I've consistently recommended backfilling at every opportunity. In this very thread even.
I also recommend using iAds as the primary provider as a way to improve the average returns for an app given their high eCPM.
Edit: oh, I see you are an Inneractive sales rep. That helps put your comments about iAds in context.
Hey Pik Pok,
Thank you for sharing your insights about iAd. I think I didn't realize the virtues of using it as a primary platform.
I am actually not a sales rep but an account manager. I work with developers like you all the time and I find it extremely interesting to hear about your experience with all platforms.
I released my first ios app about 8 mos ago. I incorporated iAd from the very beginning as my only revenue source (no paid version or in app purchases). Day one we started out with an eCPM of about $20 and 8 mos later that eCPM has stayed about the same. I have read hundreds of blogs, posts, etc. about iAd performance and most people claim eCPMs of $.50. We have had bad weeks were out eCPM has fallen to $14 for the day but on average we are always sitting with an eCPM of $20. We have had spikes as high as $36 eCPM average for the day.
While my app makes good money from ad revenue, high eCPM, large user base. After six mos my revenue hasn't changed a whole lot. I make as much today as 6 mos ago even though I have a lot more users. The problem, fill rate! Six mos ago I was seeing a 90% fill rate. As my user base has grown I now only see 10% fill rate, 10K requests used to be 9K impressions, today 100K requests is 9K impressions. I think I have just hit virtual ceiling. There is only so much money floating around in the iAd world, and I'm getting my share and probably won't ever see any more.
I have absolutely loved iAd. It has made me a lot of money, and I'm optimisitic. As Apple signs more contracts and more and more money becomes available I believe I'll see bigger numbers in the months/years ahead. However, I think it is time to incorporate a back fill solution. When I used to have a 90% fill rate I didn't want to bother with a second provider, but now that I only see 10% I think it is time.
Probably time for some in app purchases or other revenue source as well.
Does anyone know from experience how long (time/ecpm/daily impressions etc) does it take to get "real" iAds? It's a free iPad app, little less than 3 months old and so far its getting only developer ads. During last 14 days the avg daily requests, impressions and ecpm is around 2300, 1200 and $1.5 respectively.
Does anyone know from experience how long (time/ecpm/daily impressions etc) does it take to get "real" iAds? It's a free iPad app, little less than 3 months old and so far its getting only developer ads. During last 14 days the avg daily requests, impressions and ecpm is around 2300, 1200 and $1.5 respectively.
Have you enabled iAds before submitting your binary to iTunes Connect? Also keep in mind that even if you install your app from the App Store on your device, you will be seing test ads but the rest world sees real ads (in the countries iAd is available)
Have you enabled iAds before submitting your binary to iTunes Connect? Also keep in mind that even if you install your app from the App Store on your device, you will be seing test ads but the rest world sees real ads (in the countries iAd is available)
I think I added iAds before uploading the first binary. Not sure why/how would it matter though.
About the rest of the world (non dev devices) - I think that's a legit point but so far I have not seen a single impression outside US. Plus the revenues are exactly $0.15 per click, no exceptions and no revenue from impressions. That makes me conclude that everyone gets developer ads only. Any other way to confirm? May be I need to file a case with apple. Appreciate your input.
I think I added iAds before uploading the first binary. Not sure why/how would it matter though.
About the rest of the world (non dev devices) - I think that's a legit point but so far I have not seen a single impression outside US. Plus the revenues are exactly $0.15 per click, no exceptions and no revenue from impressions. That makes me conclude that everyone gets developer ads only. Any other way to confirm? May be I need to file a case with apple. Appreciate your input.
It is important that you enable iAds for your app before uploading the binary, else it will be displaying test ads to all users. Once I forgot to enable it, it was approved by Apple without iAds enabled and I had to enable iAd for this app, submit a new binary and wait for one week for Apple to approve the new version.
Regarding US... yes, I have the same problem, only US, France, Italy and a few other countries support iAd currently. However even in this case, iAd gives for me more revenue than Admob, although Admob is supported in more countries.
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