Publishers, Build Your Own SSP!

This article proposes that publishers build their own white-label SSP to unlock direct relationships with bidders and DSPs, increasing revenue and control. By integrating an additional SSP path via OpenRTB, publishers can generate more impressions and optimize their existing ad stack, similar to header bidding. The article details technical considerations such as QPS, ads.txt, and sellers.json, and highlights the potential for cost transparency and reduced fragmentation. It also suggests using the publisher-SSP to review reseller paths and manage data sharing. Ultimately, the approach enables publishers to become more active participants in the ecosystem, working directly with DSPs like The Trade Desk's OpenPath initiative.