Virtual Roundtable: From manual to momentum, Alex Campbell on automation with DanAds at theScore

In this one-on-one conversation, Rob Beeler sits down with Alex Campbell, Sr. Director, Ad Tech & Programmatic at theScore, to explore how publishers can rethink their workflows and accelerate revenue growth in an increasingly automated world.

Campbell doesn’t sugarcoat the challenge: like many publishers, theScore’s ad operations relied heavily on manual processes that slowed down campaigns and tied up resources. The turning point came when the team partnered with DanAds to launch self-serve capabilities. What began as a tool for smaller advertisers quickly revealed bigger potential: streamlining direct-sold campaigns and cutting the inefficiencies that had long weighed down the business.

“Instead of spending time building line items from scratch, our teams can now focus on optimizations, insights, and strengthening client relationships,” Campbell explains.

The conversation dives into:

• Why self-serve isn’t “set and forget.” Campbell stresses that success depends on hands-on engagement at the start (walking advertisers through formats, products, and best practices) before they become more independent on the platform.
• How automation frees talent to add value. By reducing repetitive tasks, ops teams can shift into strategy mode, uncovering trends and insights that drive stronger client outcomes.
• The long-tail payoff. Campbell notes that efficiency gains are already materializing, but true transformation takes time and ongoing investment.

For publishers weighing the leap into automation and self-serve, Campbell’s advice is pragmatic: the tech matters, but the real differentiator is how you guide advertisers through the journey.

This is content created in paid partnership with DanAds. We only feature partners who we believe bring real value to the publisher community.