Modern Ways to Buy, Manage, and Optimize Digital Advertising
McClatchy offers multiple technology-driven ways to run digital advertising. These include programmatic advertising, self-service campaign tools, and innovation focused on AI and emerging technology.
A Flexible Approach to Digital Campaigns
Not every organization approaches digital advertising the same way. Some want campaigns that run efficiently with minimal hands-on management. Others want direct control over budgets, timing, and execution. Many are also exploring new tools that simplify setup, testing, and optimization. McClatchy supports these needs through multiple execution models:
Programmatic Advertising
Automated, data-driven buying at scale
Run campaigns using automated buying technology guided by performance signals and audience data. Programmatic is ideal for managing multi-market or performance-focused campaigns efficiently, without the need for manual placement selection.
Self-Service Advertising
Hands-on control when you want it
Launch and manage campaigns directly through McClatchy Ad Manager. Control budgets, pacing, and timing yourself—making it easier to run always-on campaigns or move quickly without a fully managed process.
Innovation & Emerging Capabilities
Smarter tools that improve execution
McClatchy, in partnership with Trend Hunter, is embracing AI and cutting-edge technologies to enhance lead generation, streamline operations, and deliver unparalleled advertising solutions.
We have a wide range of marketing solutions at our fingertips.
We've tailored our offerings to drive results by maximizing media across right-sized campaigns, using only proven tactics deployed by a team of experts, that deliver unmatched service.
Hands-On Control When You Want It
McClatchy Ad Manager is a self-service platform built for small and mid-sized businesses that want to manage campaigns directly. Advertisers can set up, monitor, and adjust campaigns without using a managed service. With McClatchy Ad Manager, advertisers can:
- Launch campaigns quickly
- Control budgets, pacing, and timing
- Define who they want to reach
- See where audiences consume information
- Track performance in real time
- Test and adjust campaigns as needed
Automated, Data-Driven Buying at Scale
Programmatic advertising uses automated buying technology and real-time bidding to place ads across digital environments, including display, native, and video. Campaigns are adjusted using performance signals and machine learning to improve reach and frequency. With McClatchy, programmatic targeting includes:
- Household-level targeting
- Location-based targeting
- Keyword search retargeting
- Pixel-based retargeting
These methods enable advertisers to target consumers based on their location, search queries, and previous engagement.
Audience Targeting for Smarter Execution
Audience targeting supports the execution of campaigns across both programmatic and self-service advertising. McClatchy’s audience solutions are built from local readership behavior, content engagement, and defined audience segments.
Want to know more about our audience?
Unlock Business Growth with AI-Powered Solutions
McClatchy’s innovation work focuses on helping organizations understand how AI and emerging technology affect marketing and business strategy. Through our partnership with Trend Hunter, we offers tools, research, and advisory services centered on trends, experimentation, and future planning.
Connect with The Team
Work directly with innovation and strategy specialists to explore ideas, assess opportunities, and plan next steps.
Annual Future Festival
Join the top innovators in Toronto at an AI-focused innovation event that brings together leaders to explore emerging trends and new perspectives on technology and business.
Trend Hunter GPT
Trend Hunter GPT is an AI tool, currently in Alpha, that helps users create trend-based essays and reports using Trend Hunter’s database and AI engine.
AI Keynotes, Workshops & AI Innovation Accelerator
These AI-focused keynotes, workshops, and accelerator programs support audiences at different experience levels, from introductory sessions to advanced strategic advisory work.
AI + Human Research & Advisory
Our AI-Driven Research & Advisory Service combines AI-driven analysis with human insight to deliver customized research and trend advisory work for organizations.
Create the Future
Our award-winning bestseller, Create the Future, focuses on navigating change and explains how AI accelerates major trends shaping industries and organizations.
What Our Customers Say
We changed our partner a year ago and during that time our sales increased 18% in 2020 and 60% in 2021 . . . McClatchy's team was and still is a valuable catalyst in our multi-pronged marketing program to make that happen.
Our McClatchy marketing strategies have become our #1 source for leads - what a great ROI!
We noticed an immediate uptick in web traffic and engagement with the campaign launch. Access to the dashboard and monthly reports provide invaluable analytics to quantify results. We were excited to recently renew our contract with McClatchy.
Over the years, we’ve built a strong relationship with the McClatchy digital team. They are just as dedicated to a campaign’s success as we are. The team takes the time to get familiar with the complexities of the services that we are promoting and offers valuable market research. In turn, that helps us develop creative solutions and ensure we’re reaching our target audience.
Ready to Embrace Innovation and Spark New Ideas?
Whether you’re a local business looking to boost your visibility or a community member seeking reliable information, McClatchy is here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can create a future where our communities are more connected, informed, and prosperous.
Contact us
Reach out to a McClatchy expert now and explore how our cutting-edge, AI-powered solutions can propel your business to new heights.
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Digital Advertising FAQs
Programmatic advertising is a method of buying digital ads using automated technology and real-time bidding, rather than manual placement. Ads are placed across display, native, and video environments based on predefined targeting and performance signals.
McClatchy runs programmatic campaigns using automated buying tools that evaluate inventory and place ads in real time. Campaigns are adjusted based on performance data to improve reach and frequency throughout the flight.
McClatchy programmatic campaigns support household-level targeting, location-based targeting, keyword search retargeting, and pixel-based retargeting. These options allow advertisers to reach people based on location, search behavior, and prior site engagement.
Programmatic advertising is managed through automated buying technology and optimization processes, while self-service advertising gives advertisers direct control over campaign setup and adjustments.
McClatchy Ad Manager is a self-service advertising platform that allows advertisers to build, launch, and manage digital advertising campaigns directly without using a managed service.
Self-service advertising is designed for small and mid-sized businesses, organizations, and event marketers who want hands-on control over budgets, pacing, and campaign timing.
Advertisers can control campaign budgets, schedules, pacing, targeting selections, and creative updates while monitoring performance in real time.
Advertisers can run digital advertising campaigns across McClatchy’s digital properties using the formats supported within the platform.
The platform provides real-time reporting that allows advertisers to monitor campaign delivery and make adjustments as needed.
