CPA networks are a type of affiliate marketing program that allows affiliates to earn money by directing visitors to a seller’s website. However, visitors are not just required to click on a link, but to perform a specific action. In return, the affiliate receives a reward. CPA stands for “cost per action,” which means payment for a targeted action in translation. Actions can include subscribing to a newsletter, downloading an application, purchasing a product or service, or placing a call back request.
CPA networks act as intermediaries between affiliates and advertisers. They post requests from advertisers on their resources and attract affiliates suitable for a specific offer. In addition, CPA networks monitor the quality of affiliate’s work, pay commissions, and create advertising materials as needed.
How to partner with CPA networks
The working scheme of CPA networks is simple and looks as follows: the owner of the CPA network purchases traffic, generates leads, and resells them to the seller of goods and services. Therefore, the first step in collaborating with CPA networks would be to search for a suitable network. There are numerous options that differ based on the CPA network commodity:
- General
- Gaming with online game offers
- Financial, including loans, credits, and credit cards
- Product-specific, or thematic, with offers for promoting specific types of products
- Mobile, with smartphone applications
- Dating, with online dating programs
- Gambling, including casino and other games of chance
- Adult, with content for adults marked as 18+
Once you have chosen a CPA network and registered your account, accepting the terms of cooperation, you need to set up tracking links for each of your campaigns. Tracking links allow the network to understand the success of each campaign in terms of attracting potential customers and conversion. Using these links, you can obtain information about the source of traffic, which can then be used to optimize your campaigns effectively.
How to make money on CPA networks
If you are engaged in traffic generation and own your own website, then a CPA network will allow you to start promoting products offered by sellers in this network. You will be able to earn commissions for every action taken by the referred customer. Additionally, some networks provide bonuses or conduct contests, which can bring additional income when used correctly. Affiliates can attract traffic for advertisers through social networks, their own website, banner, native, teaser, and contextual advertising, or engage in traffic affiliate marketing.
Website. It should be popular and visited. You place a link to the advertised platform on it. The more clicks on the link, the more applications you will receive.
Social networks. You need to constantly promote a group or page by filling it with interesting content. The amount of the audience and the campaign results depend on this.
Banner and teaser advertising. Our advice is to choose a platform popular among the audience for maximum traffic.
Native advertising means that the affiliate link is placed inconspicuously, fitting it into the context of the materials. This way, the audience won’t feel like they are being forced into advertising.
Contextual advertising. The ad preview intersects with the theme of the website, which means that the visitor already has an interest in the topic. It’s important to attract attention and encourage clicking on the link.
Traffic affiliate marketing. Affiliates can buy conversions for clients at one price and resell them at a higher price, keeping the difference for themselves. Just don’t forget about the quality and targeting of the traffic.
Companies with their own product, collaborating with CPA networks, acquire customers who perform targeted actions. To do this, companies need to join relevant CPA affiliate programs, register, and create their own offer. In some cases, the company may need to create advertising materials that showcase its product. However, most CPA networks independently handle the creation of banners and generate text on demand.
Who are CPA networks for?
CPA networks are advertising platforms that allow advertisers to pay for results rather than just impressions or clicks. However, before partnering with a platform, it is necessary to determine if your business is suitable for this type of promotion. CPA networks are of interest to companies engaged in mass production with a wide geographic distribution and competitive pricing.
E-commerce firms often use them to stimulate sales and increase brand recognition. Lead generation websites also use CPA networks for more effective and cost-efficient customer acquisition. Additionally, mobile app developers use CPA networks to monetize their apps, incentivizing users with rewards for completing specific actions within the system.
How to choose the right CPA network
When choosing a suitable CPA (Cost Per Action) network for the individual needs of your business, several factors should be taken into consideration:
- Types of advertising campaigns. Some focus on lead generation campaigns, while others offer more opportunities related to direct sales.
- Network scale. Large CPA networks typically have more traffic but may also have higher fees.
- Reviews from other arbitrators. These can be found on third-party resources and forums where traffic generation issues are discussed.
- Payment model – some networks pay for actions, while others pay for sales.
- Payout frequency – weekly or monthly.
- Traffic quality – find out where the traffic comes from to ensure it aligns with the needs of your business.
- Adequate support. CPA network managers should respond promptly in the personal account and messengers. You can also ask them for case studies or working bundles.
- Bonus program. Networks sometimes hold raffles for valuable prizes, create their own stores with payment in internal currencies, where you can win expensive gifts.
CPA and scammers
The main problem with working in CPA networks is click fraud. This is a type of fraudulent activity where affiliates attempt to manipulate the CPA network system for their own selfish gains. They generate income through clicks or impressions that are not genuine and do not provide any value to the advertiser. The likelihood that anyone would be interested in the product being offered is zero.
The goal of click fraud is to falsely increase earnings by circumventing any rules and regulations set by the CPA network. This can be done using bots or automated scripts to generate fake clicks and impressions. Click fraud can also be done by incentivizing users with rewards such as discounts or bonus points for clicking on ads without actually viewing them. Such fraudulent activities are considered serious violations in commodity affiliate programs, as they can result in significant losses for advertisers due to wasted advertising expenses. Click fraud can even lead to legal problems if advertisers decide to file a lawsuit for lost revenue.
To prevent fraud, CPA networks must monitor their system for any suspicious activity that may indicate fraudulent behavior. Special policies are developed for this purpose, requiring thorough verification of all advertisers and affiliates before commencing collaboration. CPA networks use systems to track all actions that occur within the network. After all, click fraud is a problem that must be taken seriously in order to preserve reputation and revenue.
Conclusion
CPA networks are a great way for product companies to attract traffic and increase sales through the work of affiliates who collaborate with the network. Companies should carefully research different CPA networks before making a decision to work with them, as some of them may have stricter rules and pricing than others. Promotion through CPA networks is suitable for companies that offer products with a broad focus.
