Managed Header Bidding

Move beyond the ad server waterfall and unleash true auction pressure with a fully managed, continuously optimized Prebid solution.

The Problem with Traditional Setups

For years, publishers were limited by the ad server "waterfall" model—a sequential system where ad networks were called one by one based on historical averages. This inefficient process left significant revenue on the table, as the highest bidder might never get a chance to bid if they were lower in the chain. It was slow, opaque, and favored the ad server's preferences over true market value.

The Solution: A Unified Auction

Header bidding revolutionized programmatic advertising by creating a unified auction. It allows you to collect bids from numerous demand partners *before* your ad server is called. This means all partners bid simultaneously, forcing them to compete in real-time and ensuring you receive the highest possible price for every single impression. It democratizes demand and puts the publisher back in control.

Diagram showing the difference between a waterfall auction and a unified header bidding auction

The Seartive Advantage: A Fully Managed Service

Simply installing Prebid.js is not a strategy. True yield optimization requires constant management and expertise. Our GCPP partners provide a fully managed service, acting as an extension of your ad ops team. They handle the complex, ongoing work of:

  • Continuous A/B Testing: Testing new demand partners, adapter timeouts, and flooring rules to find the optimal configuration for your specific audience.
  • Performance Monitoring: Proactively monitoring bid rates, latency, and revenue to identify and fix issues before they impact your bottom line.
  • Industry Trend Adaptation: Keeping your stack up-to-date with the latest identity solutions, privacy regulations, and Prebid modules.