Sticky ads remain fixed on the screen while users scroll, offering continuous exposure. Discover the advantages of sticky ads, potential drawbacks, and tips to maximize their effectiveness. Learn how Bidscube white-label platforms can help you unlock the full potential of sticky ads and boost your revenue.
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Online advertising has become an integral part of our everyday browsing. According to the University of Southern California, a person sees roughly 5,000 daily ads. However, despite the increase in the number of ads, users still need to develop resistance to them.
Terms like “banner blindness” have emerged, highlighting how users often ignore or overlook traditional ads. As a result, advertisers continuously explore new formats to improve viewability and engagement without compromising the user experience. Sticky ads are one of the most effective solutions, offering better visibility while maintaining user satisfaction. Let’s dive into what sticky ads are and how to use them effectively.
Sticky Ad Definition
Sticky ads, sometimes called anchor ads, remain fixed on the screen as users scroll through a page. They stay visible throughout the user’s entire session, providing continuous exposure.
In the current advertising landscape, where bot traffic, ad fraud, and ad blockers make it difficult for advertisers to reach real people, sticky ads can be a game-changer. Users often scroll quickly and suffer from banner blindness. Sticky ads help boost viewability by staying in users’ line of sight.
So, sticky ads are basically “stuck” to the screen. It makes a person surfing web pages more likely to see an ad.
Two Key Types of Sticky Ads
- Horizontal
- Vertical
Sticky ads generally come in two primary forms: horizontal and vertical. However, some variations, such as mirror ads (two vertical ads displayed on both sides of the screen), also exist.
Let’s explore key types of sticky ads.
1. Horizontal
These ads appear at the top or bottom of a webpage and take the entire screen width. Because they are landscape-oriented, they are compatible with most websites and devices. When a horizontal sticky ad appears at the top of a page, it’s often called a “header sticky ad.”
Conversely, when positioned at the bottom, it’s known as a “footer sticky ad.” For example, many mobile apps feature ads that remain fixed at the bottom, ensuring visibility without interrupting the user experience. Google reports that horizontal sticky ads can boost ad viewability by up to 30% compared to standard banner ads.
2. Vertical
Vertical or sidebar sticky ads are portrait-oriented and typically appear on the right or left of a webpage. Due to their shape, they are most effective on desktop or tablet devices.
For instance, imagine browsing a recipe website on your laptop, and a vertical ad promoting cooking utensils stays on the right side of your screen.
Common Sizes of Sticky Ads
Sticky ads don’t have a universal size; nearly any ad format can be made into a sticky one. Some of the most common sticky ad sizes include:
- 300×250 (medium rectangle). Works well with sidebar content.
- 300×600 (half-page). High-performing size known for its visibility.
- 160×600 (vertical). Typically used for vertical sticky ads.
- 728×90 (leaderboard). Frequently used for horizontal sticky ads at the top or bottom of a page.
Whatever ad size you choose must align with the website’s design. Sticky ads should boost visibility without harming the user experience.
Five Reasons to Consider Sticky Ads
Sticky ads offer several benefits for both advertisers and publishers. Here are the five reasons to use sticky ads.
- Improved viewability. Sticky ads meet the IAB and MRC standards for viewable display ads. They must keep at least 50% of their pixels in view for at least one second.
- Increased conversions. For advertisers, higher viewability often translates into more conversions.
- Enhanced monetization. Publishers can enjoy increased revenue as sticky ads generate more impressions.
- Less intrusive. Unlike pop-ups or interstitial ads, sticky ads are less disruptive while maintaining visibility.
- Customization. Advertisers can tailor sticky ads to fit any web page. This makes them more effective.
Sticky ads strike a delicate balance between visibility and user experience. A steady, low-key presence can boost ad performance. It can also improve monetization for publishers.
Sticky Ads Potential Downsides
While sticky ads offer many advantages, they do have some drawbacks. Primarily, these downsides appear if sticky ads are implemented poorly:
- Limited ad network support. Some ad networks do not allow sticky ads, limiting options for advertisers.
- Interference with other formats. Sticky ads reduce the performance of other ad types on the same page.
- Space consumption. Sticky ads can occupy valuable web pages of real estate, which may be seen as a disadvantage.
- Design challenges. Poorly designed sticky ads can detract from the website’s look and hurt user experience.
- Impact on page speed. Overloading a page with sticky ads can slow its load time, counteracting its intended purpose.
Although sticky ads are effective, marketers need to use them with careful planning. Poor implementation can harm user experience and slow page speeds. It can also reduce the ads’ effectiveness.
Tips and Tricks to Use Sticky Ads to the Fullest
Here are five practical tips to ensure sticky ads work for you:
Tip 1. Tap into Common Sizes
Stick to the most effective ad sizes (300×250, 160×600, 300×600) to maintain user experience. Horizontal sticky ads on desktops should not exceed 90px in height, while on mobile, they should remain under 100px.
Tip 2. Focus on Ad Aesthetics
Avoid using overly bright or flashy designs. Sticky ads are naturally eye-catching, so a clean, minimalist design will be more effective than one cluttered with text or distracting elements.
Tip 3. Keep Text Minimal
People want to read shorter paragraphs in an ad. Keep your message brief, clear, and to the point, ensuring users can quickly grasp the essence of your offer.
Tip 4. Include a Strong CTA
A compelling call-to-action (CTA) is crucial for any ad’s success. Your CTA should clearly explain the next step. It’s vital for getting users to visit a landing page. In the best scenario – make a purchase.
Tip 5. Optimize for Mobile
With over 58% of web traffic from mobile devices, ensuring your sticky ads load quickly is crucial. And don’t interfere with content. Stick to appropriate sizes and avoid formats that frustrate mobile users.
Conclusion
Sticky ads are valuable for boosting ad visibility and engagement, but they should be used carefully like any format. Striking the right balance between visibility and user experience is critical. By following the tips outlined here and using the right tools, you can maximize the effectiveness of sticky ads.
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