What is an advertising auction? If you have never heard the term before, you might be somewhat intimidated by the idea that you will need to bid for advertising space, which might mean that your ad budget might become stretched to the breaking point during a bidding war. On the other had, by using an advertising auction on the free Internet, you might quite possibly find yourself getting a great ad deal for the kind of advertising that you might have thought was out of your reach.

Advertising auctions are held on the ‘Net and invite businesses to bid on print ad space. While many webmasters have never considered the idea of spreading the ad dollars to not only the Internet but also the print media, an advertising auction may be the best possible way of trying to find out if this approach will work for you. Generally speaking, a newspaper or magazine now has the opportunity of offering up its free ad spaces, or those that were reserved for ad campaigns that were canceled at the last minute, to willing bidders. This is a great opportunity, and if the price is right, you should bid on the space.

Of course, there is also the advertising specialties auction. This kind of advertising auction demands higher prices, but if will offer you some great innovative ways of displaying your company’s information. Take for example the college student scene where extra money is always in short supply. Many students have banded together for informal advertising auction where they will auction off – themselves! Whether it is a temporary tattoo on their foreheads, a blatant ad t-shirt, or a placard on their back, these college kids are serious about earning some cash for getting out the word about your business. Should you bid in this kind of advertising auction? Absolutely yes! Considering that most advertising on campus is forbidden, you will be getting some amazing – and novel – exposure for your wares.

Last but not least are the ezine ad auctions where you will be able to have your ads seen by a niche audience. Considering the nature of the average ezine, you will need to weigh the benefit against the cost. If the circulation is high, it is worth the money. If the circulation is low, then you will be better served engaging in an email campaign where a target audience is waiting to receive your opt in emails.