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Maximize your holiday revenue with Microsoft Monetize

November 08, 2023
Four coworkers sitting and talking while holding laptops.

The gift that keeps on giving: Best practices for publishers to maximize their Q4 revenue with Microsoft Monetize

As the year comes to an end, we know that publishers are exploring every option when it comes to reaching their revenue goals. That’s why we want to share some best practices and reminders on how to leverage Microsoft Monetize powered by Xandr to unlock the full value of your inventory.

Maximize your revenue opportunity and make the most of the holiday season with three key insights from Microsoft Advertising, analyzing data from across our marketplace:

Insight 1: Impressions increase in Q4

Impressions surge by 14% in Q4 overall as global holidays and seasonal celebrations bring audiences online to prepare for festivities.1

The switching from September to October saw a remarkable 6% impression increase across our marketplace. This signals that audiences are browsing and buying earlier than ever before, and publishers can take advantage of this trend by offering relevant and engaging content that match their interests and needs.

As more members of your audiences engage more frequently, that draws more ad spend to your inventory.

Speaking of ad spend...

Insight 2: Ad spend ramps up starting in October

November and December are the busiest months for advertising spending, as advertisers aim to reach engaged publisher audiences on the lookout for the best deals and options.

Our data reveals a significant increase in advertising spend across our marketplace from September to October—a 17% increase to be precise—indicating advertisers are already activating their budgets in force.2 Publishers need to ensure inventory is primed to capitalize on the increased spend.

Insight 3: Seasonal demand boosts CPM

Seasonal demand during Q4 (October to December) drives a 19% overall increase in cost per mille (CPM).

It’s no secret that CPMs generally increase in Q4. However, we see the September to October trend continuing with CPMs rising 10% CPMs month-over-month across our marketplace.3

During this time of year, it’s especially important to monitor your CPMs closely. Look at your revenue streams, formats, placements, and demand partners, and see what’s performing best at this time of year. Your learnings can help inform priorities for the coming year and help you on your way to greater revenue.

Your next step: Growing your holiday revenue with Microsoft Monetize

As the year comes to a close, we want to help you make the most of the holiday season. That’s why we’ve prepared some useful tips and reminders from Microsoft Monetize, the platform that connects you with premium demand and helps you reach your revenue goals.

Explore this infographic for six key actions you can take to boost your earnings with Microsoft Monetize.

We hope these tips and insights will help you achieve your goals and end the year on a high note. We appreciate your partnership and look forward to working with you in the new year.

Happy holidays from Microsoft Monetize.

If you have any questions or need assistance, contact our support team or your account manager. We’re always happy to help you succeed with Microsoft Monetize.

[1] Microsoft internal data. Marketplace trending data Q3 ’22 vs Q4 ’22. Purchased impressions.
[2] Microsoft internal data. Marketplace trending data Q3 ’22 vs Q4 ’22. Ad spend.
[3] Microsoft internal data. Marketplace trending data Q3 ’22 vs Q4 ’22. Cost per thousand.

Authors

  • Nicholas Bolt

    SENIOR PRODUCT MARKETING MANAGER, MICROSOFT ADVERTISING

    Nicholas Bolt

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