The developing space for non-premium display advertising is important. As a media buying company that has experience planning and buying direct as well as through ad networks (either via platforms or relationships), we're very very mindful of our focus going forward. Really, the cool branding stuff is all done publisher direct. Content sponsorships, designing engagements for a specific site, getting a valued impression, etc. These buys are still the focus of getting all hands on deck and doing something awesome and impactful for the long term, possibly outside the ad unit. Executing a CPA focused buy through bidding platforms and exchanges is more direct response driven, and requires a "different" type of buyer (and a lot more time spent in the bidding pits). People love using the Wall Street analogy for digital advertising. So the difference could be investing in a media property vs. day trading ad units. You can get rich either way, but we think Warren Buffet would invest.

Excellent best practices for testing. Well done.

The CPA space. Been there.

Smart ads and rich media. These are great because they put the user in control, and increase click throughs/conversions. And everyone likes that.

Because email clients are strange, strange beasts, and because it's really important to design, write, and code your work properly to generate interest and action.

A really awesome post about iterating a punchy, credible, and viral TWEET announcement.

Dynamic Logic found that in analyzing 2,390 display campaigns over three years, half banners (234 x 60 units) and rectangles (180 x 150 units)–placements that are often included in media buys simply to bring down the overall CPM–were more effective than larger, pricier placements such as leaderboards and skyscrapers.

Mobile interaction is a fantastic tool for marketers looking to understand and conversate with people who are really engaged. While the jury of mobile as a huge advertising medium is still out, the idea of it being an interaction and engagement medium that accompanies a campaign is much more promising.