Publishers! Increase Members Area revenue with Direct Link Monetization

Increase Members Area revenue with Direct Link Monetization

Direct Link is one of the highest converting ad formats on Members Area websites. This powerful format is highly flexible, so in this article, we will explore what Publishers can do with Direct Links and the benefits of implementing Direct Link ad zones on your site!

What are Direct Links?

The Direct Link is a premium and flexible ad format that is easy to implement because it doesn’t require an ad creative. Priced on CPC, it performs best when placed as menu tabs, push notifications, or back button offers, ensuring high visibility and reaching users within your niche and with a strong intent to engage.

With one click, Direct Links take the end user straight to the Advertiser’s landing page, reducing friction and increasing the likelihood of conversion.

Best practices for Direct Link monetization

In this example, you can see ‘Ai Dating’ is a direct link to a landing page. Publishers also have the option to make a direct link contrast to the rest of the search bar, if desired.

How to create Direct Link ad zones on ExoClick?

If you are a Publisher looking to implement Direct Link ad zones on your website, talk to your Account Manager, and you will be able to enable the format on your Publisher Dashboard.

Once you enable Direct Links on your Publisher Dashboard,  it’s time to create your zone:

  1.  Go to Site and Zones → New Zone → Select “Direct Link”.
  2. Name your zone and save.
  3. Start receiving monetized traffic immediately.

What can I do to enhance my Direct Link formats?

Add multiple Direct Link zones to your site. For example, you could have one on the home page and others on specific content sections. Specific category placements can help Advertisers get the most relevant traffic, which can help improve publishing eCPMs.

Increase Members Area revenue

You can create Menu tab placements with Back Button Offers and Push Notifications, and run A/B tests to find the best converting zones on your site.

Who benefits most from Direct Links

If you are a Publisher looking to integrate advertising into your Members’ Area website without being intrusive, Direct Links provide a seamless way to monetize your site while enhancing the user experience. To explore the best options for your site, please reach out to your Account Manager. 

Advertisers like to buy Direct Links because they eliminate the need for creatives, enabling users to be directed straight to the offer’s landing page. This format functions seamlessly across all devices and browsers. It is a non-intrusive advertising option, making it ideal for publishers with limited Banner and Native placement opportunities, as it provides a good user flow while seamlessly blending into the site design. As a result, Direct Links tap into high conversion potential with a low-effort monetization solution that effectively targets logged traffic.

Best practices for Direct Link monetization

Let’s look at some of the Direct Link monetization best practices for Publishers.

  • Maximize Earnings: Combine Direct Link with other formats (banners, pop-ups, native ads) to diversify revenue and maximize the value of every user session.
  • Implementation & Testing Strategic Placement: Place your Direct Link ad zone in high-visibility areas of your Members Area (e.g., buttons, post-action pages, end-of-session screens) where engaged users are most likely to click.
  • Prioritize UX: Ensure link placement feels natural, does not interrupt site flow, and avoids slowing down page loading.
  • Continuous Testing: Regularly test different placements to identify where your audience interacts most, as small adjustments can significantly boost conversions.

Performance & Maintenance 

  • Fast Loading & Quality: Check loading speed and redirect quality. A fast, seamless transition to the Advertiser’s landing page is crucial for improving conversion rates and user trust.
  • Audience Consistency: Prioritize Direct Link offers that align with your audience’s niche (e.g., dating offers for dating content) to ensure relevance.
  • Monitor & Rotate: Review your stats weekly in the dashboard to track performance. Periodically rotate campaigns to prevent user fatigue and maintain strong results over time.

Conclusion: Increase Members Area revenue with Direct Link Monetization

The Direct Link is one of the simplest and most profitable ways for Members Area publishers to monetize logged-in traffic. With no creative setup and strong conversion potential, it’s a must-have format for consistent, hands-free revenue. If you are a Publisher who is not yet using Direct Links but would like to, get in touch with your Account Manager today to see if you can enable Direct Links on your site. If you have not signed up with ExoClick for your ad zones yet, now is a great time to join and take advantage of ExoClick’s huge network of hand-picked Advertisers and flexible ad formats. What are you waiting for? Get started now!

Alice Naughton