The Ultimate Guide to Ad Blockers

Ad blockers are used across the world for, you guessed it, blocking adverts. They can block ads that are offensive, unwanted, irrelevant or simply annoying. There are many benefits to using ad blockers, and there are also several methods that can be used also, in order to get the job done. So what are ad blockers, how do they work, why use them and how can you implement ad blocking yourself? Let’s dive right in.

What are ad blockers?

Ad blockers are pieces of software that is manually added by an internet user as an extension to a typical internet browser, such as Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge and more. It does exactly what it says on the tin; blocks adverts that an internet user sees. They’re effective in removing unwanted adverts from search engine results. This is for a variety of reasons, such as an advert being offensive, irrelevant or persistent. 

How do ad blockers work?

Ad blockers don’t target specific content pieces or websites on their own, or by default, in other words. Instead, they filter varying lists that contain elements that are associated with adverts that might be present which are unwanted. It can also prevent trackers from monitoring accurate volumes of website traffic and visitors, all of which can be used to create a profile on every website visitor for personalised advertising. But why bother using ad blockers?

Why use ad blockers?

Ad blockers are put in place by internet users for a variety of different reasons. Internet users will put ad blockers in place because they want to filter out adverts that are offensive, irrelevant, relentless or that are slowing down the performance and speed of a website or their website browser. They can also use ad blockers to prevent their searches from being tracked, therefore reducing a number of personalised adverts that are generated or presented to them. So how can you implement and use ad blockers yourself? Let us take you through the different ad blocking methods available to you.

What are the different ad blocking methods?

Internet users will try many different ad blocking methods in order to rid their browser and search engine results of unwanted adverts, regardless of their nature. There are many simple and straightforward ways of doing this, even if you aren’t too savvy when it comes to technology. So what are the different ad blocking methods available that you can use to remove unwanted adverts? Let’s take a closer look:

• Browser integration – one of the most common methods of blocking ads, all internet browsers have some form of ad blocker integrated into the system in order to improve privacy and security of the internet user. However, these ad blockers are mostly unrefined. As such, browser extensions are applied to get the job done effectively instead
• External programmes – customised HTTP, for example, is an external programme that can be used to block ads and filter them out before the main website content is fully-displayed. Therefore, they can expand their target blocks and block offensive content
• Host file & DNS manipulation – ads can be filtered if the host file and IP address is edited. As such, ad servers can be changed to an IP address that just doesn’t exist which, in turn, stops it from showing up at all
• DNS cache – traffic is sent through a DNS cache, meaning that records can be altered and unwanted access can be prevented from unwanted hosts
• DNS filtering – this allows users to decide which ads or website to block by way of DNS server manipulation
• Hardware devices – you’ll be able to buy devices that will help to block out adverts, just do your research before making your purchase

3 ad blocking benefits

There are a few benefits to using ad blockers on your website browser that you should consider if you’re having trouble with relentless adverts while surfing the net. From improving the user experience right through to regulating the ad industry, here are three advantages to be had by using ad blockers today:

1. They make surfing the net more efficient – a more efficient experience makes the user experience more streamlined. In turn, the quality of sites will be better, too, with the removal of persistent and irrelevant adverts so that it looks safer and less ‘spammy’, so to speak
2. They remove ads that internet users find irritating – annoying, relentless and irrelevant adverts can have a detrimental effect on the user experience. It can also hinder how a website performs, as well as making it difficult to navigate around the site. It might also have an impact on the loading speed of a website, too. By blocking ads, an internet user can enhance their experience and speed up website performance in the process
3. They regulate the ad industry – this is done by motivating the advertising platform to pay fees to the ad-blocking company, meaning that it can therefore be included in a list of adverts that will be allowed past the ad blocker. If their adverts are legitimate, they’ll be willing to pay the fee associated with it. As such, if adverts do appear, they’ll be from reputable sources rather than being seen as a form of spam, for instance

Kumo is a highly-experienced digital marketing agency with a team of dedicated, knowledgeable marketers at the helm of our operations. We have content writers, SEO specialists, PPC professionals and website design experts available, to name just a few, all of which have a hand in propelling your business into the spotlight and setting you apart from your competitors. If you would like further information, get in touch with a member of our friendly, committed team today – we’re always pleased to hear from you.