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AI/ML-Driven Lookalike Modeling: How DMPs Improve Targeting and ROI

Ercan Canhasi

Introduction

In the world of digital marketing, understanding your audience is key to success. By targeting the right people with the right message, you can maximize the value of your marketing efforts and drive ROI. However, with the abundance of data available today, it can be challenging to know where to start.

This is where lookalike modeling comes in. By using machine learning algorithms, data management platforms (DMPs) can identify patterns and similarities between different data sets to create accurate lookalike models. These models can then be used to target new audiences that share characteristics with your existing customers or users, increasing the effectiveness of your marketing campaigns.

What is Lookalike Modeling?

Lookalike modeling is a technique used in digital marketing to identify and target new audiences that share characteristics with your existing customers or users. The idea behind lookalike modeling is that if you can find people who are similar to your existing customers or users, they are more likely to be interested in your products or services.

In the context of DMPs, lookalike modeling is driven by machine learning algorithms that analyze large amounts of data to identify patterns and similarities. These algorithms use statistical models to predict which attributes are most important for a particular audience segment and then use this information to create a lookalike model.

The accuracy of a lookalike model depends on the quality and quantity of data used to train it. DMPs typically use a combination of first-party, second-party, and third-party data to create lookalike models. First-party data is data collected directly from your own customers or users, while second-party data is data collected by a partner or affiliate. Third-party data is data collected by an external source, such as a data provider.

Overall, the benefits of lookalike modeling include improved targeting, increased ROI, and the ability to reach new audiences that may not have been identified through traditional methods. 

How AI/ML Drives Lookalike Modeling?

AI/ML algorithms play a critical role in driving lookalike modeling in DMPs. These algorithms are used to analyze large amounts of data and identify patterns and similarities between different data sets. By doing so, they can create accurate lookalike models that can be used to target new audiences with precision.

There are several ways in which AI/ML algorithms are used in lookalike modeling. 

The most widely and best-performing option is the use of classification algorithms to predict which attributes are most important for a particular audience segment. These algorithms can use decision trees, logistic regression, or other techniques to identify the features that are most predictive of a particular outcome.

One of the advantages of using AI/ML in lookalike modeling is that these algorithms can identify patterns and similarities that may not be immediately apparent to humans. They can also process vast amounts of data at scale, making it possible to create accurate lookalike models for large audiences.

Real-World Examples of Lookalike Modeling in DMPs

Lookalike modeling has become an essential tool for DMPs looking to improve targeting and ROI. Here are some real-world examples of how DMPs are using lookalike modeling to reach new audiences:

  • E-commerce: An e-commerce company may use lookalike modeling to identify new customers who are likely to purchase products based on the behavior of existing customers. For example, if customers who purchased shoes also tend to purchase socks and hats, the DMP could use lookalike modeling to identify users who have similar browsing and purchase patterns and target them with relevant ads.

  • Travel: A travel company may use lookalike modeling to identify users who are likely to book a particular type of vacation. By analyzing the attributes and behavior of existing customers who have booked similar vacations in the past, the DMP can create a model that targets users who are likely to be interested in similar vacations.

  • Media/Publishing: One way in which DMPs in the media/publishing sector use lookalike modeling is to identify new subscribers or viewers who are similar to their existing customer base. By doing so, they can create targeted campaigns that are more likely to convert and increase ROI.

  • Conclusion

    Overall, lookalike modeling is an essential tool for any DMP looking to improve targeting and ROI. By using this technique to identify new audiences and deliver relevant ads and messages, DMPs can achieve better results and stay ahead of the competition.

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