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The difference between the Search Network and the Display Network

  • Article written by Kevin
  • 07/04/2023
  • - 14 minutes of reading
La différence entre le réseau de recherche et le réseau Display

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If you want to launch an online advertising campaign, one of the most important decisions to make is whether to use the search network or the display network. Both options can be effective in driving traffic to your website or increasing brand awareness, but they work in very different ways. The search network is ideal for businesses that want to reach potential customers who are actively looking for specific products or services, while the display network is better for targeting users who are browsing the internet and may not be looking for anything in particular. . In this article, we will explore the differences between the two networks, the pros and cons of each,

Understanding Search and Display Networks

The search network and the display network are two distinct types of ad networks provided by Google AdWords to help businesses reach their target audience. Search network ads appear on Google’s search engine results pages (SERPs) when users search for specific keywords or phrases. On the other hand, Display Network ads are shown on millions of websites that are part of Google’s partner network.

Search Network ads are text-based and aim to drive traffic to your website, while Display Network ads include images, videos and animations, and aim to increase brand awareness and generate leads.

Both networks have their pros and cons. It is therefore important to understand which one can benefit your business the most before launching an advertising campaign. The choice between the two should be based on your advertising goals, target audience, and budget. Understanding the differences between Search Network and Display Network can help you create more effective campaigns and reach the audience you want more effectively.

Understand the differences between search and display networks

Before selecting which network to use, it is important to understand the differences between search and display networks.

Search networks are designed to serve advertisements to users who are actively searching for a specific product, service, or information. Ads are displayed on search engine results pages, such as Google or Bing, and are triggered by keywords that the user enters into the search bar. The user then receives advertisements relevant to their search query. These ads are often text-based and include a title, description, and link to the advertiser’s website.

Display networks, on the other hand, are designed to serve ads to users as they browse other websites. These advertisements may take the form of images, videos or interactive media and are displayed on websites that are part of the display network. Ads often target users based on their interests, demographics, or past browsing behavior.

The main difference between the two networks is in the way the ads are displayed and the targeting options available. Search networks are ideal for advertisers who want to target users who are actively searching for their product or service, while display networks are best suited for companies who want to increase brand awareness or promote their products to an audience. wider.

Key Features of Search and Display Network Advertising

When it comes to advertising your business, it’s essential to understand the key characteristics of search and display network advertising. The search network targets users based on their search queries, displaying advertisements in response to specific keywords. On the other hand, the display network targets users based on their interests, demographics, and behaviors by serving advertisements on various websites and apps that are part of the Google Display Network.

One of the main benefits of search network advertising is that it provides highly targeted results. When a user enters a specific search query, they are usually looking for a particular product or service, which means the advertisements displayed in response to these queries are more likely to be relevant and effective. In addition, search network advertising is often considered more profitable because advertisers only pay when a user clicks on their ad.

Advertising on display networks, on the other hand, is more focused on brand awareness and reaching a wider audience. Ads are displayed on various websites and apps, allowing companies to reach users who may not be actively looking for their product or service, but may still be interested in it. Creative options for advertising on display networks are also more varied, allowing businesses to use images and video to grab the attention of potential customers.

Ultimately, the key to determining which network is right for your ad campaign is considering your business goals and the type of audience you’re trying to reach. If you’re focused on generating immediate sales and targeting users who are actively searching for your product or service, search network advertising may be the best bet. However, if you are focused on building brand awareness and reaching a wider audience, advertising on display networks can be more effective.

Benefits of Search  Network Advertising

Search network advertising, also known as search engine marketing or pay-per-click advertising, is a type of digital advertising in which companies bid on keywords related to their products or services, and their advertisements appear at the top or bottom of the search engine results page when someone searches for those keywords.

One of the main benefits of search network advertising is that it allows businesses to reach potential customers who are actively searching for their products or services. This means that the traffic generated by search network advertising is highly targeted and more likely to convert into leads or sales.

Another advantage of search network advertising is that it is highly measurable. Businesses can track their ad performance in real time and make changes to their campaigns as needed based on what’s working and what’s not. This makes search network advertising a cost-effective way to advertise, as businesses can optimize their campaigns for the best possible return on investment.

Additionally, search network advertising allows companies to set specific targeting options , such as geographic location, age, gender, and even time of day. This means businesses can ensure that their ads are shown only to the most relevant audience, increasing the chance of conversion.

Overall, search network advertising is a powerful tool for businesses that want to increase their online visibility and drive targeted traffic to their website. However, it is important to fully understand how it works and develop a well-planned strategy to maximize its benefits.

Benefits of Advertising on Display Networks 

Advertising on display networks has several advantages that make it an attractive option for advertisers. First of all, it makes it possible to reach a large audience. More than 2 million websites, videos, and apps are part of the Google Display Network, which means advertisers have access to a huge pool of potential customers.

Second, Display Network advertising helps deliver more creative and visually appealing ads. Unlike Search Network ads which are limited to text, Display Network ads can include images, videos and interactive elements. This means advertisers can create more engaging and memorable advertisements that capture the attention of potential customers.

Third, Display Network advertising is great for building brand awareness. These ads are often displayed on websites relevant to the advertiser’s product or service, which means potential customers are more likely to remember the brand even if they don’t immediately click on the ad. Additionally, Display Network advertising can be used to retarget customers who have previously visited the advertiser’s website, which can help keep the brand front and center with potential customers.

Finally, advertising on the Display Network is often more profitable than advertising on the Search Network. Display Network ads generally have a lower cost per click than Search Network ads, which means advertisers can get more impressions and clicks for their budget. This makes Display Network advertising a great option for businesses that want to reach a large audience without breaking the bank.

Disadvantages of Search Network Advertising

While search network advertising has its advantages, however, it also has some disadvantages that you should consider before choosing it as your advertising platform.

A major downside is that it can be quite expensive, especially for very competitive keywords. The cost per click (CPC) for popular keywords can be very high, which can quickly eat into your advertising budget without delivering the results you expect.

Another potential issue is that search network ads may not be as effective for certain types of products or services. For example, if you’re promoting a product that isn’t well-known or has a very niche market, you might not get enough search traffic to make the ad profitable .

Additionally, search network advertising does not provide the same level of visual appeal as display network advertising, which may make it less effective for certain types of businesses.

Finally, search network ads are often displayed alongside organic search results, which means that potential customers may not be able to tell the difference between the two. This can lead to lower click-through rates and reduced overall effectiveness.

Overall, although search network advertising can be a powerful tool for reaching potential customers, it’s important to carefully consider its downsides before deciding if it’s the right choice for your business.

Disadvantages of Advertising on Display Networks

Although advertising on display networks can be a great way to increase brand awareness and reach a wider audience, it also has some disadvantages that should be considered before launching a campaign. One of the main drawbacks is that it can be difficult to measure the success of display advertising. Unlike search ads, which are triggered by specific user queries, display ads are served to users who match a certain demographic or interest profile. This means it can be difficult to track exactly how many clicks or conversions are coming from your display ads.

Another downside is that display ads may be less effective at generating immediate sales. While search ads are often served to users who are actively searching for a product or service, display ads are more about creating buzz and building brand awareness. This means that display ads may take longer to show ROI than search ads.

Finally, display ads can be more expensive than search ads, especially if you’re targeting a highly competitive industry or using multimedia formats like video or animation. You’ll need to carefully consider your budget and goals before deciding if display network advertising is right for you.

How to determine the best network for your campaign

When it comes to choosing between the search network and the display network, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. It ultimately depends on the goals of your advertising campaign and the type of audience you want to reach.

If your goal is to drive immediate conversions or sales, the search network is probably the best bet. This is because your ads will be shown to users who are actively searching for specific keywords related to your product or service. This means they already want to make a purchase and are more likely to convert.

On the other hand, if you want to increase your brand awareness or target a more general audience, the display network may be the best choice. With the display network, you have the ability to reach large audiences through banner ads, video ads, and more. This is great for introducing your brand to new customers and creating a lasting impression.

It is also important to consider your budget. The search network tends to have a higher cost per click, but you might end up with more conversions. The display network, on the other hand, tends to have a lower cost per click, but you may not see as many immediate conversions.

Ultimately, the best approach is to experiment with both networks and determine which works best for your specific business and advertising goals. Don’t forget that you can also combine the two networks to create a complete advertising campaign that reaches a wider audience and generates both immediate conversions and brand awareness.

Tips for Creating Effective Search Network Campaigns

When it comes to creating effective search network campaigns, there are steps you can take to ensure the impact and success of your ads.

First, it’s important to do thorough research on the keywords you want to target. This will help you understand what your potential customers are looking for and how you can position your ads to meet their needs.

You should also use ad extensions, which can help increase the visibility and effectiveness of your ads. Ad extensions can display additional information such as your business location, phone number, or links to specific pages on your website. This can help make your ad more informative and appealing to potential customers.

Another important factor to consider is the text of the ad itself. Your ad should be concise, relevant and eye-catching in order to capture the attention of potential customers. Use clear value propositions and action-oriented language to encourage clicks and conversions.

Finally, it is important to continuously monitor and optimize your campaigns. This involves analyzing your data to understand which keywords and ads are performing the best and making changes to improve your overall ROI. By keeping these tips in mind, you can create effective search network campaigns that drive traffic, leads, and sales for your business.

Tips for creating effective Display Network campaigns

When it comes to creating effective Display Network campaigns, there are a few tips to keep in mind. First and foremost, remember that visuals are key when it comes to display ads. You want to create visually appealing advertisements that grab the attention of your target audience and entice them to click through to your website.

In addition to creating visually appealing ads, it’s important to target your ads to the right audience. You can do this by selecting the right keywords, demographics, interests, and behaviors that match your ideal customer.

Another important tip is to use a clear and concise call to action (CTA) in your ads. Your CTA should encourage users to take a specific action, such as “Buy now” or “Sign up today.” Make sure your CTA stands out and is easy to find in your ad.

Finally, make sure your landing pages are optimized for conversions. Your landing page should match the ad the user clicked on and should make it easy for them to perform the desired action. Your landing page should also be visually appealing and easy to navigate.

By following these tips, you can create effective Display Network campaigns that drive results and help you achieve your advertising goals.

Conclusion and final thoughts

In conclusion, both the search network and the display network have unique advantages and disadvantages. The Search Network is great for reaching customers who are actively searching for your products or services, while the Display Network is great for building brand awareness and reaching customers who may not even know your brand yet.

It’s important to understand your advertising goals and target audience before deciding which network to use. If you want to generate immediate sales, the search network is probably the best choice. If you want to build brand awareness and reach a wider audience, the Display Network is probably the way to go.

Ultimately, the best strategy is to use both networks in tandem to maximize your advertising efforts. By leveraging the strengths of each network, you can create a comprehensive advertising campaign that reaches your target audience at every stage of the buying journey.

Remember to continuously monitor and optimize your campaigns based on their performance, and feel free to experiment with different targeting options and ad formats. With the right approach, the search network and the display network can be powerful tools to help drive your business growth and achieve your advertising goals.

We hope this article has helped you understand the differences between the search network and the display network and determine which is best for your ad campaign. Choosing the right network, based on your goals and audience, is key to ensuring that your advertising dollars are spent effectively. Keep in mind that both networks can be successful if used strategically. Thank you for reading and we wish you good luck with your advertising campaigns!

Why is it important to understand the difference between a search network and a display network?

Understanding the difference between a search network and a display network is essential to ensure you target the right audience and effectively achieve your marketing goals.

What is a research network?

A search network is a collection of websites that allow advertisers to display advertisements next to search engine results pages based on specific keywords.

What is a display network?

A display network is a collection of websites, apps and videos that allow advertisers to present their advertisements using banners, videos or images, in order to reach their selected audience. .

What are the benefits of advertising on a search network?

Search network advertising captures demand by targeting specific search terms, and you only pay when people click on your ads.

What are the benefits of advertising on a display network?

Advertising on a display network helps create demand by targeting users based on their interests, demographics, and even behaviors. It is also a great way to increase brand awareness.

Can I use both search and display networks for my ad campaigns?

Yes, you can use both search and display networks to achieve your marketing goals, using them for separate campaigns or combining them for a more robust approach. 
Kevin

Kevin est un rédacteur spécialisé sur le thème du marketing en ligne. Il rejoint l'équipe de rédaction de SoContact en Janvier 2023 afin de simplifier l'accès à l'information sur le marketing en général.