Ads Manager Monthly: August 2026

Hi there,

As we enter the last weeks of summer, we’re focusing on two big themes this month: preparing for the upcoming fall sports and lifestyle reset, and getting you ready for the next phase of our platform evolution.

In this issue, we’re sharing a sneak peek into the upcoming expanded rollout of our redesigned Ads Manager, practical setup shortcuts for pixel tracking and third-party audiences, and key strategies to reach passionate sports fans and busy families as autumn routines kick into high gear.

Let's dive into your August updates!

✨ New Ads Manager - Expanded Release Coming Soon!

Guided by your feedback, the updated Ads Manager experience has been built to be more intuitive, streamlining the setup with recommended channels tailored directly to your business objectives.

While we’re currently in a limited release phase, an expanded rollout is right around the corner! In the meantime, here’s how you can explore the new interface:

1. Watch our July Webinar Recording for a full walkthrough

2. Browse our New Ads Manager Experience help documentation

3. Request early demo access from your GroundTruth support team

⚙️ Tips & Tricks

Maximize your efficiency and campaign performance with these setup shortcuts:

Track Custom Conversions with GroundTruth Pixel | Whether you’re tracking sign-ups, form fills, or specific site interactions, our custom conversion event code snippet has you covered.

1. Place the Base Pixel: Ensure your base pixel is installed across your site first (required for all web engagement tracking).

2. Add Event Snippet(s): Follow the step-by-step instructions under “Installation & Custom Events” > Custom Events (Optional) in our help documentation to track specific actions. Read the Setup Guide.

Understanding Premium Audience CPM Surcharges | When building an ad group with our Datonics Premium Audiences, you’ll see a ‘+ $1.50’ identifier next to the segment name:

• Pricing Model: Using third-party segments incurs a flat $1.50 CPM surcharge per ad group. Whether you select 1 or 10 premium segments in a single ad group, you’re only charged the flat $1.50 rate.

• How to Set it Up: Under the Bid Price section in Budget & Schedule, simply add $1.50 to the minimum base CPM required for your selected channel and creative asset (e.g., Mobile Display minimum CPM is $3.50 + Premium CPM $1.50 = $5.00 end CPM).

• Pro Tip: Always place Premium segments in a separate ad group from Predictive and Deterministic audiences to keep you bidding clean and transparent. Read About Premium Audiences.

💡 Strategic Spotlight

Autumn marks a major seasonal shift driven by football kickoff, youth sports leagues, and returning to structured routines after summer. This "reset" mindset sparks a massive surge in demand for game-day essentials, seasonal retail, grocery runs, and local dining.

The Numbers

• 10% Surge: NFL viewership jumped season-over-season, highlighting live football’s unmatched scale across broadcast and streaming - ESPN

• Structured Routines: Over 60% of consumers report their daily routines become significantly more structured as fall begins, driving increased local shopping and meal planning - Path to Purchase Institute

• Peak Retail Windows: Back-to-school and fall sports schedules directly reshape grocery shopping habits, making September through November prime time for convenience-driven retail - Harvard Federal Credit Union

Key Strategies

• Hyperlocal Alignment: Reach passionate fans and busy families by placing messaging near stadiums, sports complexes, grocery stores, convenience locations, and game-day dining spots.

• Contextual Messaging: Engage consumers when sports are top of mind using dynamic messaging (like "Everything You Need for Kickoff").

• Cross-Channel Strategy: Connect Audio and CTV streaming ads during live sports and lifestyle podcasts, then reinforce those touchpoints with Mobile Display and DOOH near venues and commuter areas to drive foot traffic and conversions.

📚 Newsletter Archive

Missed an issue? Catch up on all the great content from our previous newsletters HERE.

Until next month!
Emily @ GroundTruth