Blacklisting and whitelisting are powerful tools on the MediaCruiser AdPlatform for optimizing campaign performance by controlling which traffic sources reach your destination. By strategically managing traffic through Sub2 (main source ID) and Sub3 (sub-source ID), you can focus your budget on high-quality sources and exclude underperforming ones, maximizing your return on investment (ROI). This guide explains how to use these features effectively to enhance your campaigns.
What Are Blacklists and Whitelists Groups?
- Blacklist Group: A group of traffic sources (Sub2 and Sub3 IDs) you want to block from your campaign. Blacklisting excludes low-performing, i sources, ensuring your budget is spent on better opportunities. This reactive approach blocks known problematic sources while allowing all others by default.
- Whitelist Group: A group of trusted traffic sources (Sub2 and Sub3 IDs) you want to exclusively allow. Whitelisting focuses your campaign on proven, high-converting sources, reducing the risk of wasted spend and enhancing efficiency. This proactive, “default deny” approach only permits pre-approved sources, offering greater control.
Creating a Whitelist/Blacklist Group
Before applying a blacklist or whitelist to a campaign, you must create a group to define the traffic sources you want to include or exclude.
- Step 1: Start a New Group
Navigate to the Whitelist/Blacklist section and click Add New to create a group. - Step 2: Select Type
Choose Whitelist to allow only specified sources or Blacklist to block specified sources.- Note: When selecting Add Whitelist within a campaign, only existing Whitelist groups will be available for selection.
- Step 3: Name the Group
Enter a descriptive name for clarity, using a naming convention that provides context (e.g., “CA_Ontario_iOS_HighFTDs” for a whitelist targeting high-performing iOS sources in Ontario, Canada). - Step 4: Add Sub List
Specify Sub2 (main source ID) and Sub3 (sub-source ID) entries for the group.- Example: Enter sub2=99 and sub3=* to include all sub-sources from main source 99. If either field is left empty, the platform defaults to * (all sources for that level).
- Note: Ensure IDs are accurate to avoid blocking or allowing unintended sources.
- Step 5: Save the Group
Save the group to make it available for campaign selection. - Tip: Create multiple groups for different campaign goals (e.g., one for high-FTD sources, another for testing new sources) to streamline management.
Applying Blacklists and Whitelists to Campaigns
Once groups are created, apply them to your campaigns to control traffic flow.
- Step 1: Access Campaign Settings
From the Dashboard or Campaigns page, select an existing campaign to edit. Go on edit tab. - Step 2: Select a Group
In the Whitelist/Blacklist section, choose a pre-created Whitelist or Blacklist group from the dropdown menu. Only groups matching the selected type (Whitelist or Blacklist) will be available. - Step 3: Save and Monitor
Save your campaign settings to apply the group. Monitor performance to evaluate the impact and refine groups as needed. - Tip: Start with a broad approach (no whitelist) to test sources, then apply a Whitelist group for top performers to optimize conversions.
Troubleshooting
- Low Traffic After Applying a Group: If a Blacklist group reduces traffic significantly, review the Sub2/Sub3 entries to ensure no high-potential sources were blocked. For Whitelist groups, expand the list to include more sources if traffic is too low.
- No Conversions with Whitelisting: If conversions drop, your Whitelist group may exclude viable sources. Test adding new Sub2/Sub3 IDs or temporarily remove the whitelist to gather more data.
- Group Not Applying: Ensure the correct group type (Whitelist or Blacklist) is selected in the campaign settings, as only matching groups are displayed. Click on View Group Details to display more group information.
- Need Help?: Contact [email protected] for guidance on creating or optimizing groups or analyzing traffic source performance.