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Where to start with learning Banner Ads

Marlon test
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Warning: Please note

This thread was started before GSAP 3 was released. Some information, especially the syntax, may be out of date for GSAP 3. Please see the GSAP 3 migration guide and release notes for more information about how to update the code to GSAP 3's syntax. 

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I recently took over some pre-existing banner ad code for EyeBuild server, and I just tweaked it and it worked. However, when the client submitted the files, they got back to us saying it has some reference to Sizmek code, that seems to cause issues with their server.

 

I'm a total beginner and it seems different banner hosts have different protocols in coding their ads. Is there a resource on which are the popular ad servers and is it possible to learn their particular code requirements? Is there an online service that teaches coding specifically for banner ads?

 

Would greatly appreciate any advice, tnx!

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Standard HTML banner ads like 300x250, 300x600, etc should work with any ad vendor. Google definitely has  tools to verify that your code will work properly on their platform and I assume that Sizmek, EyeReturn, etc have them too.  Ultimately, your banners have to meet IAB specifications for file size, polite loading, etc. Keep in mind that banners are just a standard HTML document that usually include animation and have well defined borders.

 

Things get more complicated with rich-media (expandable ads, video players, etc.) because each ad vendor has their own requirements (though not significantly different), templates and support options. I believe all ad platforms support embedding proprietary components like a YouTube player, but you might have trouble getting help from Sizmek, for example, who's Google's competitor.

 

Google is obviously the dominant player in the ad serving space and luckily their support options are basically free. You can chat with them directly if you have a problem with their products like Web Designer, Studio aka DoubleClick, etc. They sometimes even will write entire blocks of code for you. The big downside with Google in my experience is their documents are not always up to date and you have to dig for information. Unfortunately, I don't know how EyeBuild or Sizmek support their platforms especially when it comes to embedding third-party content like a YouTube player or creating expandable ads.

 

I've always found changing another developer's project more trouble than it's worth because no two will approach a project the same way. Some will use shortcuts or hacks that will get the job done, but might result in hard to read or follow code. Some don't comment, some write 10 lines of code where 2 might suffice, etc. It's often easier to build an ad from scratch instead of modifying an existing one.

 

There should be courses out there on Lynda.com or Udemy that are specific to building banners. The ad vendors should also have training or help files. I find that with Google's information is rather limited since they assume you have already built the ad. There is a company called Noble Desktop the runs in-person training and sells books about web development, Greensock, etc.

 

If you're a visual person then you should obviously start with tools like Google Web Designer, or Adobe Animate. There are other tools out there, but Google and Adobe are by far the most popular and have lots of information out there. Once you get your feet wet with visual tools, then try to push yourself to learn HTML, CSS and JavaScript. That obviously includes Greensock, which is why you're here. Once you get into high-volume projects, you'll quickly realize how efficient GSAP is over using a visual tool.

 

GSAP does has an official training book on Noble Desktop, but also check out Petr Tichy on Ihatetomatoes.com and his YouTube channel. He has tons of free tutorials on GSAP, React, etc. and e-books you can buy on his web-site. He's a great guy that I've learned so much from.

 

Hope all this helps.

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On 3/20/2019 at 4:59 PM, Marlon said:

when the client submitted the files, they got back to us saying it has some reference to Sizmek code, that seems to cause issues with their server.

 

 

 Ads with specific vendor names are usually proprietary, so your Sizmek modified files may have needed to be uploaded to Sizmek, and a tag generated for whatever platform, said there was an error.

 

Sizmek used to be called EyeBlaster. And bought out Pointroll.

 

Here is a Sizmek specific validator

 

https://support.sizmek.com/hc/en-us/articles/200721189-Preview-and-Debug-Your-HTML5-Ad

 

https://adexchanger.com/ad-exchange-news/tracing-timeline-sizmek-ad-tech-rollup-duopoly-alternative/

 

 

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