What is Real-Time Bidding (RTB)?

Real-time bidding is a process where ad impressions are sold in real-time. This happens through an auction. Advertisers bid for ad space. The highest bid wins. This ensures the best possible price for each impression.

How RTB Works

• Ad Request: When a user opens an app, an ad request is sent to the ad exchange.
• Auction: Advertisers bid for the ad space in real-time.
• Winner Selection: The highest bid wins the auction.
• Ad Display: The winning ad is displayed to the user.

RTB helps maximize revenue. It ensures that the best-paying ads are shown.

What is Waterfall Monetization?

Waterfall monetization is a traditional ad serving method. Ads are served based on a predefined order. This order is usually set by eCPM rates.

How Waterfall Works

• Ad Request: When a user opens an app, an ad request is sent.
• Priority Order: The ad request is sent to the first ad network in the waterfall.
• Ad Fill: If the first network cannot fill the request, it is passed to the next network.
• Ad Display: The process continues until an ad is served.

Waterfall monetization ensures that higher-paying networks get the first opportunity to fill the ad request.

Combining RTB and Waterfall Monetization

Combining RTB and waterfall monetization can maximize revenue. Here is how to implement this using AdMob.

Step-by-Step Guide to Implementing RTB and Waterfall Monetization

Step 1: Set Up AdMob Account

• Sign Up: Go to the AdMob website and sign up.
• Add Your App: Click on "Apps" and then "Add App". Enter your app details.

Step 2: Create Ad Units

• Create Ad Unit: Go to the AdMob dashboard. Click on "Ad Units" and then "Create Ad Unit".
• Select Ad Format: Choose the ad format (banner, interstitial, rewarded, or native).
• Copy Ad Unit ID: Follow the instructions to create your ad unit and copy the ad unit ID.

Step 3: Implement RTB

• Enable RTB: Go to the AdMob dashboard. Click on "Mediation" and then "Bidding".
• Add Bidding Networks: Add real-time bidding networks like Google Ad Manager and Open Bidding.
• Set Bidding Parameters: Configure the bidding parameters for each network.

Step 4: Implement Waterfall Monetization

• Create Mediation Group: Go to the AdMob dashboard. Click on "Mediation" and then "Create Mediation Group".
• Set Targeting: Choose the ad format and platform. Set the targeting options.
• Add Waterfall Networks: Add ad networks like AdMob, Unity Ads, and IronSource to the mediation group.
• Set eCPM: Set the eCPM for each network in the waterfall.
• Arrange Order: Arrange the networks in the order of their eCPM rates.

Step 5: Test Your Setup

• Mediation Test Suite: Use the Mediation Test Suite to test your setup.
• Check Ad Fill: Ensure that ads are being filled properly by both RTB and waterfall networks.
• Monitor Performance: Regularly monitor the performance and make adjustments as needed.

High Revenue Bidding Networks

• Google Ad Manager: Known for high eCPM rates and broad reach.
• Open Bidding: Allows multiple demand partners to compete in real-time.
• Facebook Audience Network: Offers high-quality ads and good eCPM rates.

High Revenue Waterfall Networks

• AdMob: Google's ad network with extensive reach and high eCPM rates.
• Unity Ads: Popular for gaming apps with high eCPM rates.
• IronSource: Known for effective mediation and high-quality ads.

Best Practices for Implementing RTB and Waterfall

• Regular Monitoring: Monitor the performance of your ad networks regularly.
• A/B Testing: Conduct A/B testing to find the best configuration.
• Optimize eCPM: Adjust eCPM rates based on performance data.
• Use Mediation Tools: Use AdMob's mediation tools to manage and optimize your ad networks.
• Update Ad Units: Regularly update your ad units and configurations.

Conclusion

Combining real-time bidding and waterfall monetization can significantly increase your app's revenue. AdMob provides the tools to implement these strategies effectively. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can set up RTB and waterfall monetization. This will help you achieve higher eCPM rates and maximize your ad revenue. Regular monitoring and optimization are key to success. Happy monetizing!