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Mobile Affiliate Marketing

Anna Mardas
19 April 2024

Affiliate marketing is solid, but mobile affiliate marketing is the real game-changer! Most visitors come from mobile devices, making the platform the top dog in terms of traffic.

Read the post to learn about mobile affiliate marketing meaning.

What is Mobile Affiliate Marketing

Mobile affiliate marketing is a strategy that taps into the extensive use of mobile phones to create revenue through partnerships and referrals. Simply put, it’s a performance-based marketing approach where businesses compensate affiliates for generating mobile traffic. Marketers earn rewards based on key performance indicators (KPIs) set by businesses, such as sales or the number of downloads.

Features of mobile affiliate marketing:

  1. Mobile-optimized campaigns. The promotional materials, such as ads and landing pages, are designed to work seamlessly on mobile devices. This ensures a smooth user experience, which is crucial for maintaining high conversion rates in mobile environments;
  2. Various ad formats. Mobile marketing utilizes a range of ad formats suited to mobile devices, including push notifications, in-app advertisements, SMS messaging, and mobile-optimized web ads;
  3. App-based marketing. Given the popularity of mobile apps, a significant portion of mobile affiliate marketing is devoted to promoting apps. This can involve driving installations, engagements, or specific in-app actions that are tracked via unique affiliate links;
  4. Location-based targeting. Mobile devices offer advanced location-based targeting capabilities that allow marketers to tailor their campaigns based on the geographical location of users. This is particularly useful for promotions involving physical stores or services in specific areas;
  5. User behavior insights. Mobile devices provide rich data on user behavior, preferences, and device types, which can be leveraged to optimize marketing strategies. Affiliate marketers can use this data to send personalized and timely promotions that increase the likelihood of conversion.

Key players in affiliate marketing for mobile

  • Mobile affiliate networks. These platforms serve as hubs that unite offers from advertisers. They furnish a wide range of affiliate programs, but some may specialize, focusing on specific categories of offers;
  • Mobile affiliate programs. These are referral programs provided by businesses directly. This way, affiliate marketers can promote offers, bypassing the middlemen;
  • Affiliates. They join affiliate networks in search of lucrative offers. These marketers act as intermediaries between advertisers and users, promoting products or services to their audience;
  • Advertisers. Advertisers are the businesses that create and provide offers, posting them in affiliate networks or on their websites as affiliate programs. Affiliate marketing allows advertisers to expand their reach and generate sales. 

Types of Affiliate Offers and Conversion Flows

Mobile offers are highly specific, and their types determine which conversion flow can be employed. Let’s discuss them!

Mobile subscriptions (mVAS)

It’s about services users subscribe to through mobile operating systems. Mobile subscriptions include everything you can envision, from dating to games and horoscopes.

What they have in common is the subscription model. The forte of such offerings is the ease of generating leads. Users walk across the sale funnel more smoothly than ever before, because they don’t have to leave payment card data. Instead, the funds are withdrawn from the mobile account.

Conversion flows: 1-2 click flow, PIN Submit, Premium SMS (Click2SMS, MT/MO) and USSD.

Most likely, they seem to be complex, but this is true only at first glance. You needn’t be fussy about how technologies work, as the only thing separating users from the conversion is 1-2 clicks, the input of phone numbers, or a short verification code.

Mobile Apps

People use mobile apps for everything – from ordering food to getting a taxi or finding a date. Businesses get it; they know we prefer this pocket-sized convenience over being stuck to a desktop. That’s why apps take the top spot. 

Let’s elaborate on what apps users are interested in. 

Source: Datareportal

Regardless of the camp, users choose – iOS or Android – they all enjoy playing games. Users on both operating systems are avid consumers of entertainment and are open to investing in relevant applications. If you analyze the stats further, intriguing patterns emerge. For example, Apple users give a high priority to photo and video content apps, while Android shows a greater affinity for dating apps.

To spot trends, you can observe how high-profile apps gain popularity on Data.ai.  According to the latest data, the trend for dating apps is growing for iOS users in the USA, a good sign for affiliates seeking the most lucrative customers. 

Conversion flows: CPI (cost per install), CPL and Trial.

The most basic type of conversion is CPI (Cost Per Install). Conversion is counted after the app is downloaded. Alternatively, a user is considered a lead if they take any action within the app, such as registering or subscribing.

Mobile Utilities (VPNs, Cleaners, etc.)

This vertical rules the app market, as users regard utilities as indispensable for using their smartphones. For a better understanding of utilities, recall system applications: file managers, data storage, calendars and maps. Similar, yet more advanced programs can be downloaded from a browser or app marketplaces – App Store and Google Play. 

True fans of utilities are the iOS audience. 

Conversion flows: CPI (cost per install), CPL and Trial.

Payouts can vary depending on app functionality and monetization strategy. In some cases, the conversion is counted provided that the user clicks on the affiliate link and pays for a subscription or avails of freemium access.

Mobile Games

Mobile games save from boredom that can take over users anytime, anywhere. As a source of entertainment and leisure, mobile games attract a vast and diverse user base, creating a fertile ground for capturing loyal customers. Game genres coming on rage are RPG, strategy, puzzles, shooter, simulation and action.

Conversion flows: CPI, in-app purchases, upgrades

Marketers earn a commission for every mobile game download, a regular case of promoting mobile apps. Despite this, it’s common for games to be downloaded for free, and then users purchase in-game items to access premium features, virtual goods, or additional levels. Some mobile games offer upgraded versions or premium content, and marketers earn commissions when users choose these options.

Top Mobile Marketing Channels: Your Pathway to Thriving

Typical traffic sources that generate mobile traffic include:

  • Social media (Facebook, Whatsapp, Instagram, etc.);
  • Mobile applications;
  • Google UAC;
  • SEO;
  • Mobile ad networks.

Informed by offer restrictions, experience, and insights, affiliates select the sources they believe will yield the best results. 

Best GEOs for Mobile CPA Marketing

Mobile penetration varies on GEOs. In some countries, desktop traffic still largely prevails. And although each ad network has a distinct set of top-performing countries to run mobile campaigns, it’s always a good idea to get to know the mobile landscape altogether. 

Most mobile traffic comes from tier-3 countries, primarily from African regions: Algeria, Nigeria, Cameroon, Tanzania, South Africa, Morocco;

Examples of countries where desktop traffic reigns at the moment: Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Argentina, Paraguay. 

Source: Similarweb

Trends in Mobile Affiliate Marketing

Current trends in mobile marketing, according to the GSMA research

  • 5G monetization boom. 5G technology is enabling companies to take advantage of faster speeds for AR, VR, and IoT applications;
  • Metaverse momentum. The metaverse gains traction, offering immersive digital experiences;
  • Sustainability in focus. Mobile goes green with a focus on longevity, recycling, and reducing electronic waste.
  • Fintech flourishes in mobile. Mobile technology meets finance, creating opportunities in banking and digital payments.

Related Articles:

Anna Mardas
Anna Mardas brought together her background as a copywriter in digital marketing. Now, she's got a solid grasp on affiliate marketing, especially when it comes to understanding the following niches: Gambling, Adult, Dating, Sweepstakes and Crypto. Anna stands out for her thorough research and insightful reviews of ad networks, offering her readers valuable knowledge.

Affiliate marketing is solid, but mobile affiliate marketing is the real game-changer! Most visitors come from mobile devices, making the platform the top dog in terms of traffic.

Read the post to learn about mobile affiliate marketing meaning.

What is Mobile Affiliate Marketing

Mobile affiliate marketing is a strategy that taps into the extensive use of mobile phones to create revenue through partnerships and referrals. Simply put, it’s a performance-based marketing approach where businesses compensate affiliates for generating mobile traffic. Marketers earn rewards based on key performance indicators (KPIs) set by businesses, such as sales or the number of downloads.

Features of mobile affiliate marketing:

  1. Mobile-optimized campaigns. The promotional materials, such as ads and landing pages, are designed to work seamlessly on mobile devices. This ensures a smooth user experience, which is crucial for maintaining high conversion rates in mobile environments;
  2. Various ad formats. Mobile marketing utilizes a range of ad formats suited to mobile devices, including push notifications, in-app advertisements, SMS messaging, and mobile-optimized web ads;
  3. App-based marketing. Given the popularity of mobile apps, a significant portion of mobile affiliate marketing is devoted to promoting apps. This can involve driving installations, engagements, or specific in-app actions that are tracked via unique affiliate links;
  4. Location-based targeting. Mobile devices offer advanced location-based targeting capabilities that allow marketers to tailor their campaigns based on the geographical location of users. This is particularly useful for promotions involving physical stores or services in specific areas;
  5. User behavior insights. Mobile devices provide rich data on user behavior, preferences, and device types, which can be leveraged to optimize marketing strategies. Affiliate marketers can use this data to send personalized and timely promotions that increase the likelihood of conversion.

Key players in affiliate marketing for mobile

  • Mobile affiliate networks. These platforms serve as hubs that unite offers from advertisers. They furnish a wide range of affiliate programs, but some may specialize, focusing on specific categories of offers;
  • Mobile affiliate programs. These are referral programs provided by businesses directly. This way, affiliate marketers can promote offers, bypassing the middlemen;
  • Affiliates. They join affiliate networks in search of lucrative offers. These marketers act as intermediaries between advertisers and users, promoting products or services to their audience;
  • Advertisers. Advertisers are the businesses that create and provide offers, posting them in affiliate networks or on their websites as affiliate programs. Affiliate marketing allows advertisers to expand their reach and generate sales. 

Types of Affiliate Offers and Conversion Flows

Mobile offers are highly specific, and their types determine which conversion flow can be employed. Let’s discuss them!

Mobile subscriptions (mVAS)

It’s about services users subscribe to through mobile operating systems. Mobile subscriptions include everything you can envision, from dating to games and horoscopes.

What they have in common is the subscription model. The forte of such offerings is the ease of generating leads. Users walk across the sale funnel more smoothly than ever before, because they don’t have to leave payment card data. Instead, the funds are withdrawn from the mobile account.

Conversion flows: 1-2 click flow, PIN Submit, Premium SMS (Click2SMS, MT/MO) and USSD.

Most likely, they seem to be complex, but this is true only at first glance. You needn’t be fussy about how technologies work, as the only thing separating users from the conversion is 1-2 clicks, the input of phone numbers, or a short verification code.

Mobile Apps

People use mobile apps for everything – from ordering food to getting a taxi or finding a date. Businesses get it; they know we prefer this pocket-sized convenience over being stuck to a desktop. That’s why apps take the top spot. 

Let’s elaborate on what apps users are interested in. 

Source: Datareportal

Regardless of the camp, users choose – iOS or Android – they all enjoy playing games. Users on both operating systems are avid consumers of entertainment and are open to investing in relevant applications. If you analyze the stats further, intriguing patterns emerge. For example, Apple users give a high priority to photo and video content apps, while Android shows a greater affinity for dating apps.

To spot trends, you can observe how high-profile apps gain popularity on Data.ai.  According to the latest data, the trend for dating apps is growing for iOS users in the USA, a good sign for affiliates seeking the most lucrative customers. 

Conversion flows: CPI (cost per install), CPL and Trial.

The most basic type of conversion is CPI (Cost Per Install). Conversion is counted after the app is downloaded. Alternatively, a user is considered a lead if they take any action within the app, such as registering or subscribing.

Mobile Utilities (VPNs, Cleaners, etc.)

This vertical rules the app market, as users regard utilities as indispensable for using their smartphones. For a better understanding of utilities, recall system applications: file managers, data storage, calendars and maps. Similar, yet more advanced programs can be downloaded from a browser or app marketplaces – App Store and Google Play. 

True fans of utilities are the iOS audience. 

Conversion flows: CPI (cost per install), CPL and Trial.

Payouts can vary depending on app functionality and monetization strategy. In some cases, the conversion is counted provided that the user clicks on the affiliate link and pays for a subscription or avails of freemium access.

Mobile Games

Mobile games save from boredom that can take over users anytime, anywhere. As a source of entertainment and leisure, mobile games attract a vast and diverse user base, creating a fertile ground for capturing loyal customers. Game genres coming on rage are RPG, strategy, puzzles, shooter, simulation and action.

Conversion flows: CPI, in-app purchases, upgrades

Marketers earn a commission for every mobile game download, a regular case of promoting mobile apps. Despite this, it’s common for games to be downloaded for free, and then users purchase in-game items to access premium features, virtual goods, or additional levels. Some mobile games offer upgraded versions or premium content, and marketers earn commissions when users choose these options.

Top Mobile Marketing Channels: Your Pathway to Thriving

Typical traffic sources that generate mobile traffic include:

  • Social media (Facebook, Whatsapp, Instagram, etc.);
  • Mobile applications;
  • Google UAC;
  • SEO;
  • Mobile ad networks.

Informed by offer restrictions, experience, and insights, affiliates select the sources they believe will yield the best results. 

Best GEOs for Mobile CPA Marketing

Mobile penetration varies on GEOs. In some countries, desktop traffic still largely prevails. And although each ad network has a distinct set of top-performing countries to run mobile campaigns, it’s always a good idea to get to know the mobile landscape altogether. 

Most mobile traffic comes from tier-3 countries, primarily from African regions: Algeria, Nigeria, Cameroon, Tanzania, South Africa, Morocco;

Examples of countries where desktop traffic reigns at the moment: Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Argentina, Paraguay. 

Source: Similarweb

Trends in Mobile Affiliate Marketing

Current trends in mobile marketing, according to the GSMA research

  • 5G monetization boom. 5G technology is enabling companies to take advantage of faster speeds for AR, VR, and IoT applications;
  • Metaverse momentum. The metaverse gains traction, offering immersive digital experiences;
  • Sustainability in focus. Mobile goes green with a focus on longevity, recycling, and reducing electronic waste.
  • Fintech flourishes in mobile. Mobile technology meets finance, creating opportunities in banking and digital payments.

Related Articles:

Anna Mardas
Anna Mardas brought together her background as a copywriter in digital marketing. Now, she's got a solid grasp on affiliate marketing, especially when it comes to understanding the following niches: Gambling, Adult, Dating, Sweepstakes and Crypto. Anna stands out for her thorough research and insightful reviews of ad networks, offering her readers valuable knowledge.