Ads Work?
Display advertising works through advertising networks that place ads on relevant websites based on audience targeting.
Audience Targeting in Display Advertising
One of the biggest advantages of display ads is advanced targeting. Advertisers can reach audiences based on:
- Interests and browsing behaviour.
- Demographics and location.
- Previous website visits (retargeting).
These targeting features make PPC advertising campaigns far more effective.
PPC Advertising and Display Ads
Most display campaigns operate under a pay-per-click (PPC) advertising model. This means businesses only pay when someone clicks on the ad.
Benefits include:
- Budget control.
- Performance tracking.
- Scalable marketing campaigns/
This is why many businesses rely on a PPC marketing agency to optimise results.
Types of Display Ads Used in Online Advertising
Display advertising includes several formats designed to capture attention.
Banner Display Ads
Banner ads are the most traditional format. They appear as rectangular ads placed across websites.
Responsive Display Ads
Responsive ads automatically adjust size and layout depending on where they appear online.
Retargeting Display Ads
Retargeting ads show advertisements to users who previously visited your website. These are highly effective for increasing conversions.
Interactive and Rich Media Ads
These ads include video, animations, and interactive features that encourage engagement.
Benefits of Display Advertising for Businesses
Display advertising offers several advantages for businesses of all sizes.
Massive Audience Reach
Display ads can appear across millions of websites, making them powerful tools for brand visibility.
Cost-Effective PPC Advertising
Because display ads operate within PPC advertising models, businesses can control budgets and optimise campaigns.
Strong Brand Awareness
The visual nature of display ads helps audiences recognise and remember brands more easily.
Display Advertising for Beginners
If you’re new to display advertising for beginners, the key steps include:
- Setting clear campaign goals.
- Identifying the right target audience.
- Designing visually engaging ads.
- Monitoring campaign performance.
Many businesses choose to work with a PPC agency in London to ensure their campaigns deliver measurable results.
Looking for a PPC Agency in London? Connect with Haarty Hanks
In a digital world filled with content, display ads help businesses stay visible and memorable. Whether you’re introducing a new brand or reminding visitors about a product they viewed earlier, display advertising keeps your message in front of potential customers as they explore the web.
At Haarty Hanks, we specialise in creating effective display ads that support wider PPC and digital marketing strategies. If you’re looking to get better results from display advertising, connect with us and let’s build campaigns that truly connect with your audience.
FAQs
- What are display ads in digital marketing?
Display ads are visual advertisements that appear on websites, apps, or video platforms to promote products or services and increase brand awareness.
- How does display advertising work?
Display advertising works by placing visual ads across websites using ad networks. These ads target audiences based on demographics, interests, or previous browsing behaviour.
- Are display ads part of PPC advertising?
Yes. Many display campaigns operate under a PPC advertising model, meaning advertisers pay only when users click on the ad.
- What are the different types of display ads?
Common types include banner ads, responsive display ads, retargeting ads, and interactive rich media ads.
- Should businesses hire a PPC agency for display advertising?
Working with a PPC marketing agency helps businesses optimise campaigns, improve targeting, and maximise return on advertising spend.
