How to choose ad networks for traffic arbitrage and increase campaign efficiency
How to choose ad networks for traffic arbitrage and increase campaign efficiency
Choosing a traffic source is a fundamental task that determines the success or failure of any arbitrage link. In the context of ever-increasing competition and increasingly complex algorithms, choosing the right ad network is becoming not just important, but a critical factor in profitability. An error at this stage leads to an immediate drain on the budget, while the right decision opens the way to stable and scalable income. It is not about finding a mythical “golden button”, but about a systematic approach to analysis and testing.
A professional arbitrageur considers ad networks for traffic arbitrage not as abstract platforms, but as tools with specific characteristics. Each source has a unique set of parameters: audience type and size, available ad formats, payment models, targeting depth and moderation strictness. Understanding these nuances allows you to build effective and predictable campaigns.
Traffic source classification and their specifics
All advertising networks for traffic arbitrage can be divided into several large categories, each of which is better or worse suited for certain verticals and approaches. There is no universal source that would convert gambling, nutra and goods equally well.
Push Notifications
Push traffic is one of the most popular formats in recent years. The user subscribes to receive notifications from the site, after which the arbitrageur can send him short advertising messages directly to the device. The key advantage is direct interaction with the user and a relatively low cost per click (CPC).
This format has proven itself well in the verticals of gambling, betting, dating, sweepstakes and adult games. The audience here is quite “hot”, ready for impulsive actions. However, the quality of traffic varies greatly from network to network. It is important to analyze subscription sources (sites from which users subscribed) and ruthlessly disable non-converting sites via blacklists. Leading advertising networks for traffic arbitrage in this segment offer detailed statistics on sources.
Native Ads
Native advertising is disguised as the main content of the site, representing widgets of "recommended articles" or "interesting news". This approach inspires more trust in the user, reducing "banner blindness". The CTR of native blocks is usually higher than that of classic banners.
Native advertising is an ideal choice for verticals that require audience warm-up: nutra (weight loss products, joints), merchandise (especially WOW products), finance (microloans) and infobusiness. The effectiveness of the campaign here directly depends on the quality of the pre-landing (padding), which should be made in the style of a news or review resource, leading the user to a purchase. When choosing ad networks for traffic arbitrage with a native format, pay attention to the quality of the publisher platforms.
Pop-under & Click-under
These are aggressive formats where the advertising page opens in a new window under or above the user's active window. The main advantage is huge volumes of cheap traffic. The cost per thousand impressions (CPM) here can be tens of times lower than in other sources.
Despite the low price, the quality of such an audience leaves much to be desired. The traffic is "cold", often unmotivated. Pop-unders work well with offers that do not require complex decision-making: installing applications, registering in online games, sweepstakes (prize drawings). To work with this format, a tracker is needed for strict filtering of bots and non-target platforms. Effective advertising networks for traffic arbitrage in the pop segment have built-in tools to combat fraud.
Teaser networks
Teasers are small blocks with an intriguing image and a screaming headline. Historically, one of the first formats for arbitrage, it is still alive, especially in the CIS and some Tier-3 countries. Teaser networks attract a huge, but mostly insolvent and older audience.
This source is suitable for inexpensive product offers (replicas, cheap gadgets, amulets), remedies for "folk" diseases and adult themes. Success in teaser networks requires the creation of a large number of creatives and constant updating, as they quickly "burn out". Many modern arbitrageurs avoid these advertising networks for traffic arbitrage due to the high level of bots and the complexity of optimization.
Criteria for choosing a specific advertising network
Once you have decided on the traffic format, the stage of choosing a specific platform comes. There are hundreds of networks on the market, and in order not to lose money at the start, it is necessary to conduct a preliminary analysis of key parameters.
Traffic volumes and geography. Make sure that the network has enough traffic in the country you need. Ask the manager for up-to-datee volumes for your GEO and platform (desktop/mobile). Some traffic arbitrage ad networks specialize in specific regions, such as Asia or Latin America.
Payment model. The main models are CPC (cost per click), CPM (cost per 1000 impressions) and CPA (cost per target action). It is easier for beginners to start with CPC, as it is more predictable. CPM is suitable for testing creatives and working with large volumes. CPA models, such as CPA Goal or Smart CPC, allow the network to automatically optimize the campaign for a given conversion cost, but require preliminary data collection.
Targeting options. The deeper the targeting settings, the more accurately you can hit your target audience. Standard set: GEO, device, OS, browser. Advanced advertising networks for traffic arbitrage offer targeting by mobile operator, IP ranges, time of day, browser language and even by audience interests.
Traffic quality and anti-fraud systems. Ask support how the network fights bots and fraudulent traffic. Having its own or integrated systems (for example, FraudScore) is a good sign. The ability to transfer data on low-quality sites through a tracker and receive a refund for them is a serious advantage.
Minimum deposit and replenishment methods. A low entry threshold is important for beginners. A minimum deposit of $50-100 allows you to conduct tests without significant risks. Pay attention to the available payment systems: bank cards, WebMoney, Capitalist, cryptocurrencies.
Moderation loyalty and support. Some traffic arbitrage advertising networks are extremely strict about creatives, rejecting anything that goes even slightly beyond the "white" approaches. Others, on the contrary, are more loyal to gambling, dating and nutra. Check these points with the manager before replenishing your account. The quality of the support service also plays a role: the speed of responses and willingness to help solve problems can save you time and money.
Strategies for increasing campaign efficiency
Choosing the right advertising network is only half the battle. The other half is competent optimization, which turns a minus campaign into a profitable one.
Testing is the basis of everything
Never launch a campaign for the entire budget. Start with tests. Create several (3-5) different creatives and 1-2 pre-landers. Launch a campaign with a small daily limit to collect initial statistics. Your task at this stage is not to make money, but to get data. Analyze the CTR of creatives, CR of pre-landers and conversion cost (eCPA). Disable ineffective elements and scale those that show the best results.
Using a tracker
Working in traffic arbitrage without a tracker (for example, Keitaro, Binom) is like shooting a cannon at sparrows in complete darkness. The tracker is your analytical center that collects all the information about each click.
It is the tracker that allows you to carry out deep optimization. You see from which sites (site ID, widget ID) conversions come, and which ones simply click away your budget. Based on this data, you create blacklists and whitelists.
Optimization by sites
This is a key process for increasing ROI. Having received enough data in the tracker (at least 1-2 conversion costs per site), you begin the analysis.
Creating a blacklist. All sites that spent an amount equal to or exceeding the cost of one conversion, but did not bring in a single lead, are immediately added to the blacklist. This stops the budget from being wasted on non-targeted traffic.
Creating a whitelist. After disabling junk sources, you will be left with sites that consistently bring conversions at an acceptable price. You can create a separate campaign aimed only at these proven sources (whitelist). As a rule, the rate in such campaigns is increased in order to buy out the maximum amount of quality traffic. Working with whitelists is a direct path to scaling the bundle. This approach distinguishes professionals working with many advertising networks for traffic arbitrage.
Scaling the bundle
When you have found a profitable bundle of "offer + creative + pre-landing" in one ad network, do not stop. Try moving it to other advertising networks for traffic arbitrage with the same format. Often, a combination that has shown itself well in one push network will also give a profit in another. This allows you to significantly increase traffic volumes and, accordingly, profit.
In conclusion, successful arbitrage is not luck, but a system. It is built on a deep understanding of traffic sources, meticulous data analysis and constant testing. The choice of advertising network for traffic arbitrage is the starting point on which the entire further path depends. Approach this choice consciously, analyze, test and do not be afraid to turn off what does not work. Only this approach will allow you to earn steadily in this highly competitive, but incredibly about the profitable sphere.