This guide shows you how to create a new ad format in Mercury and what is important. Usually, this is done directly in the proposal process, as ad formats need to be created more frequently in daily operations than other master data.

Note: In the Reference Data, this section is called "Ad Formats". To create ad formats, you need the corresponding user rights.

Preparation

Ad formats are always part of an existing structure. Therefore, make sure that the following levels already exist in the Reference Data:

  • Marketer
  • Publisher
  • Placement

If you can select these in the proposal, the data is available. If not, they must first be created in the Reference Data.

Step-by-step Guide

Follow these steps to create an ad format via the proposal form – this also works as a workaround if you do not have access to the Reference Data:

  • Open your media plan and click on + Proposal.
  • Select the Marketer, the Publisher, and the Placement.
  • Check the list in the "Available ad formats" section. If the format you are looking for is not listed, click the + Ad Format button.
  • In the mandatory field Type, select the appropriate ad format type from the dropdown menu. If the type is missing, it must be added to the "Ad Format Types" in the Reference Data first.
  • (Optional) Assign a Marketer specific name if it should differ from the type. This name appears in the plan in the "Ad Format" column. If you leave this field empty, the name of the type will be used.
  • (Optional) Enter the pixel dimensions under Min/Max Width and Height. Click the lock icon to enter a range (Min to Max) for dynamic formats. Without dimensions, "?x?" will be displayed in the plan.
  • (Optional) Activate the following checkboxes if necessary:
    • Expandable: For dynamic ad formats.
    • Only usable in combination: If the ad format cannot be booked individually.
    • Streaming: Indicates audio or video formats.
  • Please ignore the Comment/Specs field as this feature is currently being reworked. Use the "Note on ad format" field in the proposal for notes instead.

Completion and Saving

Once you have defined the ad format, you have two options:

  • If you want to complete the proposal, fill in the remaining data and save the proposal.
  • If you only wanted to create the ad format (workaround), click Cancel at the bottom left. The proposal form closes, but the newly created ad format remains saved in the system and is available for future use.