> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.directify.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Monetize your directory with strategic ad placements

> Learn how to create, customize, and manage advertisements in your directory with flexible placement options and styling controls

Directify's advertising system allows you to monetize your directory through strategic ad placements while maintaining a professional user experience. Create custom ads with flexible styling options and precise placement controls.

## Ad Types

### Default Ad Content

Create simple, effective ads with structured components:

* **Title** - Eye-catching headline with customizable styling
* **Description** - Compelling ad copy with formatting options
* **Background Image** - Visual appeal with editor and aspect ratio controls
* **Link** - Call-to-action button with custom styling and "sponsored" badge

### Rich Text Editor

Use markdown-powered content creation for:

* Structured, formatted content
* High-resolution images and videos
* YouTube/Vimeo embed support
* Professional content presentation

### HTML Editor

Full control over ad content with:

* Custom HTML/CSS implementation
* Advanced styling capabilities
* Complete design freedom
* Professional developer features

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintlify.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/directify/images/ads-demo.png" alt="Creating ads in Directify" />
</Frame>

## Ad Placement Options

### Hero Everywhere

* Displays on all pages in the hero section
* Maximum visibility and impact
* Ideal for brand awareness campaigns

### Hero Category

* Shows only on specific category pages
* Targeted advertising for niche audiences
* Select multiple categories for broader reach

### Hero Listing

* Appears on individual listing pages
* Highly targeted placement
* Perfect for related products/services

### First Listing

* Positioned as the first item in listing grids
* Seamless integration with organic content
* Native advertising approach

## Styling Customization

### Title Styling

* **Font Size** - From extra small to 7X-large
* **Color** - Custom color picker for brand alignment
* **Font Weight** - Normal, bold, semi-bold, or light
* **Font Style** - Normal or italic options
* **Custom CSS** - Tailwind classes for advanced styling

### Description Styling

* **Font Size** - Flexible sizing options
* **Color** - Custom color selection
* **Font Weight** - Multiple weight options
* **Font Style** - Normal or italic
* **Custom CSS** - Advanced styling capabilities

### Image Styling

* **Height** - Responsive height options (96px to 384px)
* **Border Radius** - From none to full circular
* **Border Width** - Customizable border thickness
* **Border Color** - Brand-aligned border colors
* **Background Color** - Fallback background colors
* **Background Position** - Precise image positioning
* **Background Size** - Cover, contain, or auto sizing
* **Custom CSS** - Additional styling control

### Link Styling

* **Link Text** - Customizable call-to-action text
* **Font Styling** - Size, weight, and style options
* **Border Options** - Radius, width, and color
* **Background Color** - Button background customization
* **Text Color** - Button text color
* **Sponsored Badge** - Customizable "sponsored" indicator
* **Badge Colors** - Text and background color options
* **Custom CSS** - Advanced button styling

## Ad Management

### Visibility Controls

* **Active Status** - Enable/disable ads without deletion
* **Category Targeting** - Select specific categories for Hero Category ads
* **Listing Targeting** - Choose specific listings for Hero Listing ads

### Performance Features

* **Name Field** - Internal organization and identification
* **Creation Date** - Track ad implementation timeline
* **Easy Editing** - Quick modifications without recreating ads

## Best Practices

1. **Visual Consistency** - Match ad styling to your directory's design
2. **Clear Value Proposition** - Ensure ad content provides clear value
3. **Strategic Placement** - Choose placement based on user behavior
4. **Mobile Optimization** - Test ad appearance on mobile devices
5. **Performance Monitoring** - Track ad effectiveness and adjust accordingly

<Warning>
  Always maintain transparency with sponsored content by keeping the "sponsored" badge visible and properly configured.
</Warning>

## Integration Tips

### Design Harmony

* Use colors that complement your directory theme
* Maintain consistent typography with your brand
* Ensure ads don't overwhelm organic content

### User Experience

* Position ads strategically without disrupting navigation
* Maintain clear distinction between ads and directory content
* Test placement effectiveness with user feedback

***

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Design Settings" icon="paint-brush" href="/design/general">
    Customize your directory's overall design
  </Card>

  <Card title="Paid Submissions" icon="credit-card" href="/paid-submissions/stripe">
    Set up monetization through paid listings
  </Card>
</CardGroup>