CPM is a Cost Per Mile commission type. Mile means 1 thousand. In terms of affiliate marketing and offers promotion, it is the same as 1.000 impressions. CPM is commonly used in display advertising, where affiliates aim to reach a large audience, increase sales of products or services, and raise their revenue.

CPM Meaning

CPM is the price per 1.000 impressions of an advertisement. Typically, when operating on a CPM model in affiliate marketing, the earnings can range from $0.20 to $50 for every thousand impressions. The specific sum within this range depends on factors like the country of the traffic and the ad’s click-through rate (CTR). The format is suitable for owners of their resource with active traffic: you monetize the existing traffic without effort.

Pros and Cons of CPM

The CPM commission type is usually used by experienced affiliates. This is due to various factors.

Pros:

  • You can make money, even if visitors don’t click on the ads. You just need to increase your website traffic;
  • It is suitable for pops.

Cons:

  • Slow loading pages cause affiliates to lose users who didn’t wait for the page to load;
  • Users using ad blockers will not see the ads;
  • Low payouts.

What does the CPM Rate in Affiliate Marketing Depend On?

Determining the optimal CPM rate based on various factors, such as vertical, traffic quality, seasonality and others. There is no universal CPM rate in affiliate marketing.

Here are some essential considerations to assess when evaluating CPM rates in affiliate marketing:

  • Vertical: Diverse verticals exhibit varying levels of competition and demand for advertising space. Higher competition sectors may command higher CPM rates. Specialized or niche audiences may justify higher CPM rates due to the targeted nature of the content;
  • Traffic Quality: The quality of the traffic you drive to affiliate offers is crucial. High-quality traffic that is more likely to convert can support a higher CPM rate;
  • GEO: CPM rates can be influenced by the geographic location. Advertisers may be willing to pay more for traffic from regions with higher purchasing power or specific targeting requirements;
  • Ad Format: Ad formats, such as display ads, video ads, or native ads, can have distinct CPM rates. Video ads, for instance, often command higher CPM rates;
  • Seasonality: Some industries and niches experience seasonal fluctuations in CPM rates. eCommerce CPM rates, for example, may be higher during the holiday season;
  • Audience Size: Smaller audiences may have less negotiating power to secure higher CPM rates compared to larger, more established websites or social media accounts.

Ultimately, the “best” CPM rate for your affiliate marketing endeavors will depend on your unique circumstances and objectives. Conduct thorough research, test different offers, and negotiate with advertisers or affiliate networks to find a CPM rate that aligns with your value proposition and ensures the profitability of your affiliate marketing efforts.

Frequently asked questions about CPM

1. How Much Does 1.000 Impressions Cost?

In affiliate marketing, the earnings based on CPM commission type vary between $0.20 and $50 for every thousand impressions. The exact amount within this range is determined by factors such as GEO or CTR rates.

2. What is the difference between CPM and CPC commission types?

CPM commission type calculates the expense of displaying an ad to 1,000 users, whereas CPC calculates the expense for each individual click on an ad. CPM is commonly employed to measure the impact of branding or awareness campaigns, while CPC is commonly used to assess the impact of campaigns aimed at generating direct conversions, such as sales or leads.

3. Is CPM suitable for all affiliate campaigns?

While CPM works well for campaigns aimed at creating impressions and establishing brand awareness, it may not be the most suitable metric for campaigns focused on achieving direct conversions like sales or leads. In such cases, CPC might be a more appropriate metric to consider.