---
name: native-ads
description: When the user wants to run native ads on Taboola, Outbrain, or similar platforms. Also use when the user mentions "native ads," "Taboola," "Outbrain," "content recommendation," "sponsored content," or "in-feed ads." For strategy, use paid-ads-strategy.
metadata:
  version: 1.0.1
---

# Paid Ads: Native Ads

Guides native advertising on Taboola, Outbrain, and content recommendation networks. Native ads blend with publisher content and achieve ~18% higher CTR than display banners. Use this skill when planning or optimizing native ad campaigns.

**When invoking**: On **first use**, if helpful, open with 1–2 sentences on what this skill covers and why it matters, then provide the main output. On **subsequent use** or when the user asks to skip, go directly to the main output.

## Initial Assessment

**Check for project context first:** If `.claude/project-context.md` or `.cursor/project-context.md` exists, read Sections 3 (Value Proposition), 4 (Audience).

Identify:
1. **Goal**: Traffic, leads, brand
2. **Content**: Article, landing page, video
3. **Budget**: Min $500–1,000; better at $5,000+

## Platform Overview

| Platform | Reach | Focus |
|----------|-------|-------|
| **Taboola** | 500M+ daily impressions | Premium publishers; AI matching |
| **Outbrain** | Major publishers | Top-funnel; helpful content |

**Pricing**: CPC $0.10–0.30 avg; CPM $1–3 avg.

## Creative Testing

| Approach | Guideline |
|----------|-----------|
| **Combinations** | 3 headlines × 3 images = 9 variants; test together |
| **Image variety** | Headshot, product, illustration—distinct styles |
| **Advertorials** | Test length, tone, aggressiveness; no universal formula |

## Copywriting Guidelines

| Rule | Guideline |
|------|-----------|
| **Honest** | Avoid clickbait; match copy to content |
| **Format** | Match character limits; respect UX per format |
| **Tone** | Soft-sell; nurture, don't push |

## Funnel Focus

Target high-intent users in consideration and conversion stages; avoid one-size-fits-all funnel approach.

## Output Format

- **Headline** options (2–3)
- **Image** guidance
- **Landing page** alignment
- **Budget** recommendation

## Related Skills

- **display-ads**: Display vs native; programmatic
- **copywriting**: Headline, ad copy
- **landing-page-generator**: Landing page for native traffic
- **paid-ads-strategy**: Channel selection