Paid media / Advertising Terms Paid media Paid media refers to any marketing effort where a brand or organisation pays to promote content, reach a specific audience or drive traffic through external channels. This includes advertising across search engines, social media, display networks, influencer partnerships, sponsored content and affiliate marketing. Paid media allows for precise targeting, rapid visibility and measurable results, making it a core part of most digital marketing strategies. Examples of paid media include Google Ads campaigns, Facebook and Instagram promotions, LinkedIn sponsored posts, programmatic display ads and influencer collaborations. Each channel offers unique formats and targeting options. For instance, a SaaS company might run retargeting ads for trial signups, while a nonprofit may use sponsored Instagram Stories to boost donations during a campaign. Paid media is often used alongside owned and earned media to create an integrated marketing approach. Effective paid media strategy involves clear objectives, thoughtful audience segmentation, compelling creative and continuous performance monitoring. For B2B and SaaS brands, paid media supports lead generation, product awareness and funnel acceleration. For nonprofits, it drives outreach, fundraising and program visibility. Tools like Google Ads Manager, Meta Business Suite and demand-side platforms (DSPs) help manage and optimise ad spend across multiple campaigns. By testing creatives, adjusting bids and analysing engagement, teams can fine-tune their paid efforts for greater return on investment.