We’ve all been there: scrolling through an article you’re interested in, only to be bombarded by flashy pop-ups, autoplay videos with blaring soundtracks, and banner ads that seem to follow you around the page. Website ads can be intrusive and disruptive, but what if I told you they could be beneficial?
Sam Eisenberg, Head of Customer Experience at Dany.AI says, “While we all yearn for an ad-free browsing experience, sometimes these very ads can hold valuable clues if you know where to look.”
That’s right! Here are 5 surprising ways to turn those annoying website ads into assets:
- Leverage Competitor Insights: Your competitors’ ads can reveal their marketing strategies and target audience. For example, if you see a competitor advertising a specific product feature heavily, it suggests they see it as a key selling point. By analyzing your competitor’s ad placements and messaging, you can gain valuable insights to refine your marketing strategy.
- Negotiate Better Deals: Believe it or not, some online retailers use ad retargeting to entice customers who have abandoned their shopping carts. According to Shopify, these ads might offer discounts or free shipping to nudge users toward completing their purchases. So next time you see a retargeting ad for an item you were considering, don’t hesitate to revisit the website and see if you can snag a better deal with a coupon code or special offer.
- Gamified Ad Engagement: A growing trend involves websites and apps that gamify ad engagement. Digitaland emphasizes that these platforms might reward you with points or virtual currency for watching ads or completing specific actions within the ad itself. While the direct monetary value might be low, these points can sometimes be redeemed for in-app purchases or exclusive content, enhancing your overall user experience.
- Find Free Trials and Sign-Up Bonuses: Many companies offer free trials or sign-up bonuses to attract new customers. These can be for streaming services, music platforms, or even productivity tools. Take advantage of these offers, but remember to cancel before the trial period ends to avoid unwanted charges.
- Spot Investment Opportunities: Believe it or not, some financial institutions use online targeted advertising to reach potential investors. These ads might highlight new investment products, market trends, or upcoming IPOs. While not financial advice, these ads can spark your interest in potentially lucrative opportunities. Remember, always conduct thorough research before investing.
Remember, knowledge is power. By adopting a strategic approach to website ads, you can transform them from annoyances into valuable tools for discovery, market research, and even saving money.
As Sam Eisenberg from Dany.AI concludes, “While ad filtering technology can certainly enhance your browsing experience, it’s important to remember that not all ads are created equal. By learning to leverage the information they present, you can outsmart the algorithms and turn those clicks into wins.”
