If you’ve browsed the web and suddenly seen an ad that feels like it was made just for you, there’s a good chance programmatic advertising was behind it. This automated, data-driven form of advertising is becoming one of the most important tools in a digital marketer’s toolkit.
In this beginner’s guide, we’ll break down what programmatic advertising is, how it works, how it differs from other forms of online marketing, and how you can start learning it through digital marketing training in Vancouver.
What Is Programmatic Advertising?
Programmatic advertising is the use of software, algorithms, and artificial intelligence (AI) to purchase digital advertising space in real time. Instead of relying on manual processes or direct negotiations with publishers, marketers use programmatic platforms to automate media buying and optimize ad placement based on user data and behaviour.
For example, let’s say a shoe brand wants to reach women aged 25–34 who have recently searched for running gear. A programmatic platform can analyze browsing data, identify users who match that profile, and bid on relevant ad placements—all within milliseconds. Once the bid is won, the ad is displayed on a website that the user is currently visiting. That’s the power of programmatic display advertising—personalized, timely, and data-backed.
Programmatic advertising isn’t limited to banners. It also includes:
- Video ads (pre-roll and mid-roll)
- Native ads
- Social media ads
- Connected TV (CTV) ads
- Digital out-of-home (DOOH) ads
This versatility makes it an essential channel in any modern marketing strategy.
What’s the Difference Between Programmatic Advertising and Digital Advertising?
Digital advertising includes many online ads, like search ads, banners, and social media promotions, that may be bought manually or through platforms like Google Ads. Programmatic advertising is the automated buying and selling of online ads using artificial intelligence and real-time bidding.
While programmatic advertising falls under the umbrella of digital advertising, it’s not the same thing. Think of it this way: All programmatic ads are digital, but not all digital ads are programmatic.
To explore more about how digital ads are used across platforms, check out our previous blog on paid ads for students in digital marketing training.
Is SEO Programmatic Advertising?
No, SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is not a form of programmatic advertising. SEO involves optimizing content and websites to rank higher on search engines like Google. It’s an organic, unpaid strategy that focuses on content, keywords, site speed, and backlinks to attract traffic.
Programmatic ads, by contrast, are paid placements purchased in real-time via ad exchanges. SEO helps draw visitors through search engine results; programmatic ads help put paid content in front of specific audiences based on their online behaviour. You can find out more about the properties of other digital marketing options and how to manage them from our insightful blog, navigating marketing challenges.
Why Programmatic Advertising Matters for Marketers
Programmatic advertising is rapidly becoming the standard in digital marketing because it:
- Increases efficiency through automation
- Improves targeting with data-driven insights
- Maximizes budget by reducing wasted impressions
- Allows for dynamic, real-time optimization
Whether you’re working in-house or at an agency, understanding how to plan and execute programmatic campaigns is a must for today’s marketers.
Learn How to Use It With Digital Marketing Training in Vancouver
Get started with programmatic advertising at Cumberland College. Our program includes hands-on training in media buying, Google Ads, audience targeting, SEO, and programmatic platforms. You’ll graduate ready to build full-funnel campaigns and stand out in a competitive job market.
Are you looking for comprehensive digital marketing training in Vancouver?
Contact Cumberland College for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What is an example of programmatic ads?
Answer: For example, let’s say a shoe brand wants to reach women aged 25–34 who have recently searched for running gear. A programmatic platform can analyze browsing data, identify users who match that profile, and bid on relevant ad placements—all within milliseconds.
Question: What is the difference between programmatic advertising and digital advertising?
Answer: Digital advertising includes many online ads, like search ads, banners, and social media promotions, that may be bought manually or through platforms like Google Ads. Programmatic advertising is the automated buying and selling of online ads using artificial intelligence and real-time bidding.
Question: Is SEO programmatic advertising?
Answer: No, SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is not a form of programmatic advertising. SEO involves optimizing content and websites to rank higher on search engines like Google. It’s an organic, unpaid strategy that focuses on content, keywords, site speed, and backlinks to attract traffic.
