Ad Network

Term from Advertising Agencies industry explained for recruiters

An Ad Network is a company that connects websites that want to host advertisements with businesses that want to show their ads. Think of it like a matchmaker in the advertising world. These companies manage the relationship between website owners (publishers) who have space to show ads and advertisers who want their ads to be seen by specific audiences. Popular examples include Google Display Network and Meta Audience Network. Ad Networks handle everything from selecting where ads appear to tracking how well they perform.

Examples in Resumes

Managed client campaigns across multiple Ad Network platforms, increasing ROI by 25%

Optimized Ad Networks performance for Fortune 500 clients

Coordinated with major Ad Network providers to improve campaign delivery

Successfully launched new products through Advertising Networks

Developed relationships with premium Ad Networks to secure better placement rates

Typical job title: "Ad Network Managers"

Also try searching for:

Media Buyer Ad Operations Manager Digital Media Manager Ad Network Specialist Programmatic Advertising Manager Digital Ad Strategist Ad Platform Manager

Where to Find Ad Network Managers

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you develop a strategy to optimize performance across multiple ad networks?

Expected Answer: A strong answer should include experience with budget allocation, performance metrics analysis, audience targeting, and managing relationships with multiple ad network partners. They should mention tracking ROI and making data-driven decisions.

Q: Tell me about a time you had to troubleshoot poor campaign performance across an ad network.

Expected Answer: Look for answers that show problem-solving skills, understanding of advertising metrics, ability to identify issues (like poor targeting or ad placement), and experience implementing solutions that improved campaign results.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What factors do you consider when choosing between different ad networks for a campaign?

Expected Answer: Should discuss audience reach, cost structure, ad format options, targeting capabilities, and reporting features. Should show understanding of matching client needs to network capabilities.

Q: How do you measure the success of an ad network campaign?

Expected Answer: Should mention key performance indicators like click-through rates, conversion rates, cost per acquisition, return on ad spend, and the importance of setting clear goals before launching campaigns.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What are the basic types of ad formats available in most ad networks?

Expected Answer: Should be able to describe common formats like display ads, native ads, video ads, and mobile ads, along with basic understanding of where each format works best.

Q: Explain the difference between CPM, CPC, and CPA pricing models.

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate understanding of basic pricing models: Cost Per Thousand Impressions (CPM), Cost Per Click (CPC), and Cost Per Action (CPA), and when each might be appropriate.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic campaign setup and monitoring
  • Understanding of ad formats and placements
  • Basic reporting and analytics
  • Knowledge of common advertising metrics

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Campaign optimization across multiple platforms
  • Budget management and allocation
  • Performance analysis and troubleshooting
  • Client relationship management

Senior (5+ years)

  • Strategic campaign planning
  • Advanced performance optimization
  • Team leadership and training
  • Complex budget management across networks

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No understanding of basic advertising metrics (CTR, CPC, CPM)
  • Lack of experience with major ad networks like Google or Meta
  • Poor understanding of audience targeting
  • No experience with campaign optimization or performance analysis