Guide to Creating Successful Banner Ads

First, let’s answer the question: what are banner ads?

Banner ads (also known as display banner ads) are rectangular advertisements that appear on websites. If you’ve ever wondered what is banner ads in practical terms — they are visual ads placed within website layouts to promote products, services, or brands.

You’ve likely seen banner ads on websites like YouTube, where ads appear under the video player or in the sidebar. Those are classic examples of online banner ads — and they can be extremely effective when executed properly.

Banner Ads Types

There are several ways to categorize banner ads: by size, device, and format type. Let’s explore the main types of display ads banner formats:

• Static Banner Ads These are simple image-based website banner ads. While easy to create, they tend to attract less attention compared to animated formats.
• Video Banner Ads These include motion elements such as GIFs or video files. They grab more attention and are often considered among the best banner ads for engagement.
• Interactive HTML5 Banners These are the most advanced type of banner ads design. Similar to video ads but with added interactivity, they create memorable experiences for users.

Banner ads requirements

Common Banner Ad Sizes

Banner ads can also be categorized by size and device.

Mobile Banner Ads

Mobile banner ads are optimized for smaller screens and are crucial due to the dominance of mobile traffic. The 300x100 format is one of the most popular and high-performing mobile formats.

Desktop Banner Ads

Desktop placements include formats like 728x90 (leaderboard) and 300x250 rectangles. These display banner ads are commonly used under video players or within content areas.

Tablet Banner Ads

Tablet placements combine mobile flexibility with desktop visibility. Among all formats, 300x100 and 300x250 remain the most popular sizes in TrafficStars’ inventory. These are strong starting points when testing online banner ads.

Are Banner Ads Effective?

The short answer: yes.

Banner ads are effective tools for increasing brand awareness and revenue — but only if expectations are realistic.

Unlike search ads, most display ads banner formats are not primarily designed for direct conversions. Instead, they introduce users to your brand.

Why Banner Ads Work

High Visibility Banner ads appear across multiple websites, giving your brand broad exposure.

Low CTR While average CTR for online banner ads may be lower (around 0.11% on TrafficStars), they are ideal for brand recall.

However, when used for retargeting, display banner ads can directly boost conversions — especially when users are already familiar with your brand.

Native Ads vs Banner Ads

When comparing native ads vs banner ads, the difference lies in integration.

Native ads blend into website content, while banner ads stand out visually. Both formats have their strengths — native for subtle engagement, banner for strong visibility. The best strategy often involves testing both formats to see which works better for your funnel.

The Cost of Running Banner Ads

The cost of digital banner ads depends on:

• Target GEO
• Competition
• Performance

At TrafficStars:

• Tier 1 (US, UK): ~$0.07 recommended bid
• Tier 2: ~$0.018
• Tier 3: ~$0.005

This makes website banner ads one of the most cost-effective brand awareness tools available.

13 Tips for Designing High Converting Banner Ads

When it comes to banner ads design, execution is everything.

1) Use Eye-Catching Images

Visuals are critical for strong display banner ads performance.

2) Animate Your Ads

Animated creatives often perform better than static formats.

3) Add a Thin Outline

A subtle border helps your banner ads on websites stand out from surrounding content.

4) Create Multiple Formats

Testing multiple sizes improves reach and performance.

5) Choose Fonts Wisely

Readable typography is crucial for effective banner ads design.

6) Add a Call to Action

Even for awareness campaigns, clear CTAs increase engagement.

7) Add Urgency

Limited-time messaging boosts clicks.

8) Keep the Design Simple

Avoid clutter — simplicity improves performance.

9) Use Statistics

Numbers build trust and credibility.

10) Highlight Your Logo

Strong branding improves recall.

11) Personalize Messaging

Segment audiences for better results.

12) Maintain Brand Consistency

Visual consistency strengthens brand identity.

13) Keep Testing

A/B test everything. Continuous testing is key to discovering your best banner ads.

How to Place Banner Ads

If you’re wondering how to place banner ads, the process is simple:

• Choose your targeting (GEO, device, audience)
• Select the appropriate banner size
• Upload creatives
• Set your bid
• Launch and optimize

With self-serve platforms TrafficStars, placing banner ads on websites becomes straightforward and scalable.

So as you can see, banner ads remain one of the most reliable advertising formats. Whether used for awareness or retargeting, digital banner ads can drive measurable impact when executed correctly.

From mobile banner ads to large desktop placements, from static creatives to advanced HTML5 — this format remains versatile and profitable.

Launch your next banner ad campaign with TrafficStars and take advantage of competitive CPMs to scale faster and more profitably.