Digital marketers’ perspectives of the future of cookieless online advertising
Date
2023
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
Abstract
Over the years, digital advertisers have utilized the third-party cookie phenomenon to gain insights into online user behavior with the aim of generating targeted advertising. However, with the growing emphasis on user privacy, new privacy regulations have emerged, leading to the banning or impending ban of third-party cookies by major web browsers such a Google Chrome. This transformation is anticipated to have a significant impact on digital advertising operations, as the marketing strategies of these advertisers are dependent on the utilization of such cookies. The aim of this study is to examine the impact of the elimination of third-party cookies on digital marketers, both in terms of their current situation and anticipated future developments. To achieve this goal, a qualitative investigation was conducted, involving interviews with digital marketing experts, which were analyzed in conjunction with the relevant literature on third-party cookies, personalized advertising, and organizational change strategy theories. The findings indicate that most digital marketers are being affected by the removal of third-party cookies and are not fully prepared for the changes. However, the majority are engaged in researching, industry discussions, and attempting to adapt to the new environment. A variety of strategies and alternatives to third- party cookies are being introduced and considered, such as server-side tracking, leveraging first- party data, contextual advertising, email marketing, SEO, and content marketing. In conclusion, the study suggests that the end of third-party cookies does not imply the termination of personalized marketing
Description
A research article submitted to the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, University of the Witwatersrand, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Business Administration Johannesburg, 2023
Keywords
Third-party cookies, Targeting, Personalized advertising, First-party data, UCTD
Citation
Hlonyana, Vivian Masadi. (2023). Digital marketers’ perspectives of the future of cookieless online advertising [Master’s dissertation, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg].https://hdl.handle.net/10539/39992