Cross Platform Optimization Tool
An automated advertising budget optimization tool built for Brand Networks, transitioning from a Google Sheets-based system to a dynamic web application for managing campaigns across TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Tech Stack
Resources
Project Overview
During the Fall 2024 cohort, our CodeLab UC Davis team partnered with Brand Networks to overhaul their Cross Platform Optimization tool. Working alongside their development team of Zach Kruchoski and Brandon Thivierge, led by Bob Wilkinson, we transformed a Google Sheets-based system into a comprehensive web application that streamlines advertising budget optimization across multiple platforms.
The Challenge
Brand Networks needed to transition from a manual Google Sheets system to an automated web application that could handle complex advertising budget optimization across TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube. The existing system was prone to exponential log growth and lacked real-time visualization capabilities.
The Solution
We implemented a microservices architecture using Next.js for server-side rendering performance, PostgreSQL for robust data management, and TanStack UI for streamlined component development. The solution includes dynamic charts, adaptive tables, and real-time optimization insights.
The Outcome
Successfully delivered a comprehensive dashboard with three core modules: Configuration for campaign parameters, Campaign Execution for real-time monitoring with interactive visualizations, and improved Logging with advanced filtering capabilities that replaced the exponentially growing spreadsheet system.
Project Visuals
The Campaign Execution dashboard provides real-time visualization of budget optimization across multiple advertising platforms.
The Configuration page allows users to customize optimization parameters, success criteria, and update schedules.
The improved Logging system replaced the exponentially growing Google Sheets with organized, filterable campaign logs.
The CodeLab UC Davis team celebrating the successful completion of the Brand Networks project.
Development Process
Research & User Interviews
We engaged with end users of the current Google Sheets-based system to understand their needs, pain points, and feature specifications. These insights formed the foundation for our iterative design process, leading to changes like intuitive table filtering and permanent navigation.
Design & Prototyping
Using Brand Networks' existing internal tools as reference, we conducted competitive analysis and created lo-fi to hi-fi prototypes. We developed three core pages: Configuration for parameters, Campaign Execution for monitoring, and Logging for historical data, all aligned with BN's brand guidelines.
Development & Integration
We built a scalable system using Next.js for server-side rendering, PostgreSQL for multi-channel ad data management, and Docker for standardized environments. The biggest challenges included integrating OAuth authentication and working with multiple platform APIs (TikTok, Facebook, YouTube) within tight deadlines.
Key Features
Cross-Platform Budget Optimization
Automatically adjusts advertising budgets across TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube based on real-time performance data and user-defined success criteria.
Dynamic Campaign Execution Dashboard
Features interactive charts for budget shifts over time, key metrics visualization, and organized tables with platform-specific filtering capabilities.
Advanced Logging & Filtering System
Replaced exponentially growing Google Sheets with organized, filterable logs that allow users to easily find optimization data by date and time.
CI/CD Pipeline & OAuth Integration
Implemented GitHub Actions for CI/CD, Docker containerization, AWS ECR for image management, and secure OAuth authentication for multiple advertising platforms.
Interested in working together?
We extend our sincere thanks to Brand Networks and their incredible development team for their collaboration and support throughout this project.