In today’s competitive digital landscape, standing out from the crowd requires more than just great products or services. Success lies in understanding and engaging users at every stage of their journey—especially before they even begin searching. This pre-search phase offers a golden opportunity for brands to connect with high-intent users, ensuring their message resonates before distractions take hold.

Once users begin their search, they’re plunged into a sea of competing ads, information overload, and endless distractions. By then, the journey to capture their attention becomes exponentially harder. Let’s explore why pre-search engagement is a game-changing strategy for brands and how it can streamline the user journey to your business.

The Pre-Search Advantage

What if you could engage users before the storm of distractions begins? Reaching users in the pre-search phase allows your brand to establish a connection and plant the seeds of interest long before they’re swept into the chaos of search results and competing ads.

Once a consumer hits that “search” button, they are plunged into a torrent of information. What begins as a simple quest for the right product or solution can quickly become a chaotic journey filled with distractions, potentially derailing even the most focused user. Let’s dive into the obstacles users face in the search phase.

The Distractions Awaiting Users

Here’s a closer look at the challenges users encounter once they enter the crowded search landscape:

  1. Intrusive Ads: Sudden and disruptive ads can break the user’s flow, diverting attention away from their original intent. Flashy promotions and pop-ups often irritate rather than engage.
  2. Deceptive Clickbait: Search results are often cluttered with irrelevant links, misleading headlines, and spammy sites that offer little value, derailing users from their original purpose.
  3. Competing Brands: With global brands competing for even a moment of attention, users can quickly become overwhelmed by a barrage of mixed messaging and offers from competitors.
  4. External Distractions: Notifications, social media alerts, and second-screen usage add another layer of complexity, tempting users away from their intended search journey.

The Solution: Pre-Search Engagement

The pre-search stage is the starting line of the user journey, a unique moment where distractions are minimal, and user intent is at its highest. For brands, this represents a golden opportunity to connect with potential customers before they’re caught up in the flood of competing search results.

Browsers provide an unparalleled opportunity in this pre-search environment, offering a native and non-intrusive way for brands to engage users. Leveraging browser advertising enables brands to stand out from the competition, ensuring that their message resonates with users before competitors even appear on the radar. This approach enhances visibility, builds trust, and fosters a loyal customer base from the very beginning.

At ARC, we offer two distinctive ad formats tailored specifically for internet browsers, ensuring maximum visibility and engagement:

1. Tiles

  • Intuitive quick-access icons strategically placed on browser start pages.
  • Provide seamless, one-click access to your brand website.
  • Positioned at the very start of the user journey to capture attention before users encounter crowded search results.
  • Tiles nudge users directly toward your site, driving effortless conversions.

2. Impact

  • High-visibility banners prominently displayed on browser start pages.
  • Incorporate striking visuals and persuasive messaging to capture attention instantly.
  • Ideal for promoting sales, limited-time offers, or key brand messages.
  • Impact ensures your message stands out, drives awareness, and prompts immediate action.

Why Pre-Search Matters

Acting early in the user journey isn’t just a strategic move—it’s essential. By engaging users in the pre-search phase, brands can:

  • Cut through the noise: Stand out before users are overwhelmed by competing ads.
  • Increase visibility: Position your brand as a top choice before users even begin searching.
  • Drive conversions: Connect with high-intent users when they are most receptive.

With thousands of brands like Walmart, Nike, Expedia, and Amazon already leveraging browser advertising, the results are undeniable. From significant increases in click-through rates to impressive boosts in conversions, ARC’s solutions are empowering advertisers to achieve global success.

Ready to Shorten the User Journey to Your Brand?

Acting in the pre-search phase gives your brand a competitive edge, ensuring your message reaches users before distractions take hold. ARC’s ad solutions help you connect with high-intent users, delivering results that matter.

If you’re ready to elevate your advertising strategy, don’t wait for the storm to pass. Plant the seed early and watch your brand thrive.