Using Outbrain: 5 Mistakes That Can Cost You Big
Bruno Costa · 2026-10-07
If you’re using Outbrain to boost your marketing strategy, it’s crucial to avoid common mistakes that can hurt your performance. Here are five things to watch out for:
Ignoring required content and format guidelines
Every platform has its own content and format guidelines. Ignoring these rules can get your ads rejected or, worse, your account suspended. Make sure your creatives meet the requirements for size, format, and content type. Review the policies regularly, since they can change.
Not monitoring the quality of the traffic your ads generate
Generating clicks is only part of the job. It’s essential to monitor the quality of the traffic you’re getting. Use analytics tools to check metrics like bounce rate, average time on page, and conversions. If you notice the traffic has a high bounce rate, you may need to adjust your target audience or ad creatives.
Using misleading images that can lead to a high bounce rate
Images that don’t reflect the content on the landing page can make users distrustful and frustrated. This leads to a high bounce rate and reduces campaign effectiveness. Use images that accurately represent what users will find after clicking the ad. Test different creatives to find what works best.
Setting budgets without a clear ROI strategy
Setting budgets without a clear plan can lead to significant waste. Before launching the campaign, define your ROI goals. This will help you set a budget that’s realistic and aligned with your objectives. Consider splitting your budget into phases, testing different approaches before you scale.
Not analyzing the competition for ongoing optimization
Competitive analysis is essential to staying competitive. If you’re not keeping an eye on what your competitors are doing, you could miss optimization opportunities. Use tools like FreeSpy to monitor competitors’ ads and strategies. This can provide valuable insights to adjust your campaigns and stand out in the market.
Caution is key
Avoiding these mistakes can make the difference between a successful campaign and a wasted investment. Stay informed and always look for ways to optimize your strategies.
How many of these mistakes have you made in your campaigns? Share the numbers!