To sell ad inventory efficiently and maximize revenue, small publishers should adopt a multi-faceted strategy that combines automation, audience targeting, and strategic partnerships. First, using programmatic advertising platforms such as Google Ad Manager or header bidding solutions allows publishers to automate the sell ad inventory process, enabling real-time bidding and increasing competition for their ad space.
Second, leveraging first-party data helps publishers understand their audience better and offer highly targeted inventory to advertisers, which often commands higher CPMs (cost per mille). Third, building direct relationships with advertisers or joining niche ad networks can provide better control over pricing and reduce reliance on intermediaries. Lastly, optimizing ad placements and ensuring fast-loading, mobile-friendly websites enhance user experience and ad viewability, leading to improved ad performance and higher revenue.

Second, leveraging first-party data helps publishers understand their audience better and offer highly targeted inventory to advertisers, which often commands higher CPMs (cost per mille). Third, building direct relationships with advertisers or joining niche ad networks can provide better control over pricing and reduce reliance on intermediaries. Lastly, optimizing ad placements and ensuring fast-loading, mobile-friendly websites enhance user experience and ad viewability, leading to improved ad performance and higher revenue.