A banner ad refers to a form of online advertising that is displayed on a web page in the form of a rectangular graphic or image. It typically appears within the visible space of a webpage, such as at the top, bottom, or sides of the site. The purpose of a banner ad is to promote or advertise a product, service, event, or brand to the viewers of the webpage.
Banner ads are usually comprised of static images, though they can also consist of animated GIFs or even videos. They often contain a catchy and attention-grabbing headline or message, accompanied by compelling visuals, such as photographs, illustrations, or logos. The content of a banner ad is typically designed to entice the viewer to click on the ad, usually redirecting them to the advertiser's website or landing page when clicked.
Banner ads are widely used on various online platforms, including websites, social media platforms, email newsletters, and mobile apps. They are one of the most common and well-known forms of online advertising due to their ability to reach a large audience and generate brand exposure. Banner ads can be targeted and customized to specific demographics or user interests, allowing advertisers to maximize their reach and impact. The effectiveness of banner ads is often measured using metrics such as click-through rate (CTR) to evaluate their performance and return on investment (ROI).
The word "banner ad" originated in the late 1990s with the rise of online advertising. It is derived from the term "banner", which refers to a long, horizontal advertisement typically displayed at the top or bottom of a web page. The term "banner" itself comes from the Old French word "baniere", which means a flag or standard. In this context, a "banner ad" refers to an advertisement displayed in the form of a digital banner on a website or within an app. These ads are usually intended to attract the attention of users and drive them to click on the banner, leading them to the advertiser's website or landing page.