Definition & Meaning of "ad targeting"

What is "ad targeting"?

Ad targeting is the practice of directing advertisements to specific groups of people based on their characteristics, behaviors, or interests. This can include factors such as age, location, gender, browsing history, or past purchases. The goal of ad targeting is to ensure that the right message reaches the right audience, increasing the chances of engagement and conversion. Ad targeting is commonly used in digital marketing, particularly on platforms like social media, search engines, and websites, where data is collected to refine the targeting process and improve ad effectiveness.