Author Archives: Chris Jones

[New eBook] Download The No-Nonsense Guide to In-App Ads

A clear trend is emerging in the world of smartphones – people want free apps. According to a study by Juniper Research, barely 1% of apps are now paid for at the point of download.1

While demand for free apps continues to increase, app developers are answering a very important question, “what’s the best way to publish my app for free while sustainably funding my business?”

In-app ads are a reliable solution that is set to grow 3.2X between 2014-18. 2

Many of the world’s most popular apps rely heavily on in-app advertising to earn income. Apps like PicsArts and Trivia Crack each have hundreds of millions of downloads and use advertising as a revenue source. In-app ads are evolving and there are many options for developers to utilize which provide great experiences for users.

So, how do you get started with ads?

To answer this, we’re launching a new ebook called “The No-Nonsense Guide to In-App Ads”, the latest in our No-nonsense series. This guide is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of in-app advertising for those new to the opportunity. We’ll walk you through how digital ads can be included into your app strategy and what’s the best way for you to get started.

In the eBook, you’ll learn:
  • Foundational advertising concepts like eCPM, Fill Rate, Demand, and Inventory.
  • A simple overview of how businesses make money from advertising. 
  • How Pay Per Click advertising works.
  • A basic explanation of ad networks and how they can help you monetize your app.
  • How to choose the right ad network for your app.
Download a free copy here.


For more tips on app monetization, be sure to stay connected on all things AdMob by following our Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+ pages.

Posted by Joe Salisbury, Product Specialist, AdMob

1 - Juniper, April 2015 and Juniper website, The App Landscape Today, Feb 2015

Source: Inside AdMob


Tips for writing a successful invalid traffic appeal

In a previous publisher blog post, we discussed tips for writing a successful policy appeal. In today's topic, we’re exploring what happens when publisher accounts are disabled due to invalid traffic, when to submit an appeal, and tips for making those appeals successful.

Invalid traffic includes any clicks or impressions that may artificially inflate an advertiser's costs or a publisher's earnings. Invalid traffic covers intentionally fraudulent traffic as well as accidental clicks.

In the ads ecosystem, advertisers rely on the relevance of our ad placement and the quality of the interaction their ads receive. Publishers in turn count on advertiser participation that contributes to the success of their apps and business. Without this trust, the Google advertising network could not exist. Google treats invalid traffic very seriously, analyzing all clicks and impressions to determine whether they fit a pattern of use that might artificially drive up an advertiser's costs or a publisher's earnings. If we determine that an account might pose a risk to our advertisers, we may take actions against the account, such as suspending or disabling it, in order to protect our advertisers' interests.

Before we continue, let's clarify the difference between an account suspension and an account disablement.

If your account was suspended due to invalid traffic, ad-serving has been turned off for a fixed period (typically 30 days). While suspensions are not currently appealable, if you would like to provide additional feedback to help us improve our processes and communications, you may do so using our suspended publisher feedback form. If there are no further compliance issues with your account, it will be automatically unsuspended after the fixed period. For more information about account suspensions, please visit our AdMob Help Center.

If your account was disabled due to invalid traffic, your account is no longer serving ads, and you will be unable to monetize with any Google ad solutions. You're eligible to file an invalid activity appeal, but please be aware that that filing an appeal does not guarantee reinstatement. For more information about account disablements, please visit our Help Center.

If you would like to file an invalid traffic appeal for account reinstatement, please first review the AdSense program policies and top reasons for account closure. These policies and reasons apply to all Google ad solution products, including but not limited to AdMob, AdSense and YouTube.

Here are some tips that you may find useful in writing your appeal:

  1. Review the top reasons for account closure. Think about if any of these reasons applied to you and your content. Did your friends click on your ads too many times? Did you purchase traffic that led to a surge of invalid activity? Can you make content and/or behavioral changes to prevent the activity from happening again?
  2. Review ad implementations on your desktop site, mobile site, and/or mobile app. Think about what your typical user workflow would be, and see if the ad implementations may cause users to accidentally click on your ads.
  3. In the appeal form, provide the e-mail address that is associated with your disabled AdSense/AdMob account. This will help locate your account and reduce delays in appeal processing time.
  4. Tell us what changes you’ll make for the future. Once again, carefully consider the top reasons for account closure. What systems or behaviors have you put in place to ensure this won't happen again? For example, tell us how you've adjusted your ad implementations, evaluated your traffic sources, hired testers to properly test your content, etc. We will appreciate your honesty in the appeal.
Publishers are a vital part of the online ads ecosystem, and we want to see you succeed while keeping your users happy and engaged. Everyone in the digital ecosystem benefits when publishers provide engaging content and useful resources, which in turn incentivizes advertisers to bid for space on your content. We hope that these resources can provide some guidance.

Posted by Danielle Chang, AdMob Ad Traffic Quality Team

Source: Inside AdMob


What you need to know to install AdMob on your app

Two weeks ago, we shared a video in which some of the industry’s most prominent app developers shared. In the coming weeks, we will continue to have tips on app design, but let’s now look at installing AdMob. Monetizing your app with AdMob is a requirement for the contest, so it’s important that you install the program correctly. Check out our AdMob Developers site for both Android and iOS to learn about the entire process for installing AdMob to your app.

Here’s a video that you can reference as well, as your team configures AdMob in your app for the first time.



If you run into issues with installation or need help with any troubleshooting, be sure to head to the Google Developers forum, where any questions or troubleshooting can be addressed. Continue to follow us on AdMob G+ and Twitter, and keep an eye on #AdMobSAC16 too, for regular updates on the challenge.

Source: Inside AdMob


The Mobile Ads Garage: A new video series about using the Google Mobile Ads SDK

Cross-posted from the Google Ads Developer blog.

Today, the first episode of the Mobile Ads Garage hits YouTube! The Mobile Ads Garage is a new series that covers how to use the Mobile Ads SDK to display ads from AdMob and Doubleclick For Publishers. Each episode will cover one aspect of the SDK, break down a feature, and show screencasts of real implementations on both Android and iOS – all in a friendly format.

The series will make its home on YouTube's Google Developer Channel, where you'll find the first episode in the Mobile Ads Garage playlist along with a sneak peek of the next four.



In addition to being a new way that people can find out about the SDK and how to use it, the series is a way for publishers to let us know what features they'd like to learn more about. The comment sections for the videos are open, and you're welcome to toss out ideas for new episodes and examples you'd like to see. If you have a technical question relating to something discussed in one of the episodes, you can bring it to our support forum.

 - , Mobile Ads Developer Relations

Source: Inside AdMob


Tips for Monetizing Your App in the Two Largest Markets in the Americas

There’s lots of opportunity to expand your app outside of your home country. This is part two of our series exploring markets around the world, providing quick tips on how you can grow your business.

The Americas is a massive market for your app with nearly one billion people across major cities including New York, Los Angeles, Mexico City, São Paulo and Buenos Aires. 1 The small number of languages spoken by the majority of the population - English, Spanish, and Portuguese - can help you scale fast. Check out these app monetization tips in the region’s two largest countries; Brazil and the US.

Brazil

When expanding to Brazil, consider displaying video ads in your app. It’s becoming an increasingly popular media type across the country. Last year, online video views nearly doubled, rising from 17.5% to 30.6%. 2 Additionally, the number of mobile video impressions grew 529.8% in the 2nd quarter of 2015 from the year before. 3

Also, keep in mind that Brazilian Portuguese is significantly different from European Portuguese. It’s important to identify which region you are targeting when consulting with your translation service.

United States

You may be more successful if you offer a free version of your app when expanding to the US, rather than a paid version. According to App Annie, all of 2015’s top 10 grossing app companies in the US offered free apps. 4 54% of US app users said that they only download free apps, and only 7% of users “commonly” spend on apps that cost $6.99 or more. Additionally, 76% of US users said cost as a ‘very important’ factor in deciding between several apps of the same type. 5

If you enjoyed these tips, check out these case studies featuring how developers have succeeded in the US, Brazil and Argentina.

If you’re not already an AdMob user, consider using AdMob to help maximize ad revenue and monetize globally. Also, stay connected on all things AdMob by following our Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+ pages.

Posted by Paul Somers, AdMob Partner Development Executive & Paolo Fornasini, AdMob Partner Development Associate


[1] - List of countries by English-speaking population, Wikipedia
[2] - The Global Media Intelligence Report: Latin America, eMarketer, 2015
[3] - Video Ad Volume Amps Up in Brazil, eMarketer, 2015
[4] - App Annie 2015 Retrospective, App Annie, 2015
[5] -  Consumer Mobile Apps Study Google/Ipsos Media CT, 2014

Source: Inside AdMob


Tips for Monetizing Your App in 3 Huge Markets in Asia

As the world becomes more connected, new monetization opportunities may begin to surface outside of your home country. This is part one of our series exploring markets around the world, providing practical tips on how you can grow your business.

1.4 billion smartphone users are estimated to be in Asia by 2019 – more than all users in other regions combined. 1 Its unique culture, large base of engaged app users, and growing monetization opportunities make Asia a key region to expand to. Here are tips for monetizing your app in some of Asia’s largest countries.

China

When expanding to China, consider investing in a quality translation and localization. 53% of users in China are likely to experience poor app localization. 2 You’ll be able to stand out by providing a polished translation. Be mindful that simplified Chinese is commonly used for users in mainland China, while Traditional Chinese is used more often in Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Japan

When localizing your app for the Japanese market, consider polishing your user interface to account for the charming aesthetics popular in the market. Marked by well-illustrated stories, engaging goals, and Kawaii (cute) character themes, Japan’s creative preferences are often unique. Check out the “Big in Japan” category in Google Play to see Japan’s charming style in action.

India

When localizing your app for India, you may be able to successfully test your app in the region using your English version before investing in a thorough translation. While Hindi is the most popular language in India, 57% of the population in urban areas use English to browse the Internet, providing a significant base for you to see if your app resonates with the Indian market. 3

We hope you enjoyed these tips. If you’re not already an AdMob user, consider using AdMob to help maximize ad revenue and monetize globally. Also, stay connected on all things AdMob by following our Twitter and Google+ pages.

Posted by Aksara Sumethkul
Developer Monetization Specialist and the Go Asia team, AdMob

[1] Smartphone Sales in China, India, the US and Worldwide, eMarketer, 2014–2017
[2] AdMob Developer Business Kit, AdMob by Google, 2014
[3] How Non-English Speakers Are Taking Over the Internet, WSJ.com, Aug 2015

Source: Inside AdMob


Building your app for the AdMob Student Challenge

Now that we’re past the team development and app brainstorming sections of the AdMob Student App Challenge, your team should now be organized with a clear app idea, ready to start the design process. To help you get started on building the app, six developers from studios such as Yetizen to Pixowl detail some of the most important things to consider when building an app:


While this is a just a short intro into app development best practices, starting with these as a framework will help ensure that you submit a quality app for the contest.

In the coming weeks, we’ll continue to post more updates with tips and best practices to help guide your team as you build, test and finalize your app. Continue to follow us on AdMob G+ and Twitter, and keep an eye on #AdMobSAC16 too, for regular updates on the challenge.

Source: Inside AdMob


App Monetization Insights: How MobiSystems adapted their way to success

This is post 4 of our 5-part blog series featuring monetization tips straight from successful app developers. If you’re interested in further exploring the question, “what’s the best way to monetize my app?”, check out our free No-nonsense Guide to App Monetization ebook.

Our guest this week is Elitza Bratkova, Director Business Development at MobiSystems, the company behind a few of the most popular business and productivity apps on Google Play.  Their flagship product, OfficeSuite, is a successful mobile office solution for Android with a user base of over 200M download and preloaded users.

A clear company value surfaced as a big part of MobiSystem’s success – flexibility. Check out ways you can also use flexibility to your advantage with these tips:


1. Adapt quickly to promising platforms and opportunities.

MobiSytems started over 10 years ago. In its early days, they created dictionaries for the most popular platforms – PalmOS and Pocket PC. When a new platform popped up called Symbian, they were quick to build for it, with some success.

Then Android came along in 2007, and Elitza saw the opportunity, despite the business being resource constrained.

“It was clear that mobile devices were becoming more popular for working professionals. The trend was clear. While we did opt-out of building for smaller platforms, this opportunity was in line with our vision and it seemed promising. It seemed like a platform where our target users would be. It was a risk, but we took it.”

The risk paid off. Being one of the earliests apps on the Google Play Store, and being pre-loaded on thousands of devices helped boost MobiSystems presence. Android as a platform significantly grew, expanding the user base that MobiSystems had access to.

MobiSystem’s most recent analysis of their target audience revealed that 15-20% of their users have devices on more than one platform. They’re now working on a new iteration of their products that allows users to use one license to access the app on multiple platforms.

2. Be flexible with your monetization strategy.

MobiSystem’s early users were accustomed to only one type of app monetization model from business apps – paying for access to premium versions. As consumer apps became successful with new models, the MobiSystems team was eager to adopt new monetization features in Android.

Since profiting from in-app purchases was a business model they could easily adopt, they decided to offer a version of their app for free with an in-app subscription to gain access to premium features. They saw a huge spike in downloads but some initial decline in revenues.To solve this, they turned to a monetization model that business apps never tried before—in-app advertising.

Transitioning to ads did take some time, but worked out positively. By starting slowly, experimenting with placement, being committed to showing high quality ads, and being clear that ads were critical in supporting their free version, MobiSystem bridged their revenue gap and built a successful business. Best of all, they’re able to sustainably offer a useful app for free. One of their products, OfficeSuite, has over 100,000 daily installs and has been consistently on the top free apps list in the the Play Store’s business categories.

When considering your app’s monetization strategy, consider all of your options thoroughly. There may be potential to use business models that are unusual in your space.

We hope you enjoyed the tips from MobiSystems. If you found this information helpful, don’t forget to check out The No-nonsense Guide to App Monetization. Also, stay connected on all things AdMob by following their Twitter and Google+ pages and be sure to connect with MobiSystems on Twitter here.

Posted by Joe Salisbury, Product Specialist, AdMob

Source: Inside AdMob


Watch our new ‘Zen of Monetization’ video series to learn how to make money from your app

So you built an amazing new app and it’s attracting lots of users. You’ve received stellar reviews and your ratings are up, but you don’t hear coins falling into your money box.

How do you change that?

The path to a profitable business isn’t necessarily an easy one. To make the journey less rocky,  the  “Zen of monetization” video series blends instruction, tips, and real-life examples to help you effectively develop, implement, and measure your monetization strategy.


Our series focuses on:
Android In App Payments That Works - Learn how to use In App Payments and make more money from your app.
The Revolution Of Cryptocurrency - Get a quick overview of bitcoin technology. Find out why it's interesting, how it works and what are the main challenges.
The Art of Retaining Users - Learn how to create an effective user retention plan.
In App Payment House Ads - Grow your revenue and create new revenue streams by using In App Purchase House Ads
Introduction to In App Billing - (Coming soon)

If after watching these videos, you’d like to dive deeper into the business of making money,  try our “App Monetization” course with Udacity. Also, stay connected on all things AdMob by following our Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+ pages.

Until next time,
Ido Green, Developer Advocate

Source: Inside AdMob


Mediate rewarded video ads with AdMob Mediation

This week at the Game Developers Conference, we announced that developers can easily monetize apps with rewarded video ads from a number of ad providers in AdMob Mediation. Supported networks and platforms include AdColony, AppLovin, Chartboost, Fyber, Upsight, and Vungle, with more being added all the time. So if you’re a developer monetizing with these providers and using AdMob Mediation to do so, you can easily manage and optimize them through the AdMob interface.

What’s rewarded advertising?
Rewarded advertising has become a popular form of monetization. With rewarded ads, users are given the choice to engage with ads in exchange for in-app rewards. For example, in a gaming app, a user can watch a video to receive a power up after failing a level.

Features to help you optimize
You can already use AdMob Mediation to monetize apps using banner and interstitial ads. Now, you can enjoy the same powerful meditation tools for rewarded ads:


  • Ad network optimization - Earn more by automatically generating the highest CPM from your mediation stack. Ad network optimization looks at all the CPMs across the networks you’ve set up in AdMob Mediation and dynamically chooses the highest paying one from which to show an ad.
  • Frequency capping - Improve your user experience by setting frequency caps to make sure your users aren’t seeing the same ad again and again.

In addition, we’ve made it easy for you to experiment with rewarded ads with these features:

  • Server-Side Settings - We store reward and waterfall settings for each ad unit server side server-side so you don’t need to change your code to experiment with new configurations.
  • Ad Unit Level Configuration - Try different networks, network order or reward settings at different places in your app to optimize performance.
  • Reward Unit & Amount - You can use existing third-party settings or input your own values.
rwd1 (1).png
When creating a new ad unit, you can choose your reward values and set your frequency cap


Here’s what our developers have to say about rewarded ads in AdMob Mediation:
Rewarded ads in AdMob Mediation has been running very smoothly and effectively since we launched it. On top of a complete management of the reward mechanics within the tool, it offers dynamic allocation of each ad request to the highest paying network.  
- Baptiste Chardon , Monetization Manager @ Ubisoft
So far, I've connected 2 reward networks and AdMob has proved as reliable and stable as it is for standard display formats. A great push for my business! 
- Nicolas Sorel, Co-Founder and CEO of Magma Mobile (France)
Not mediating yet? It’s easy to set up and takes very little time to manage. With AdMob, you can focus on building great apps while we do the hard work for you. Here’s how you can get started.

For more about AdMob Mediation, visit our help center, and to stay connected on all things AdMob, follow our Twitter and Google+ pages.

Posted by Arun Balaraman
Group Product Manager, AdMob

Source: Inside AdMob