Requirements
To get started, ensure you have the following:
Access to the Indie Ads Manager platform
A standard ad zone with a fixed size set to 300x250 (best for sidebar or inline positions)
Note: while these ads can be assigned to a dynamic zone, they do not always display correctly
Step-by-Step Guide
Log into Indie Ads Manager and navigate to the relevant Advertiser record (or create a new Advertiser)
Click Add Campaign and select Standard Campaign
Enter a name for your Campaign and adjust the targeting & scheduling levels
Click Create Campaign
In your newly created campaign, click Add Ad Item
From the Add Ad Item window, select Native (Custom Rendering/API)
Give the ad a name (required)
Set the ad item's size to 300x250 then complete the remaining fields as needed
Select the Display: Native Product Slideshow template from the drop-down
Fill in the ad variables:
Destination URL: add the URL you want users to be directed to here (instead of the field higher up)
Sponsor Logo: include a PNG image file (without a background). Ideally, use a simple single-color logo or icon.
Background Color: enter a HEX code for the background color of the ad, i.e #F9DC6B
Text Color: select either black or white from the dropdown
Product Image 1: upload a JPG or PNG image file for your first product
Product Title 1: include a short title for the product
Product Description 1: include a short description for the product
Repeat steps E through G for Product 2 & Product 3
CTA Button Background Color: enter a HEX code for the background color, i.e. #028072
CTA Button Text Color: select either black or white from the dropdown
CTA Button Text: select an option from the dropdown
Click Save Ad Item
You are now ready to assign your ad to the relevant zone.
Previewing Your Ad
Unlike native ads set to dynamic size, you can preview how your product slideshow ad will appear if you have assigned a size to the ad.
Add to Your Website
Here are some best practices for using the in-feed ad template:
This ad can be assigned to an existing zone, it will work best in a fixed-size zone
Ideal ad zones include:
Sidebar ads
Inline ads
Custom zone placements on the homepage or category archive pages
Read Only Code
When building your ad using a native ad template, you will see a window with the template code. This code is read-only; you cannot edit (or break) the template from the Ad Item build window.
Troubleshooting
Text is cutting off: Reduce the amount of text in your ad.
Button is touching the edges of the ad: Shorten the text included. The template attempts to display all information, which can cause elements to touch the top or bottom of the ad when rendered.
Ad formatting is different when rendering on my website: Check the zone you are assigning your ad to. If you assign the ad to a dynamic zone, it may not render correctly. We recommend using a fixed-size zone set to 300x250.
White borders around images or logo: JPG files do not support transparent backgrounds. Use PNG files for best results.
Images are blurry: JPG files may not render as clearly as PNG files.
Images are slow to load: Your image file may be too large. Since the ad item is only 300x250, resize your image files to be as small as possible. If you can set the DPI of an image, do not exceed 144 DPI (ideally, use 72 DPI).
Still Not Working? Connect with our support team for additional help.