{"section":"tracks","requestedLocale":"en","requestedSlug":"vtex-ads-first-steps","locale":"en","slug":"vtex-ads-first-steps","path":"docs/en/tracks/retail-media/vtex-ads/vtex-ads-first-steps.md","branch":"main","content":"**VTEX Ads** is the VTEX retail media solution for turning stores into media platforms and connecting with brands and marketing agencies in an integrated ecosystem.\n\nWith VTEX Ads, brands (advertisers) can buy advertising spaces directly in the ecommerce websites of merchants (publishers).\n\nAds are displayed natively, integrated into the browsing and buying experience, and can be segmented based on transactional and behavioral data.\n\n## Differentiators\n\n* **Centralized campaigns**  \n  Activate retail media campaigns without using multiple platforms. Everything can be managed directly through VTEX Ads.\n\n* **Real-time measurement**  \n  Track campaign returns with visibility of ROI, attribution, and real-time budget use.\n\n* **Self-service platform**  \n  Create, edit, and manage campaigns autonomously, with control over audience, budget, and products.\n\n* **Flexible solution**  \n  Adapt the tool to different business models, with a configurable structure to meet your needs.\n\n## First steps\n\nBelow are the first steps you need to take to start using VTEX Ads, based on your role in the operation:\n\n### Advertisers\n\nIf you're a brand interested in maximizing your exposure and sales in stores through advertisements:\n\n1. Contact [VTEX Commercial Support](/en/docs/tracks/commercial-support) or the publisher you want to advertise with directly.  \n2. Choose from available ad formats like sponsored products or banners. Learn more about the possible formats at [Campaign types](/en/docs/tracks/retail-media-benefits#campaign-types).  \n3. Send the creative content following the publisher's guidelines.  \n4. Track the campaign performance through platform reports and metrics.\n\n### Publishers\n\nIf you're a merchant who wants to make advertising space available in your store:\n\n1. Contact [Commercial Support](/en/docs/tracks/commercial-support) and request the activation of VTEX Ads in your environment.  \n2. Define the available media spaces on your website, such as sponsored product shelves or banners. Learn more about the possible formats at [Campaign types](/en/docs/tracks/retail-media-benefits#campaign-types).  \n3. Define your partner advertisers.  \n4. Monitor campaign results and optimize space usage to maximize media revenue."}