Geotargeting Database

What is the geotargeting database?

The geotargeting database is a 3rd party database provided
by MaxMind.com that allow you to target ads to users based
on IP address in certain regions of the company.

For example, if you had an advertiser who ran an ice cream
shop in Charlotte, North Carolina this feature would allow
you to show their banner ad to people in Charlotte or
perhaps in North Carolina in general but show a different ad
for people visiting from the west coast.

How much does it cost?

For hosted customers, the database is already installed and
is no additional fee. For PHP/MYSQL users the database is
also FREE. However it does not include the drop-down list of
all US Cities and States -- that is an optional $9.99.

It is not a required component however it just assist you
and your advertisers from making spelling mistakes since you
must spell the city and state name correctly so that it
matches the database in order to work.

How do I install the Maxmind Database with Ad Peeps?

We have created a step-by-step guide at
http://www.adpeeps.com/geotargeting.pdf

How accurate is the GeoTargeting Database?

MaxMind tests the accuracy of the GeoIP Databases on a
periodic basis. According to them, they are more accurate
for broadband IP addresses and less accurate for
mobile/cellular networks. Not being able to determine the
location of cellular networks is a general limitation of IP
geolocation services, due to the wide area cell phone
companies allocate IPs over. 

They have compiled an accuracy chart available at
http://www.maxmind.com/app/city_accuracy

You also have the option to purchase their drop in database
which is more accurate then their free version.

I set the geotargeting settings but my ad still doesn't show.

Geotargeting is not an exact science and the database is updated 
monthly with updates from the vendor.

First test to see what information the database has about your IP. 
Navigate to an ad and click on the Geotargeting Tab.

You will see something similar to this with your information:

Your IP Address: 99.117.123.163 Country: United States (US) State / 
Region: City / Territory:

Based on this, it knows we're in the United States but doesn't know 
where in North Carolina or Charlotte. Therefore if we set this restriction 
the ad would not show for us.

For many users it can detect city and state but there are plenty it can't.