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174. Curation & SPO: Simplifying Programmatic with Bob Regular at Infolinks

Programmatic Digest

Release Date: 04/16/2025

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Most advertisers focus on people who are ready to buy today. But what happens when that audience runs out?  In this episode, I chat with Ed Hackney and Trinity Lawry from Pearl Diver about how to find high-intent audiences, why balancing every stage of the marketing funnel matters, and how AI is making audience discovery easier for media buyers. This podcast was made possible thanks to the incredible support from Pearl Diver. In This Episode Why focusing only on conversions can quickly exhaust your audience. How behavioral data helps identify where consumers are in their buying...

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In this episode of the Programmatic Digest, Hélène Parker and Assetou Kone dive into the evolving role of AI in programmatic advertising and campaign optimization. The conversation explores how media buyers and traders can use tools like ChatGPT and Claude to streamline workflows, analyze campaign data more efficiently, and uncover deeper optimization insights. Hélène opens the session by reframing optimization as more than simple “bid up, bid down” tactics. Instead, she explains how successful optimization requires hypothesis testing, strategic thinking, and understanding how DSP...

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In this episode, we sit down with Bob Regular, CEO of Infolinks, to explore the evolving world of programmatic advertising and the rising importance of curation. Bob walks us through his journey in digital media—from the dial-up days to today’s complex ad tech ecosystem—offering valuable insights along the way. We dive into how Supply Path Optimization (SPO) is playing a critical role in improving the connection between advertisers and publishers by enhancing media quality and eliminating unnecessary middlemen.

Using the analogy of choosing the best billboard location, Bob explains how digital ad placement is just as strategic, with audience targeting and creative messaging being essential for success. We also touch on the often-overlooked challenges of inconsistent naming conventions and unclear attention metrics, and how curation and SPO can help simplify and improve the overall advertising experience.

The conversation wraps up with a closer look at the differences between direct and reseller relationships in ad tech, and how SPO is shifting industry priorities. Bob shares key takeaways from recent training sessions with media holding companies, including the major reduction in non-value-adding players since the adoption of ads.txt. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of digital advertising and how we can build stronger, more transparent partnerships in the ecosystem.



About Us:

We teach historically excluded individuals how to break into programmatic media buying and land their dream jobs. Through our Reach and Frequency® program, an engaged community, and expert coaching, we offer:

  • Programmatic L&D Support: A monthly retainer providing hands-on training, strategy, and troubleshooting for programmatic teams. Book a Discovery Call: https://www.heleneparker.com/workshop/

Programmatic Training & Coaching:

 

 

 

 

Timestamp:

(01:44) Evolution of Digital Media Industry

(09:27) Publisher Placement Curation Strategy 

(15:07) Challenges in Ad Serving and Curation 

(25:18) The Complexity of Ad Tech Pathways 

(33:15) Perspectives on Premium Advertising Approach 

(38:12) Rebuilding Collaboration in Advertising Industry

 

 
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Meet The Team:

 

 

 

Looking for programmatic training/coaching? 

Sign up to our Accelerator Program: A 6-week structured program with live coaching, hands-on within DSP(s) exercises, and real-time feedback—perfect for those who thrive on accountability and community, and looking to grow their technical skillset
https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/courses/program 

Self-Paced Course:
Full access to course content anytime, allowing independent learners to study at their own speed with complete flexibility.

https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/bundles/the-reach-frequency-full-course 

 

Join our next workshop by signing up to our waitlist below:

https://www.heleneparker.com/waitlist/