What is a key benefit of targeted online ads?

Targeted online ads provide a key advantage in that they enable marketers to more clearly identify their return on investment (ROI). This is due to the ability to track user interactions and behaviors in real time. Through data analytics, marketers can measure how many people clicked on an ad, how many completed a desired action, such as making a purchase, and other metrics that contribute to determining the effectiveness and profitability of the campaign.

This level of precision allows businesses to make informed decisions on budget allocations, campaign strategies, and future advertising efforts based on actual performance rather than estimations or assumptions. It enhances accountability as every aspect of the campaign can be monitored and adjusted as needed, increasing the overall effectiveness of marketing strategies.

While it is true that targeted online ads can sometimes be less expensive than traditional media, the primary benefit highlighted in the context of this question is the clarity and accuracy with which one can measure ROI. The automatic boost in social media engagement and the potential for requiring less management might occur under certain circumstances, but these are not universally applicable benefits of targeted online advertising.