Are you a college student interested in digital marketing, advertising, and social media? What if you could turn your interest into a flexible and well-paying career while still in school? Becoming an ad reviewer is a great way to enter the world of advertising, gain valuable insight into marketing strategies, and earn money—all while managing your academic schedule. Whether you’re reviewing ads for search engines, social media platforms, or e-commerce websites, ad reviewing offers opportunities for students to build experience and even kickstart a career in digital marketing. Here’s everything you need to know about becoming an ad reviewer as a student!
What is Ad Reviewing?
Ad reviewing is the process of evaluating and assessing online advertisements to ensure they meet specific guidelines, criteria, and quality standards. Ad reviewers work with companies, platforms, or digital marketing agencies to analyze ads and make sure they’re appropriate, effective, and aligned with the brand’s goals and the platform’s policies. This can involve reviewing ads displayed on search engines, social media, websites, or video platforms.
The main duties of an ad reviewer include:
- Assessing the relevance: Evaluating if the ad is relevant to the audience it targets and ensuring it matches the user’s intent.
- Checking for compliance: Ensuring the ad follows all rules and guidelines, including those set by the advertising platform or company. This can include content guidelines, appropriateness standards, and legal requirements.
- Providing feedback: Offering insights into how ads could be more effective, whether it’s improving the call-to-action, visuals, or messaging.
- Flagging inappropriate content: Identifying and reporting ads that may contain misleading information, offensive material, or inappropriate visuals.
Ad reviewers ensure that the ads users see online are effective, safe, and aligned with the platform’s standards. They also help advertisers improve their campaigns and ensure they are reaching the right audience in the right way.
Who is an Ad Reviewer Career For?
An ad reviewer career is perfect for college and university students who:
- Have an Interest in Marketing and Advertising:
If you are interested in how digital marketing works, reviewing ads can give you valuable insight into the strategies used by brands to engage their audience. It’s also a great way to start building a career in marketing and advertising, especially in the digital space. - Are Detail-Oriented and Analytical:
Ad reviewing requires a keen eye for detail. You need to assess whether ads are meeting specific requirements, following guidelines, and achieving their objectives. If you’re someone who enjoys critically analyzing content and ensuring accuracy, this role is a good fit. - Are Comfortable with Technology and Online Platforms:
Since ad reviewers primarily work online, a basic understanding of how different advertising platforms work—such as Google Ads, Facebook Ads, or Instagram Ads—is beneficial. A willingness to learn new tools and platforms is key. - Want a Flexible Job:
Ad reviewing often involves remote work or part-time opportunities, which is perfect for students. You can work from home, set your own hours, and take on as many or as few projects as you can handle, allowing you to balance it with your academic workload. - Have Strong Communication Skills:
Although the job mostly involves reviewing ads, you may be required to communicate feedback to advertisers or platforms. Being able to clearly explain why an ad does or doesn’t meet the requirements is important.
Requirements to Become an Ad Reviewer
While there isn’t a strict set of qualifications needed to become an ad reviewer, there are a few key skills and tools that will help you succeed in this role:
- Understanding of Advertising Platforms:
Familiarity with popular ad platforms such as Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and Instagram Ads is important. You don’t need to be an expert right away, but a basic understanding of how ads are created and displayed on these platforms will give you an edge. - Analytical and Critical Thinking:
Ad reviewers need to assess whether an ad meets the platform’s requirements and provides value to the audience. Analytical thinking is necessary to evaluate the content, targeting, and effectiveness of the ad. - Attention to Detail:
Ad reviewers must be able to spot small mistakes, like incorrect information or design flaws, that could impact the ad’s effectiveness. A strong eye for detail will help you identify issues and ensure ads meet quality standards. - Knowledge of Advertising Guidelines:
You should have a solid understanding of the rules and policies for advertising, such as Google’s Ad Policies or Facebook’s Advertising Guidelines. These guidelines often cover what is and isn’t allowed in ads, such as restricted content, misleading claims, or inappropriate visuals. - Strong Written and Verbal Communication Skills:
While much of the job is reviewing ads, you may also need to communicate feedback or issues with clients or platforms. The ability to write clear, concise, and constructive feedback is essential. - Reliable Internet Access and Computer:
Since ad reviewing is mostly remote, you’ll need a reliable internet connection and a computer to access the platforms and tools used for ad review. Some companies may also require you to use specific software or platforms to complete your tasks.
How Much Can I Make as an Ad Reviewer?
The income potential for ad reviewers depends on your experience, the platform or company you work for, and whether you’re working full-time, part-time, or freelance. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
- Starting Out:
As a beginner, you can expect to earn between $10 and $20 per hour. Many ad review positions are part-time or project-based, especially if you’re working as a freelancer. Some platforms may pay on a per-task basis, meaning you earn a set amount for each ad you review. - Freelance Ad Reviewers:
Freelance ad reviewers, once they gain experience and build a client base, can expect to earn anywhere from $20 to $40 per hour. Freelancing allows you to take on multiple clients or projects, which can increase your earning potential. - Full-Time Ad Reviewers:
If you work full-time as an ad reviewer, particularly for a company or large advertising platform, you can expect to earn an annual salary of $40,000 to $60,000. Senior-level ad reviewers or those working with specialized platforms may earn $70,000 or more annually. - Additional Benefits:
Many ad review positions come with flexible hours, remote work opportunities, and the chance to work with large brands, which can be beneficial for students looking for experience in the marketing or advertising field. Freelancers also have the potential to set their own rates, giving them more control over their income.
How to Get Started as a Student
Getting started as an ad reviewer while you’re still in college is possible, and here’s how you can begin:
- Familiarize Yourself with Ad Platforms:
Start by learning how major advertising platforms like Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and Instagram Ads work. Take free courses or read articles that explain how ads are created, displayed, and reviewed on these platforms. Google offers Google Skillshop for free, which includes tutorials on Google Ads. - Look for Remote Ad Reviewing Jobs:
Many companies and platforms hire remote ad reviewers on a part-time or freelance basis. You can look for job opportunities on websites like Upwork, Fiverr, or Indeed. These platforms allow you to search for ad reviewing jobs and apply directly. - Take Online Courses:
To gain deeper knowledge and become more competitive, consider taking online courses on digital marketing, ad reviewing, or specific platforms like Google Ads and Facebook Ads. Platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and LinkedIn Learning offer affordable courses on ad reviews and digital marketing. - Offer Your Services to Small Businesses:
Many small businesses may need help with their ads but cannot afford large marketing agencies. Offer your ad reviewing services to local businesses or startups. This will help you gain hands-on experience and build your portfolio. - Join Online Communities:
Join online communities or forums for digital marketers, ad reviewers, or freelancers. Sites like Reddit, LinkedIn, or specific Facebook groups can help you connect with others in the field, get advice, and learn about job opportunities. - Stay Up to Date with Advertising Guidelines:
Advertising policies and guidelines are constantly changing. Make sure to stay updated on the latest policies from platforms like Google, Facebook, and Instagram. Regularly read blogs and news related to online advertising to stay informed. - Practice Reviewing Ads:
Start by practicing reviewing ads on platforms like Google and Facebook. Look at the ads in your own feed, assess their relevance, design, and messaging. This practice will help you develop a critical eye and improve your skills before diving into actual ad reviewing jobs.
Our Thoughts
Starting a career as an ad reviewer while you’re still in college is a great way to gain hands-on experience in digital marketing, advertising, and analytics. Whether you’re looking for a flexible side job, a freelance career, or simply a way to get your foot in the door of the advertising industry, ad reviewing provides an excellent opportunity to develop valuable skills. By familiarizing yourself with advertising platforms, building a portfolio, and seeking out job opportunities, you can begin your journey as an ad reviewer today. Get started now, and you’ll be well on your way to a rewarding career in digital advertising!
