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Understanding Private Marketplace Programmatic: A Comprehensive Guide

How do you find and reach the right audience in a world where everyone is fighting for consumers’ attention? Media buyers are always looking for new ways to address their next best customers, while smashing KPIs for their clients. Many programmatic advertisers are investing in private marketplace (PMP) deals, which provide a mix of transparency, control and access to premium inventory that a public ad exchange may lack.

In this post, we’ll dig into what exactly a Programmatic Private Marketplace Deal is, exploring their benefits, how they work, and their impact on the digital advertising ecosystem.

What is a Private Marketplace or PMP in Programmatic? 

Private market programmatic deals are an effective way to buy digital advertising space. Unlike open exchanges where inventory is available to all bidders, private marketplaces are exclusive, offering high-quality ad placements to selected advertisers.  

private marketplaces are exclusive, offering high-quality ad placements to selected advertisers

What are PMP deals? 

Private marketplace deals allow premium publishers to offer their high-quality ad inventory to select advertisers in a managed, invite-only environment. This helps enhance ad effectiveness while protecting brand safety. Here are the main types of PMP deals:

Types of PMP Deals:

1. Preferred Deals:

Definition: Also known as “right of first refusal” deals, preferred deals give select advertisers the right to purchase premium ad space at a predetermined price on the open market.

Pricing: Fixed CPM (cost per thousand impressions) agreed upon by both parties.

Access: Companies have priority access to premium ad inventory but no obligation to purchase.

2. Programmatic Guaranteed (PG):

Definition: Also known as “programmatic direct,” this transaction guarantees delivery of a specified number of impressions at a fixed price.

Pricing: Both parties commit to a set volume of impressions and price.

Flexibility: Combines the automation of programmatic ad buying with the security of direct deals.

3. Private Auctions (One-to-one):

Definition: Similar to an open auction but only for a select group of advertisers by invitation. Publishers can set floor prices, and only invited advertisers can bid. 

Pricing: Competitive bidding among a small number of advertisers, which generally yields higher CPMs than open exchanges.

Control: Publishers have more control over potential bidders and inventory availability with a private auction.

4, Auction Packages (One-to-many):

Definition: Auction Packages are curated bundles of ad impressions that are sold together under a single deal ID. They are created by grouping together ad impressions based on specific criteria, such as target audience, interests, or website content.

Pricing: While Auction Packages can include premium inventory, they are often competitively priced due to the open auction format.

Efficiency: Auction Packages streamline the buying process for advertisers, as they only need to bid on and manage one deal ID instead of multiple individual impressions.

Preferred Deals: Definition: "Right of first refusal" deals for select advertisers. Pricing: Fixed CPM agreed upon by both parties. Access: Priority access to inventory without obligation to purchase. Programmatic Guaranteed (PG): Definition: Guarantees delivery of specified impressions at a fixed price. Pricing: Set volume of impressions and price. Flexibility: Combines programmatic buying with direct deal security. Private Auctions: Definition: Open auction for invited advertisers only. Pricing: Competitive bidding, usually higher CPMs than open exchanges. Control: Publishers control bidders and inventory availability. Auction Packages: Definition: Auction Packages are curated bundles of ad impressions sold together under a single deal ID. Pricing: Competitive due to open auction format. Efficiency: Streamline buying process for advertisers.

Where does Curation fit in? 

Curation is a key concept in understanding PMPs. ExchangeWire defines curation in simple terms as a way in which users get direct access to supply side-inventory, applying programmatic technology to create and manage the buying and selling of ads.

Think of curation like a personal shopper for your ad campaigns. Instead of sifting through endless racks of clothes, you tell the shopper (in this case, the curation partner) exactly what you’re looking for: the style, size, and colors you want.

Here’s how it works:

  1. You Set the Criteria: You work with a curator, alongside your chosen SSPs, to define your ideal audience: their demographics, interests, online behavior, etc.
  2. The Platform Curates: The curator handpicks the best “ad spots” (available spaces on websites and apps) from its network of premium publishers that match your target audience.
  3. You Get a Custom Collection: These curated ad spots are packaged into a neat little deal that’s ready for you to buy. It’s like getting a tailor-made wardrobe just for your brand!


Benefits of of PMP Advertising

So why is all this important? What impact does it have on your media buying goals? Let’s continue the personal shopping metaphor to understand the benefits private marketplace programmatic deals can bring. 

1. Enhanced Control and Transparency

Curated PMPs are like having a VIP pass to a high-end boutique. You’re not rummaging through discount bins; instead, you’re given a private consultation with a knowledgeable stylist. They guide you to exclusive collections, handpicked for your taste and budget, ensuring each item aligns with your brand image.

This translates to:

  • Choosing Your Stores: You decide which publishers (the “stores”) your ads appear in, avoiding any that don’t fit your brand values.
  • Seeing Where Your Ads Go: You get a detailed lookbook showcasing exactly where your ads are displayed, giving you peace of mind and confidence in your placements.

2. Access to Premium Inventory

Imagine having access to a secret showroom filled with designer labels that aren’t available to the general public. TThat’s the power curated PMPs give to an advertiser. You get first dibs on premium ad placements on top-tier websites and apps, reaching engaged audiences that are more likely to appreciate your brand.

This means:

  • Higher Visibility: Your ads shine on high-quality publisher sites, gaining more attention and driving better results.
  • Greater Impact: Your brand’s message resonates with a more receptive audience, boosting engagement and conversions.

Curated PMPs or private marketplace programmatic give media buyers first dibs on premium ad placements on top-tier websites and apps, reaching engaged audiences that are more likely to appreciate your brand.

3. Overcome the Challenges of Open Marketplaces 

Think of the open marketplace like a bustling flea market – full of hidden gems but also lots of junk and uncertainty. With curated PMPs, you bypass the chaos and focus on quality. You’re less reliant on third-party cookies and more focused on your first-party knowledge about your customers.

This results in:

  • More Reliable Targeting: You’re not chasing shadows; you’re using your own data to reach the right people, leading to more effective campaigns.
  • Stable Environment: You’re not at the mercy of ever-changing algorithms or privacy regulations. You have a stable, predictable channel for your advertising.

In essence, curated private marketplaces in programmatic elevate your advertising game. You get the VIP treatment, access to premium inventory, and the confidence that your ads are reaching the right people in the right places.

Future Trends in Private Marketplace Programmatic Deals 

So what’s the future for curation within private marketplaces? What should you invest your media dollars in now to ensure future success for your clients? 

Increased Focus on Data Privacy

With growing concerns about data privacy, we’ll likely see an increased emphasis on secure and transparent data practices within private marketplace programmatic deals. Advertisers and publishers will need to ensure compliance with regulations such as GDPR and CCPA while maintaining the effectiveness of campaigns. As the industry moves away from third-party cookies, PMPs are positioned as a sustainable model.

Advancements in Curation Technology

Advancements in programmatic technology will further enhance the curated PMP process. Advanced algorithms and AI-driven insights will enable more accurate targeting and campaign optimization. This will make it easier for advertisers to achieve their marketing goals while maintaining control over their ad placements. The future will likely see a rise in contextual targeting and cohort-based strategies, which can be efficiently managed within curated PMPs.

How Lotame Can Help 

Private marketplace programatic deals deliver the control, transparency and access needed for a successful campaign.

Private marketplace deals provide a strategic advantage for advertisers seeking to maximize programmatic ads and spend in a complex digital environment. By curating premium inventory and leveraging advanced targeting capabilities, PMPs deliver the control, transparency and access needed for a successful campaign. 

As the ad tech industry continues to evolve, adopting new solutions like Lotame Curation are essential to stay ahead of the curve. Lotame empowers media buyers to leverage the full potential of PMPs by delivering:

  • Efficiency and unmatched performance: Optimize your ad buying process and get the best results with a tailored approach that eliminates waste and maximizes return on investment.
  • Reliable, high-quality inventory: Access premium ad placements across all channels, ensuring your brand message is seen in brand-safe locations that resonate with your target audience.
  • Precise Targeting with Custom Audiences: Leverage Lotame’s expertise to reach the right people at the right time with tailored audiences built to your exact specifications.
  • Data-Driven Insights: Gain a deeper understanding of your audience and campaign performance with comprehensive analytics that drive continuous optimization.

In a world where advertising costs are rising and quality is declining, Lotame Curation is your key to reversing those fortunes. Don’t just buy ads – invest in a strategic partnership that delivers measurable results and elevates your brand’s presence in the digital marketplace.

Ready to unlock the true potential of private marketplace programmatic deals? Partner with Lotame today and experience the power of curation without compromise.