Google Display Ads: The best formats for campaigns



In modern online marketing, Google Display Ads an important tool for reaching the target group in a targeted manner via the extensive Google Display Network (GDN). Thanks to diverse display ad formats, this advertising system offers options for almost every campaign goal, from brand awareness to conversions to specific product campaigns. Companies can effectively expand their reach with these ads, as the ads appear on millions of websites, apps, and even YouTube videos.
But how do you choose the right format for your own display campaign? The right choice depends on various factors, such as the phase of the campaign, the desired goal and the preferred way to address users. This article gives a comprehensive overview of the various Google Display Ads formats and offers helpful tips for choosing the right ad for each campaign.
Overview of Google Display Ads and their uses
Google Display Ads enable companies to target their ads across the board Google Display Network (GDN) to switch and thus achieve a wide range. In contrast to classic search ads, which appear on the Google search results page, display ads are played on millions of websites, in apps and on platforms such as YouTube. The display network thus offers an excellent opportunity to build brand awareness and to potential customers already in the Awareness phase to achieve.
Uses and benefits of display ads
Display campaigns are particularly effective when it comes to generating attention for new products or services and increasing brand awareness. They are also great for retargeting campaigns, as they retarget users who have already come into contact with the brand or products. The advantage of Google Display Ads lies not only in their broad reach, but also in the wide range of targeting options — from contextual targeting to interest and demographic targeting to user-defined target groups.
Display ads vs. standard display campaigns
A big advantage of display ads is their flexibility: The various formats and targeting options make it possible to adapt to the respective campaign goals, whether it's building a broad reach or promoting targeted conversions. Standard display campaigns are a solid choice for companies that want to achieve consistent and predictable results, while dynamic and responsive formats can offer more flexibility and higher conversion rates.
The most important display ad formats and their application
Choosing the right display ad format is crucial for the success of a campaign, as each format is different Objectives and user experiences supports. Google Display Ads offers a selection of flexible formats that are tailored to specific marketing goals such as reach, retargeting, or app downloads.
Overview of Google Display Ads formats
Here is an overview of the most important formats and their respective benefits:
Format descriptionArea of useResponsive display ads automatically adapt to different ad spaces and optimize the reach.Broad user response, maximum reachImage displaysStatic or animated images that are visually attractive.Brand building, visual presence video adsMoving image format that is particularly effective on platforms such as YouTube.Attention, user loyalityDynamic ads that tailor content to the user.Retargeting, personalized Contact app campaignsEspecially for advertising developed by apps; often with interactive elements. App downloads, user interaction
Details about the individual formats
- Responsive display ads
A versatile format that automatically adjusts the size, layout, and format to optimally appear on various websites. Dies maximizes range and saves time when creating individual ad variants. - image ads
Perfect for brands that have a clear visual identity. Static and animated image displays offer the option of brand message to put it directly in the foreground. - video ads
This format appeals to users' emotions and is ideal for platforms such as YouTube. Video ads increase user engagement and are particularly effective when a product or brand creative and entertaining should be presented. - Dynamic ads
Ideal for retargeting campaigns, as they are specifically tailored to the interests and behavior of the respective user. Dynamic ads specifically display products or services that a user has already visited on the website, resulting in higher conversion rates leads. - App campaigns
For companies that use the Download and use their apps want to promote. Interactive ad formats make these campaign types particularly attractive and motivate users to interact directly.
Benefits of the various formats
With this range of ad formats, it is possible to specifically serve the marketing goals and target groups of the respective campaign. Thanks to the combination of image, video and dynamic ads, a wide variety of users can be addressed and the conversion rate increased.

Tips for choosing the right format for your campaign
Choosing the right display ad format depends heavily on the goals of your campaign and the type of audience you are targeting. Here are a few tried and tested tips to help you choose the best format:
1. Define your campaign goal
The goals of your campaign decisively determine the format that you should choose. Consider in advance whether you:
- Increase brand awareness want → Image ads and video ads are ideal here.
- Conversions want to generate → Responsive display ads and dynamic ads offer the necessary flexibility and personalization.
- App downloads want to promote → App campaigns are specifically designed for this purpose.
2. Consider user behavior and context
Think about where and how your target audience is typically active online. Video ads work well on platforms like YouTube, while responsive display ads offer wide reach on various websites.
3. Combine multiple formats for maximum impact
The best results are often achieved by combining different formats. For example:
- Use video ads for an eye-catching approach and dynamic ads for targeted retargeting.
- Setze Responsive ads one to ensure that your ads are presented attractively on different devices and screen sizes.
4. Pay attention to your budget
Some formats, such as video ads, can be more expensive. Responsive ads and image ads often offer cost-effective options for widespread use, while dynamic ads can be targeted and efficiently targeted at users who are already interested.

Best practices for successful Google Display Ads campaigns
A successful campaign with Google Display Ads requires a strategic use of the various advertising formats and precise orientation in the display network. Each campaign type should be carefully tailored to the goals to maximize performance and select the right ad for the target audience.
Mobile-friendly ads are essential, as many users use the Internet via mobile devices. Responsive display ads automatically adapt to the various ad spaces in the display network and thus increase reach. Another success factor is A/B testing: By testing various ad motifs, data-based optimizations can be carried out to find the most effective combination of images and texts.
Precise targeting within Google Ads plays a central role: With demographic targeting, interest targeting and user-defined target groups ads can be adapted to the needs of the target group. This is how advertisers reach their potential customers without causing wastage in advertising.
Strong visual elements such as attractive banners, clear ad titles and meaningful pictures attract attention on the Display Network. Video ads and animated ads are particularly suitable for building an emotional bond with the brand and increasing the interaction rate.
Some common mistakes are easy to avoid: Ambiguous objectives A display campaign often leads to inaccurate settings and less effective results. A sufficient test phase is just as important — without A/B testing, the chance of finding the ideal ad decreases. Too broad target groups make targeted communication difficult and dilute the effect. Examples from successful campaigns show that a well-thought-out structure and a precisely defined goal are decisive for high conversion rates.
Summary and outlook: How to get the most out of your display ads
Google Display Ads provide advertisers with a powerful platform to reach a broad audience across the display network and achieve key campaign goals. With a well-structured Google Ads account, the right selection of display ads and targeted targeting, performance can be significantly increased. Through the use of A/B testing You can continuously check which ad motifs work best and make improvements based on this.
Thanks to the wide range of options in the Google Ads account, companies can adapt their ads to different users and thus the range and Maximize conversion rate. For goals such as brand recognition, conversions or app downloads, a combination of the right advertising formats and a clear strategy is crucial. The search and display network campaigns often complement each other perfectly, so you can gain comprehensive information about the performance of your ads and thus also increase search visibility.
The continuous development of Google Display Ads also opens up new opportunities to react more flexibly to trends and user behavior and to secure ad performance in the long term.
Frequently asked questions
How do Google Display Ads work?
Google display ads Are about the Google Display Network (GDN) played out, which comprises millions of websites, apps and YouTube channels. With the help of Targeting options Like demographic targeting, interests, and retargeting, ads are displayed specifically where potential customers are most active and there is a high probability of interaction.
How much do display ads cost?
The cost of Google Display Ads depends on various factors, including the targeting option chosen, the bidding strategy, and competition in each market segment. Google offers models such as Cost per click (CPC), Cost per thousand impressions (CPM) and Cost per Acquisition (CPA), which can be flexibly adjusted to campaign goals and budgets.
How do I turn on display ads?
To a Display ads campaign To get started, you'll need a Google Ads account. In campaign management, you can create a new display campaign, select the desired format, set a budget, and define target groups and keywords. The ads then appear on websites and apps in GDN that match your audience.
Where are Google display ads being played?
Google display ads appear throughout Google Display Network (GDN), which consists of millions of websites, mobile apps, and YouTube. This enormous reach makes it possible to address users in different usage situations and to increase brand presence in a targeted manner.