MFA Websites: Unpacking the True Impact on Brands and Users

Programmatic ad spend is poised to exceed $550 billion globally in 2023, as reported by Statista. A report by Forbes stated that Made for Advertising (MFA) websites contribute to approximately 5.7% to 7.9% of programmatic spending. When these statistics are synthesized, they may present a compelling case for MFA investments. But a closer examination reveals a compelling argument to exercise caution when considering this path.

Let’s understand MFA sites and what they actually mean

Made for Advertisements sites are web platforms that are primarily designed and optimized for displaying advertisements rather than providing valuable content or user experiences. These websites focus on maximizing ad revenue through various strategies, often resulting in a high density of ads, low-quality content, and a poor user experience.

What are they (in)famous for?

The allure of MFA websites is undeniable—they are meticulously designed with one singular purpose in mind: advertising. But, these websites, while custom-built to maximize ad visibility, often come at the expense of offering substantial, meaningful content and value to users. 

The MFA paradox

Made for Advertising (MFA) websites are inherently built to serve ads, and ads, in turn, are intended to engage users. However, the paradox lies in the fact that MFA websites, despite their ad-centric design, may not always prioritize a positive or meaningful user experience.

MFA websites typically exhibit certain characteristics that can hinder the user experience and, in turn, may not align with advertisers’ goals. These characteristics often include filler content such as nonsensical text generated by artificial intelligence, clickbait-style articles, repetitive slideshows, and interconnected web properties. 

These elements collectively contribute to a less-than-optimal user experience. Consequently, advertisers on such websites might risk damaging their brand perception due to their association with these unfavorable traits.

Why are advertisers drawn to MFA websites despite their negative aspects?

The economic appeal

In the realm of digital advertising, the juxtaposition of cost-effectiveness and high performance is often elusive. Made for Advertising (MFA) websites present themselves as the epitome of this balance, luring advertisers from both small and large enterprises with the promise of economic appeal.

However, the stark reality reveals a different narrative. These MFA platforms are, in essence, built on a foundation of cost-cutting, lacking substantial substance to offer. While the allure of investing less money may be enticing to advertisers, the actual returns from MFA advertising campaigns often prove to be negligible and of detrimental quality.

MFA sites are good on paper

On the surface, MFA sites may not necessarily violate advertising guidelines outright or be considered a source of “invalid traffic” in the traditional sense. However, they do often walk a fine line between generating what may appear to be quality traffic and potentially questionable practices.

These sites are designed to maximize ad revenue, and they can do so by attracting a substantial amount of user traffic. While this traffic may not be “invalid” in the sense of being entirely fake or fraudulent, it can often be of lower quality. This is because users visiting MFA sites may be primarily driven by the desire to interact with ads rather than genuine interest in the website’s content.

What are the grave concerns of MFA sites?

Brand safety risks

While these platforms may attract advertisers with their promise of cost-effectiveness and increased ad visibility, they often present significant brand safety risks. Advertisers must grapple with the potential damage to their brand’s image and the risk of associating with low-quality or even harmful content.

Now, advertisers often use ad verification tools to help them choose relevant websites and platforms for their ads and to ensure that these placements align with their brand’s values and goals. 

However, MFA websites can employ tactics to make their content seem contextually relevant or brand-safe during automated scans by ad verification tools, which can create a false impression that they are suitable advertising destinations.

This can lead advertisers to inadvertently place their ads on these irrelevant or low-quality MFA sites, thinking they are making relevant and safe placements.

Sustainability issues

Made for Advertising (MFA) websites, with their relentless pursuit of ad revenue, often prioritize quantity over quality. They flood webpages with ads, disrupting user experiences and, alarmingly, contributing to significantly higher carbon emissions compared to legitimate sites—approximately 26% more.

These platforms overload servers with ads, demanding more energy for data processing and delivery. Their often inferior user experiences force users to load multiple pages, leading to unnecessary data transfers and energy consumption. MFA sites, driven by ad volume, lack optimization for energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.

In an era where ad tech meets sustainability, this environmental impact cannot be ignored. Advertisers must consider not only the value of their ad placements but also the ecological footprint they leave behind. 

Ad tech’s role in promoting MFA sites

Ad tech companies specializing in programmatic advertising and related technologies are well-positioned to profit from the digital advertising ecosystem, which includes MFA sites. 

Advertisers often turn to these platforms to manage their campaigns efficiently. They leverage the technology to identify suitable MFA websites that align with their campaign objectives. 

What makes this appeal even more intriguing—and potentially concerning—is that MFA sites have also found their way into private marketplaces, infiltrating a wider spectrum of digital advertising transactions.

Ad tech companies profiting from MFA sies may indirectly endorse and perpetuate the proliferation of websites that prioritize ad revenue at the expense of providing valuable content and a positive user experience.

Encouraging investment in these sites, which may lack long-term sustainability due to their focus on short-term ad revenue, can be detrimental to the overall health and integrity of the digital advertising ecosystem.

How to tackle the growing surge of MFA websites?

MFA sites are paramount for advertisers aiming for success and responsibility. The path to steering clear of MFA sites involves a blend of strategies and a commitment to fostering a healthier advertising ecosystem.

• First and foremost, advertisers can safeguard their brands by opting for Private Marketplace (PMP) deals. These curated environments offer transparency and control, ensuring that ads are placed in trusted and brand-safe spaces, rather than falling into the abyss of questionable content.

• Supply Path Optimization (SPO) emerges as a powerful weapon in the arsenal against MFA sites. By optimizing the path to ad inventory, advertisers gain clarity and efficiency, sidestepping the convoluted routes that may lead to these platforms.

• Advertisers must wield up-to-date contextual and quality controls. These tools allow for precision in targeting and content alignment, ensuring that ads find their way to engaged and receptive audiences, not cluttered MFA domains.

Should advertisers choose MFA sites?

Rohan Mehta, Vice President at AndBeyond.Media offers his insights on these contentious platforms,

“In today’s dynamic digital advertising landscape, the allure of cheap reach on Made for Advertising (MFA) sites can be tempting for advertisers. However, as Rohan Mehta, VP of AndBeyond.Media, aptly points out, it’s crucial to consider the long-term impact of our choices. While these websites may promise affordability, they often come with hidden costs, including brand safety concerns and a larger carbon footprint.”

• Rohan Mehta, VP, AndBeyond.Media

The ultimate decision lies squarely with each advertiser, and it’s a choice that demands careful consideration of the benefits and trade-offs. As we’ve explored the multifaceted world of Made for Advertising (MFA) sites, it’s become evident that this isn’t a one-size-fits-all scenario. In this dynamic landscape, the answer may vary from one advertiser to another. 

However, what remains constant is the importance of making informed and responsible choices that align with the brand’s values and long-term objectives. The debate over MFA websites is ongoing, and it’s a conversation that will continue to shape the future of digital advertising.

We want to hear from you! Do you think MFA sites have a place in the evolving advertising landscape, or do you see a different path forward? Share your insights, opinions, and questions in the comments below.