While targeting by zip code may seem straightforward, many supply partners don’t pass zip code information in bid requests, making it unreliable for accurate targeting. To overcome this, coordinates (latitude and longitude) are the preferred method for precise and scalable location targeting.
Two Smart Options
Option A: Convert Zip Codes to Coordinates
Convert your list of zip codes into latitude/longitude pairs and use them directly in your campaign setup.
Tools for Conversion:
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Doogal (UK only)
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FreeMapTools (Supports US, UK, and more)
You’ll receive a .CSV file containing the coordinates.
How to Format Your CSV File
After converting zip codes to coordinates, make sure to structure your CSV file as follows:
Format:Latitude;Longitude;Radius;Area Name
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Latitude/Longitude: Must retain at least 4 decimal points.
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Radius: Entered in meters (e.g., 25,000 meters = 25 km).
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Area Name: Optional but helpful for campaign clarity.
Important Notes:
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Use text format for lat/long in Excel to avoid losing decimals.
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On a Mac, export as Windows CSV format to avoid line break issues in the platform.
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Keep each parameter in a separate column—avoid Excel auto-formatting with quotation marks.
Prefer JSON? Convert CSV to JSON:
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Convert CSV to JSON: CSV to JSON
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Validate JSON structure: JSONLint
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Edit or save JSON: JSON Editor Online
Option B: Use Both Zip Codes and Coordinates in Parallel Strategies
If you’re not ready to fully drop zip codes:
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Run one strategy with zip codes
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And another using coordinates
This hybrid approach improves targeting accuracy while preserving coverage.
Switching to coordinate-based targeting increases inventory compatibility and gives you access to more precise geofencing, audience segmentation, and analytics.
Need help converting your zip list? Let us know, and we’ll guide you step-by-step.