"Unlocking Success: Strategies for Cross-Promotion and Beating Google Search"

"Unlocking Success: Strategies for Cross-Promotion and Beating Google Search"

In the ever-evolving world of mobile gaming and online search, finding effective strategies to promote your products and beat the competition is crucial. Two key areas to focus on are cross-promotion and outsmarting Google search. Let's explore some secrets to successful cross-promotion and how to beat Google at its own game.

When it comes to deciding between cross-promotion and ad monetization, it's important to consider the impact on user churn rates. If you have an ad monetization component in your game, showing it indiscriminately to all users may not yield the desired results. Cross-promotion, on the other hand, allows you to understand the overall value gained from it. By monitoring churn rates, you can determine if cross-promotion is increasing the lifetime value of your players. To make informed decisions, analyze your user segments, assess the risk of losing them, test cautiously, and closely monitor churn rates.

Churn segmentation is a valuable strategy when implementing cross-promotion. Identifying the players who are risky to approach with cross-promotion and those who are more open to experimentation is crucial. Paying users with a high lifetime value should be excluded from ad monetization and cross-promotion. Additionally, avoid showing ads to new users. Instead, target players with high security levels who have been playing your game for a long time but haven't converted recently. These players are likely to pay, but not necessarily in the game they're currently playing. By showing them other games in your portfolio, you can potentially increase revenue and engagement.

To effectively execute cross-promotion, utilizing the right tools is essential. IronSource's bidder solution allows for the separation of cross-promotion networks from the main network, enabling targeted promotions to specific segments. This flexibility ensures that cross-promotion is placed strategically in waterfalls and reaches the desired audience. For example, showcasing an ad for Solitaire Grand Harvest in Best Fiends, using the mechanics of Solitaire Grand Harvest with the art of Best Fiends, can effectively capture the attention of players and drive engagement.

Now, let's shift gears and discuss how to beat Google search. While it may seem that Chrome/Chromium prioritizes the user experience, it primarily serves as a distribution channel for Google search. To compete with Google, it's essential to consider alternative distribution channels that prioritize the end-user. Open source platforms, when aligned with user value, can be powerful distribution channels. Take Google Images, for instance. Lack of innovation in the product has allowed competitors like Pinterest to disrupt the market and build successful businesses. Google's decision not to show ads on Image Search created an opportunity for others to fill the gap. The key is to identify platform shifts that can disrupt traditional text-based searches, such as voice or AR/VR.

While Google dominates the search engine market, it's important to recognize its vulnerability. Despite the increased ad load on Search and YouTube, the fact that Google search is free makes it challenging to beat. Research by Erik Brynjolfsson at Stanford revealed that the average user would need compensation of $17,000 to forgo search engines for a year. This highlights the immense value users place on search. Google's average revenue per user for search is remarkably high, estimated at $100 - $250 per year. Considering this, any alternative search engine or platform should generate even higher revenue per user or adopt a completely different business model.

In conclusion, successful cross-promotion and beating Google search require careful consideration and strategic execution. To maximize the potential of cross-promotion, analyze user segments, test cautiously, and monitor churn rates. Utilize tools like IronSource's bidder solution to target specific segments effectively. When challenging Google search, focus on alternative distribution channels that prioritize user value, such as open source platforms. Identify platform shifts that can disrupt traditional searches, and consider business models that generate higher revenue per user. By implementing these strategies, you can unlock success in cross-promotion and outsmart Google search.

Actionable advice:

1. Segment your user base and analyze churn rates to make informed decisions about cross-promotion and ad monetization.
2. Utilize tools like IronSource's bidder solution to strategically place cross-promotion in waterfalls and target specific segments.
3. Explore alternative distribution channels and platform shifts to disrupt traditional searches and generate higher revenue per user.

Remember, success lies in understanding your audience, adopting innovative approaches, and staying ahead of the competition.