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Decoding Retail Media: Navigating the Surge in Ad Spending

READ TIME: 4 MINUTES
December 11, 2023
Syndigo Platform

Doing online searches for products is a process that we cannot be more familiar with. When you type in something like “vacuum cleaner” on platforms like Amazon, it will show you a variety of digital advertisements – banner ads, sponsored product ads, and captivating video placements… all for you – the shoppers’ attention. The emergence of Retail Media Networks (RMNs) marks a transformative shift in how brands connect with consumers during their shopping journey.

retail

Understanding Retail Media

Retail media advertising is now an integral part of the shopping experience on e-commerce platforms. Users conducting searches on retail sites are exposed to a spectrum of advertisements tailored to their queries and interests.

It’s the combination of brand advertising, trade marketing, and more, all on a single platform. People applaud RMNs for their efficiency and cost-effectiveness, because of the ability to closely target specific types of customers who are at specific points in their buying journey.

An RMN can display at the “point of purchase,” precisely when a customer is actively searching and building their cart on platforms like Amazon, Kroger, or Walmart. This strategic placement allows products to feature primarily within search results or even on competing product pages.

Moreover, advanced platforms such as Amazon and Walmart possess sophisticated capabilities that transcend traditional keyword targeting. They use ad impressions to precisely track the entire purchase journey, ranging from initial exploration to final completion. This includes targeting users based on specific demographics, psychographics, or behavioral attributes, offering a more nuanced approach to reaching and engaging their audience.

Projection of Ad Spend Growth

According to industry experts like Forrester and McKinsey, the trajectory for retail media ad spending is soaring. Predictions foresees a doubling of ad dollars in the U.S. market within the next few years, escalating from approximately $45 billion to over $100 billion by 2026.

Forrester

*Retail media ad spending is projected to hit 24.9% of total ad revenue by 2027, surpassing TV. 

Among all the ad spending for retail media, search results have become prime real estate. Brands can strategically position their products within search results or competing product pages on retailer platforms, ensuring high visibility during the shopping process.

Factors Driving Skyrocketing Ad Spending

  • Precision in Audience Targeting. Inadequate targeting accuracy could result in missed placements, subsequently leading to missed revenue streams for brands.
  • Pay-to-Play Dynamics. Competitive platforms like Amazon frequently tweak ad spending for prime placements, directly influencing organic search visibility and challenging brands to invest more in sponsored search for premium positioning.

The correlation between sponsorship and organic search visibility for brands who sell their products on platforms like Amazon is strong, especially for electronic products. Which means brands need to allocate specific ad budgets just to get a position on page one of relevant search results.

amazon spend report
  • Evolving Privacy Policies and Intensified Competition. The continuous evolution of privacy policies, coupled with an influx of advertisers entering the market, adds complexity to budget allocation, creating uncertainties and constant strategic reevaluations.

Syndigo’s Share of Voice – The Ultimate Solution

Imagine having a solution that automatically monitors all your brand placements without you lifting a finger. With Syndigo’s Share of Voice, this becomes a reality. Starting with a simple URL, the platform swiftly identifies and attributes all pertinent regions of interest to your brand, simplifying the process for you:

  • Streamlining Manual Tracking. Automates the tedious task of tracking ad placements, ensuring a comprehensive overview of ad presence.
  • Ensuring Accurate Display. Precisely showcases paid ad placements on retailer sites, enhancing visibility and effectiveness.
  • Handling Unreliable Data. Eliminates inaccuracies in ad positioning and share of voice, enabling data-driven decision-making.
  • Enhancing Consumer Experience. Optimizes ad placements, contributing to a seamless and engaging shopping experience.
Consumer Experience
Share of Voice

As retail media continues to evolve, you will need a strategic edge for navigating this landscape – Syndigo’s Share of Voice can help you weave out a more efficient and cost-effective retail media strategy and achieve e-commerce success!

Connect with Syndigo today to elevate your brand’s digital presence.