Navigating Brand Safety in Advertising: The Importance of Thoughtful Placement

Tricia Allen

October 22, 2024

We recently came across an ad that sparked reflection on the ongoing challenges surrounding brand safety and ad placement in today’s digital landscape. It's a common scenario: a brand’s advertisement appearing in an incongruous context, raising concerns about how the placement could affect public perception and brand integrity.

While news outlets can be an effective space for advertising, it’s crucial to ensure that ads are placed thoughtfully and strategically. Advertisers must recognize that the surrounding content significantly impacts how consumers perceive their brand. An ad for a family-friendly product placed alongside sensitive or controversial topics can create negative associations that might linger long after the viewer sees the ad.

At Reticle, we understand the complexities of brand safety in the current advertising climate. We go beyond traditional placement methods by employing innovative techniques that analyze emotional signals alongside IAB contextual categories. This approach allows us to place your ads in environments that resonate with your brand’s values, effectively avoiding contexts that could harm your reputation.

Our commitment to thorough analysis means that we don’t just rely on automated tools; we focus on the emotional landscape of the content. By examining the feelings that different articles and media evoke, we can ensure that your ads are placed where they will be received positively, reinforcing rather than undermining your brand message.

The digital advertising landscape is evolving, and with it, the need for superior brand safety practices. Brands that prioritize thoughtful ad placements can not only avoid negative associations but also enhance their overall advertising effectiveness.

Discover how Reticle can help you achieve superior brand safety and maximize the impact of your digital advertising efforts. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that your brand is not only seen but is seen in the right context.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can elevate your advertising strategy and safeguard your brand’s reputation in a complex digital world!

More news

Reticle AI Named Finalist for Best Use of AI at the Digiday Media Buying and Planning Awards

We’re excited to share that Reticle AI is a finalist for Best Use of AI at the 2025 Digiday Media Buying and Planning Awards for our Love Mucho campaign with Mucho Burrito! The Love Mucho campaign was all about emotion-driven marketing—building a real connection between Mucho Burrito and its audience while also driving in-store visits and online orders. Instead of relying solely on traditional targeting like demographics or in-market signals, we used Reticle AI to place ads in emotionally relevant environments.

Why Cutting Ad Spend in a Trade War is a Costly Mistake

As the U.S.-Canada trade war unfolds, tariffs are pushing up costs, and uncertainty looms large for businesses. But now isn’t the time to cut ad spend—it’s the time to double down and connect with your audience on a deeper level.

The Power of Authentic Consumer Connection: Takeaways from SXSW 2025

Josh Rosen and I spent the past weekend in Austin attending the Brand Innovators Marketing Summit at SXSW. At this event, brand leaders from established global companies and fast-growing challengers shared insights and strategies. The event was packed with inspiring conversations, delicious BBQ, and plenty of queso, and the energy was contagious as marketers connected, networked, and learned from one another.