Case Study: How We Earned Profits with Direct Click & VPN Offers on RollerAds

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If you’ve been exploring new traffic formats to boost your affiliate marketing results, Direct Click might be your golden ticket. At RollerAds, this relatively new format is gaining serious traction. In this detailed case study, we’re breaking down how we tested a VPN offer using Direct Click traffic, optimized the campaign for better performance, and walked away with some key takeaways every affiliate should know.


What is Direct Click?​


Direct Click is a traffic format that resembles a pop-up but only triggers when users intentionally click a link within a webpage (for example, on a "Download" or "Exit" button). It targets users who are already engaged with the content, giving it high conversion potential. Because it works with intentional user behavior, you get genuine clicks and warm leads, making it ideal for verticals like:


  • Entertainment
  • Utility tools
  • Browser extensions
  • VPN offers

We’ve seen consistent results from Direct Click, especially when paired with utility and VPN campaigns, so we decided to run a full test to see how far we could push it.


Campaign Objective​


Our goal was to test the effectiveness of Direct Click traffic in promoting a VPN offer, using a Smart CPC bidding strategy. We ran the campaign for 7 days in total, with continuous optimization starting from Day 3. Here's how it played out.

Step-by-Step Campaign Setup​


Step 1: Launching the Campaign


We began by logging into RollerAds and setting up a new campaign using the Direct Click ad format. We chose the Smart CPC bidding model, which adjusts the bid dynamically to help get the best cost-performance ratio.


Step 2: Country & Targeting


  • Country Targeted: United States
  • Proxy: Disabled
  • Bid: Started with the average auction bid for a safe and proven start

Step 3: Budget


We allocated $200 per day for testing. This allowed us to collect enough data quickly and make informed optimization decisions.


Step 4: Device & OS Targeting


We targeted devices and operating systems according to the VPN offer’s requirements. To test additional variables, we also included social browsers in the mix, which turned out to be a crucial factor during optimization.


Step 5: Final Touches


After finalizing the setup, we submitted the campaign for moderation and went live.


Optimization Process​


Real campaign success comes from daily optimizations. Here's how we refined the campaign across the testing period:


Day 1: Zone Filtering


After collecting initial data, we blocked non-converting zones. This instantly reduced wasted spend and increased efficiency.


Day 2: Browser Version Review


We stopped traffic from browser versions that delivered poor or no results. This trimmed the fat and improved CTR and CR almost immediately.


Day 3: Custom Bids for Underperformers


Rather than completely shutting down low-performing zones, we gave some a second chance with custom bidding. In some cases, this actually turned losing zones into break-even or profitable ones.


Day 4: Final Cut


All remaining underperforming zones were disabled. By this time, we had gathered enough data to identify high-quality traffic segments and scale those instead.

Results After 7 Days​


  • Optimization Start: Day 3
  • Total Duration: 7 days
  • Daily Budget: $200
  • Total Spend: $1,400
  • Top Performing Segment: Social browsers in the US
  • Conversions: Peaked on Days 5–7 after optimization
  • ROI: Positive by Day 6

While we can’t disclose exact payout figures, the combination of smart bidding, zone filtering, and focused targeting helped turn this test campaign into a profitable case. We were especially surprised by how well social browsers performed—a tip for affiliates looking for untapped traffic angles.


Key Takeaways​


  • Direct Click is a powerful tool for engaging users who are already showing interest by clicking, making conversions more likely.
  • Start broad, but be ready to optimize hard after 2–3 days. The early data tells you everything you need to scale.
  • Social browser traffic showed unexpectedly strong results. Test them in your own campaigns.
  • Smart CPC bidding is a great way to get started without overpaying.
  • Zone blocking and bid adjustments are critical for maintaining profitability.

Final Thoughts​


This test shows that Direct Click traffic can be highly effective, especially when promoting utility offers like VPNs. It delivers warm traffic with high intent, and when combined with a solid optimization plan, it can yield a strong ROI.


If you’re an affiliate tired of the usual ad formats or if you’re seeing performance drops on traditional push/pop traffic, Direct Click is worth a serious look. With a relatively low barrier to entry and the ability to start seeing results within days, it's a format that can fit into any smart affiliate’s traffic mix.


Whether you're scaling existing offers or launching new ones, integrating Direct Click into your campaigns could be your next profitable move.


Want to dive deeper into traffic optimization strategies or learn how to scale with RollerAds? Feel free to join the conversation in the forum and share your insights!
 
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