Use this guide to create and configure a programmatic guaranteed (PG) deal on the illumin platform. The workflow applies to self-service users who already have a signed PG deal with a publisher.
Before you start
There are a few details to keep in mind before diving into illumin's PG deal workflow.
- You must connect your PG deal through the appropriate exchange: Google, Magnite CTV, or Triton.
- Creative requirements are critical to deal execution. Typically, a PG deal from the publisher specifies the requirements (e.g. video duration). So, be sure to gather those assets and accurately configure settings in the Creative Requirement section of the deal setup.
- Your ability to create a PG deal on the illumin platform depends on your login credentials. Users who log in with Licensee Admin credentials can create a PG deal on the Licensee Settings page. Users who log in with Campaign Manager credentials do not have access to the Licensee Settings page. However, both Licensee Admin and Campaign Manager users can create a PG deal on the canvas.
- You can create a PG deal on Journey Canvas or Classic Canvas.
- The PG deal is a standalone path on the canvas. It cannot be connected to other paths.
Creating a PG Deal
- Log in to illumin.
- Go to the top menu bar, click the Inventory link, then click the My deals menu option. The new page shows all existing public and private deals.
- Click the New deal button.
- In the pop-up, click the Programmatic guaranteed menu option. A new page displays.
Filling in the fields
A form displays. Fill in the fields.
- Exchange: Click the field and select the appropriate exchange: Google, Magnite CTV, or Triton.
- Exchange deal ID: Enter the deal ID.
- Deal name: Enter an easy-to-recognize name. This label only appears on the illumin platform.
- Publisher name: Enter the name of the publisher.
- Assign to: Select the advertiser account for this PG deal.
- Time zone: illumin uses this setting to configure campaign flights.
- Start and End dates: These are your flight dates.
- Target impressions: Enter the impression goal specified in the PG deal.
- CPM: Select a currency and enter the CPM.
- Client margin: For Managed Service clients, this is illumin's fee. The margin is specified before the deal goes live. For SS/GS clients, enter a margin or leave the field blank.
Fees and creatives
Near the bottom of the form, illumin automatically calculates the Platform Fee and Budget. The Platform Fee field displays the rate illumin charges SS/GS clients for running a PG deal, with a minimum of 8%, though this may vary based on contract terms. For Managed Services clients, the rate is 0%. The Budget field reflects the total cost of running the PG deal, covering impressions, CPM, platform fees, client margin, and ad serving fees.
Finally, configure the PG deal's creative settings. Click the Creative type field and select Video (including CTV), Display, or Audio. Go to the next field and select a serving option: hosted by illumin or hosted by a third-party ad server. Under Creative Requirement, review or configure the video duration setting: allow any duration (toggle on) or switch off the toggle and set the maximum duration (in seconds) for the deal (e.g. 6, 15, or 30 seconds).
Saving the deal
Click the Create deal button in the top-right corner of the page.
Editing a deal
Log in to illumin with Licensee Admin credentials and click the gear icon in the top menu bar to open the Settings page. Expand the Deals folder and locate the deal you want to update. Click the three-dot icon next to the deal and select Edit.
Steps to delete a deal
To remove a PG deal from the illumin platform, click Delete, and then confirm your decision by clicking Delete again in the pop-up.
BTW, you can’t delete a PG deal if it’s currently attached to a journey. To delete that deal, click the New tab button in the pop-up. illumin opens the canvas in a new browser tab. Remove the deal from the journey, then delete it.
FAQs
What exchanges support programmatic guaranteed deals in illumin?
Programmatic guaranteed deals support Google, Magnite CTV, and Triton. Deals created outside these exchanges cannot connect or deliver within the illumin workflow.
How does time zone selection affect a programmatic guaranteed deal?
The selected time zone controls campaign flight dates and pacing logic. An incorrect time zone can cause delivery to start or end earlier or later than expected.
What happens if creative requirements do not match publisher specifications?
The deal may fail to deliver or be rejected by the exchange. Marketers must align video duration and serving method with publisher-defined requirements before activation.
Does deleting a programmatic guaranteed deal cancel the publisher agreement?
Deleting a deal removes it from the illumin platform only. The publisher agreement remains separate and must be managed directly with the publisher or exchange.