Hey everyone,Wanted to share a fresh breakdown from our internal campaign testing lab — specifically focused on a high-performance combo that’s been gaining serious momentum: VPNs and browser extensions paired with Direct Click traffic in the US.
Our goal was to create a plug-and-play approach for affiliates and advertisers looking to launch fast, without spending days figuring out targeting, creatives, or bid strategy. What came out of it is what we now call a Campaign Setup Kit — a curated collection of data-backed settings designed for real-world performance.
Let’s walk through the highlights of this setup and why it’s working so well right now.
The Target: High-Intent Traffic in the US Market
GEO Focus: United States
Verticals Tested:
- VPN Services
- Browser Extensions (e.g., privacy, productivity, ad-blockers)
Why these niches? Both verticals solve immediate, relatable problems for a wide audience: security, privacy, and convenience. Combine that with the fact that US users are known to convert well on desktop and mobile alike, and you’ve got a powerful recipe for lead generation and installs.
What Is Direct Click (And Why It Matters)
If you’re unfamiliar, Direct Click is a performance-based ad format that delivers traffic from high-quality placements through direct interactions — not passive push notifications, but actual click-throughs from engaged users.
Unlike traditional formats, this method reduces bounce, boosts CTR, and keeps CPCs stable even with broader targeting. That’s why we zeroed in on Direct Click for this launch — to test performance on engaged traffic, not just impressions.
Inside the Campaign Setup Kit
Here’s what we included in our internal setup:
Pre-Tested Bid Ranges
Based on recent data trends, we identified a sweet spot for CPC bidding that keeps traffic volume high without sacrificing ROI. This allowed us to avoid overbidding while staying competitive in premium ZIP codes and cities.
Ideal Timing
Traffic performance varies throughout the day, so we fine-tuned the time blocks. For example, evening hours (5 PM to 10 PM local time) delivered higher conversion rates for VPN installs, likely due to after-work usage patterns.
Device & OS Filtering
Both campaigns performed best on Android and Windows devices. Browser extensions in particular saw the strongest click-to-install rates on Chrome users.
Creatives That Converted
We A/B tested multiple headline angles for native-style ads, with top performers including privacy concerns ("Stop Your ISP From Tracking You") and speed benefits ("Browse Faster With One Click"). For browser extensions, value-based copy like "Declutter Your Tabs Instantly" worked well.
Performance Metrics
After running the campaigns for two weeks with consistent budget levels, here’s what we observed:
- CTR Increase: +23% over standard push formats
- Conversion Rate: 18% for VPN campaigns, 21% for browser extensions
- CPC Stability: Average bid held steady, with no major spikes during peak hours
- Time-to-Conversion: Majority occurred within the first 10 minutes post-click
One of the standout benefits was the predictability of performance. Once a campaign hit traction, it didn’t fluctuate wildly — meaning scaling became significantly easier.
Takeaways
If you’re looking to break into mid-funnel verticals like VPNs or browser tools, this kind of ready-to-use structure can save a ton of time and budget. Here’s why:
- Direct Click traffic eliminates wasted impressions by reaching engaged users.
- Campaign Setup Kits provide a foundation you can trust, especially if you're entering a GEO or vertical for the first time.
- Testing with intent-first offers like VPNs and utility extensions allows for cleaner tracking and faster optimization cycles.
We’re continuing to refine these templates and expand them to other GEOs and verticals. Whether you’re an experienced media buyer or just starting out, pre-optimized kits like these can shortcut your way to results.
Have you tried Direct Click or bundled offers like these? Drop your feedback or results below — let’s compare notes!