For advertisers, the increasing costs of app store transactions are becoming a significant pain point. With Apple taking a 5% commission from subscription revenues and Google Play charging even more, many advertisers are actively seeking ways to bypass these fees. As a result, the conversation has shifted toward alternative strategies for driving traffic and subscriptions outside the app store ecosystem. Here’s how we at Creative Clicks are supporting advertisers in this journey.
The challenge: Bypassing app store fees
For advertisers, app stores represent both an opportunity and a challenge. While they offer unparalleled visibility and accessibility, the steep fees on in-app subscriptions significantly cut into profits. The impact of these fees is especially harsh on advertisers with a subscription-heavy model, where recurring charges amplify the costs over time. This creates a growing need to find alternative methods for customer acquisition and retention.
Advertisers want to retain a larger share of their revenue and reduce their dependency on platforms like Apple and Google. To achieve this, they need innovative ways to redirect users away from app store transactions.
Why user behavior matters
Successfully redirecting users to external subscription pages isn’t as simple as just presenting an option—it’s about understanding user behavior. Many users are accustomed to the simplicity of in-app purchases, so the process of navigating to a separate page must be designed to feel just as intuitive. Ensuring that users feel they are receiving added value, such as discounts or exclusive offers, is key to making this shift effective.
One common approach is to lead users out of the app store journey altogether. This involves using smart, engaging creative assets that encourage users to complete subscriptions on separate landing pages. By doing so, advertisers can ensure that subscriptions bypass the app store’s payment ecosystem entirely.
How Creative Clicks supports advertisers
At Creative Clicks, we specialize in developing campaigns tailored to these challenges. Here’s how we help advertisers navigate this complex space:
Creative redirection strategies
Our campaigns focus on building creative assets that guide users toward alternative subscription pathways. These creatives are designed to clearly communicate the benefits of subscribing outside the app store without disrupting the user experience. Our team works closely with advertisers to ensure these strategies are both brand-aligned and results-driven.
Incentivizing user action
We understand that user incentives are critical to driving conversions outside the app store. Promos such as offering a 50% discount for signing up on a separate page are highly effective. These incentives not only help overcome user hesitation but also add value to the overall user journey. By leveraging A/B testing, we fine-tune these offers to maximize user engagement and conversion rates.
Enhanced user experience
Shifting users to a different landing page requires a seamless and enjoyable experience. We leverage our expertise to ensure that every step of the user journey—whether it’s clicking through a creative, landing on the subscription page, or completing the signup—is optimized for success. The smoother the process, the higher the likelihood of not just completing a subscription but also building long-term trust with users.
The broader benefits for advertisers
Beyond reducing app store fees, these strategies empower advertisers to take greater control of their customer interactions. By moving outside app store ecosystems, advertisers gain access to critical user data that can inform future campaigns. This direct access also allows for personalized offers, better retargeting strategies, and a more robust customer relationship management approach.
Driving results with innovative solutions
Moving away from the app store ecosystem is not without its challenges. It requires advertisers to rethink their user acquisition strategies, create compelling offers, and carefully craft the user journey to maintain engagement. At Creative Clicks, we bring together performance-driven insights and creative excellence to ensure our advertisers succeed in reducing their dependency on app stores.
By offering alternatives that retain revenue and enhance user engagement, we are helping advertisers navigate a rapidly evolving digital landscape. This is how we drive value for our partners—by addressing their pain points with solutions that work.
Conclusion
Advertisers can overcome app store challenges by redirecting users, offering incentives, and optimizing the journey for seamless conversions. At Creative Clicks, we help businesses reduce costs and build stronger user connections, paving the way for smarter, more effective app marketing strategies.
