Measuring organic uplift - Tips & Strategies

How to Measure and Maximize Organic Uplift for Long-Term App Growth

Organic Growth Strategy / App Growth / Measuring organic uplift

 

In today’s competitive mobile app market, relying solely on organic growth for sustained success is insufficient. While organic installs remain a valuable metric, apps that combine paid user acquisition (UA) with strategies to maximize organic uplift are better positioned to maintain strong growth momentum. Then, measuring organic uplift can significantly help you in that process.

Here are some steps to follow when measuring organic uplift to support the long-term growth of your app.

 

Understanding organic uplift and why it’s crucial

Organic uplift refers to increased organic installs as a direct result of paid marketing campaigns. When an app's visibility improves through paid efforts, such as user acquisition ads, it typically boosts awareness and search volume, leading to higher organic installs. This concept is particularly important as app users often install apps they see repeatedly. 

This exposure through paid UA can create an impression that eventually drives organic installs, especially as potential users search for your app or find it through improved app store rankings.

To clarify, a user clicking on an ad and downloading an app is simply paid user acquisition. However, if a thousand users were to click that ad and download the app, the subsequent influx of downloads would cause a ripple effect in the app store's discoverability and visibility algorithms, thereby leading to greater organic discovery and downloads.

Moreover, organic uplift helps apps gain traction in app stores. A solid combination of paid and organic growth can result in higher rankings, ultimately leading to more visibility and downloads. Apps with consistent organic uplift can also grow their audience base without constantly increasing ad budgets, making it a cost-effective strategy.

 

Step 1: Measuring organic uplift with metrics

To measure organic uplift accurately, consider using a few key metrics:

  1. Organic Install Rate (OIR): Track the growth in organic installs over time, particularly after the launch of paid campaigns. An increase in organic installs alongside paid efforts suggests a positive organic uplift.
  2. Impressions and clicks: Impressions are vital in assessing the reach of paid campaigns. Tracking clicks on ads and the volume of impressions over time can help gauge if users are searching for your app after seeing it in an ad.
  3. Retention rate: Organic users typically show higher retention rates than those acquired through paid channels. Monitoring retention rates for both organic and paid users can help identify if your organic users are increasing due to uplift.
  4. App Store rankings: Increased downloads and engagement can improve your app’s position on the app store. Tracking your ranking pre- and post-campaign provides insight into the visibility impact of organic uplift.
  5. Return on Ad Spend (ROAS): Although ROAS usually relates to direct conversions from ads, observing long-term changes in ROAS can indicate if your organic uplift is driving more valuable, engaged users.

 

Step 2: Strategies to maximize organic uplift

Once you complete measuring organic uplift, implementing strategies to amplify it will help ensure sustained growth. Here are effective ways to achieve this:

 

1. Invest in consistent user acquisition campaigns

Consistent advertising keeps your app in front of potential users, creating familiarity and, eventually, encouraging installs. Braavo’s recent case study demonstrated that an app experienced a 10x increase in organic installs by incrementally increasing ad budgets within three months. This gradual investment in paid UA allowed impressions to grow from 17,000 to 80,000 per day, significantly boosting organic installs.

 

2. Optimize for App Store Search (ASO)

Your app’s visibility in search results plays a huge role in maximizing organic uplift. Enhance your app’s metadata (title, description, keywords, and visuals) to increase discoverability. Since users who view an ad often search for the app later, ASO can help convert these users to organic installs.

 

3. Utilize A/B testing for ads and App Store pages

Test different ad creatives and app store page elements to discover what resonates best with users. This approach can increase click-through rates and inspire curiosity in users who later search for your app organically. By continuously refining visuals and copy based on data, you can ensure that your app appeals to a broader audience.

 

4. Implement retargeting campaigns

Retargeting is a powerful tactic that keeps users who have previously engaged with your ads within your marketing funnel. By reminding users about your app, you increase the likelihood of eventual downloads and ongoing engagement, contributing to organic uplift by reinforcing your app’s presence in users' minds.

 

5. Incentivize user referrals

Leveraging your existing user base is a smart way to drive organic installs. A referral program that rewards users for sharing your app can lead to new, highly engaged organic users. Since referrals often come with a degree of trust, they’re more likely to lead to installs with a higher retention rate.

 

Leveraging incremental growth for long-term success

Incremental growth through organic uplift is a long-term strategy. Even though increased spending on user acquisition may reduce short-term ROAS, the value of sustained impressions and visibility should not be underestimated. Apps that grow organically alongside paid efforts are more likely to secure a loyal, engaged audience, leading to higher profitability.

To sum up, maximizing organic uplift is essential for any app looking to grow sustainably. By measuring key metrics and implementing targeted strategies, you can make the most of organic uplift, ensuring your app achieves enduring success in a crowded market. Embrace a balanced approach to paid and organic growth, and watch your app’s audience expand steadily without constantly escalating ad spend.

Ready to Grow Your App? Leverage AVOW’s expertise in mobile OEM advertising to boost your app’s visibility and drive impactful organic uplift. Connect with us to discover growth opportunities tailored to your app’s needs.

 

Unlock the benefits of organic growth with our Organic Uplift with Dynamic Preloads Guide—download it today!


Organic growth strategy - Beyond traditional paid ads: How to drive organic app installs and scale your app

Beyond traditional paid ads: How to drive organic app installs and scale your app

Organic Growth Strategy

Did you know that global advertising expenditure is projected to reach an impressive US$1,08 billion by the end of 2024? Traditional paid ads are one of the primary methods of user acquisition within mobile app development, yet depending solely on them can be costly and ineffective. By prioritizing an organic growth strategy or strategies that promote organic app installs instead, you can build more loyal user bases while experiencing sustainable growth without over-relying solely on paid advertisements. 

Here's an effective framework to increase organic installs while scaling your app without entirely depending on paid advertisements.

 

1. Leveraging mobile OEM advertising for seamless discovery

The conversion rate (CR) for installing OEM sources can range from 10% to 40%; in some cases, it can reach up to 85%. Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) advertising can effectively drive organic installs by working closely with device manufacturers like Samsung, Xiaomi, or Oppo. By working together directly, Dynamic Preloads—where apps are presented and installed upon user consent during device setup—may make your app easily discoverable by end users without necessary active searching. This strategy is on the list because it is not regular paid advertising.

Mobile OEM advertising can accelerate organic growth as more users discover your app during device setup. Exposure in this context often drives installs among potential new customers who would have otherwise never found your app through traditional search methods, providing a steady source of organic traffic to your app.

Dynamic Preloads allow users to install selected apps during the device setup process. Users can choose which apps to download, but the app choices are limited to those who have subscribed to the Dynamic Preload program.

Pro-tip: OEM advertising allows your app to target regions or markets with a solid competitive edge or demand, potentially providing the most significant ROI for OEM marketing spend.

 

2. Tap into influencer marketing for broader reach

More than 70% of marketers consider influencer marketing effective for increasing brand awareness. Engaging influencers within your industry can organically bring your app to a wider audience. Influencers tend to enjoy highly engaged followers who trust them as sources for advice or installs from those resonating with what the influencer shares about using your product. This is one organic growth strategy that should be on your marketing mix. 

When selecting influencers for your brand and target audience, ensure their values align closely. Micro-influencers with smaller yet engaged followers could prove just as effective at driving installs. 

Pro-tip: Launch a limited-time campaign led by influencers, offering special promo codes or trial periods to new users who install your app through them.

 

3. Produce engaging content to establish trust

90% percent of organizations incorporate content into their marketing strategies. Additionally, content marketing is 62% more cost-effective than traditional marketing methods, and leads generated through content are six times more likely to convert into customers.

Content marketing can be an inexpensive yet highly efficient strategy for increasing brand recognition and organic installs for any app. Blog posts, videos, tutorials, or social media posts that educate or entertain prospective users can build an engaged following for your app, establishing it as an authoritative resource within its target market. It is undoubtedly the best organic growth strategy out there. 

Pro tip: Incorporate call-to-action links or QR codes leading directly to your app into each piece of content to make downloading simpler for users who engage with it.

 

4. Focus on retention to drive long-term growth

A 5% increase in customer retention is less expensive than acquiring new customers. It is easy to overlook retention when you are more focused and in favor of acquisition; however, it plays an essential part in long-term growth. A high retention rate improves app visibility and credibility within app stores, resulting in organic installs. When users engage frequently with your app, it signals to app stores that it's valuable, leading to higher rankings within those stores.

Focus on crafting an enjoyable user experience that meets users' needs and preferences. 

Provide personalized content, offer timely notifications, and consistently update your app with new features that draw people in. Engaged users are likely to recommend your app, further increasing organic growth.

An effective organic growth strategy focuses on retention by enhancing user experience, personalizing content, and encouraging engagement to drive sustained app installs and user recommendations.

Pro Tip: Leverage push notifications or email campaigns to reengage inactive users by offering incentives or reminders to bring them back into your app.

 

5. Engage with online communities and forums

76% of internet users engage in online communities. One study found that people are involved in online communities, such as blogs, forums, and vlogs, across various devices.

Engaging with communities where your target audience regularly meets online, such as Reddit, Quora, or other niche-specific forums, is an effective way of organically introducing your app to users. Actively contribute by sharing helpful information or answering user inquiries as appropriate while suggesting your product only when necessary without overtly promoting! Assign yourself the task of becoming an invaluable resource rather than pushing your marketing copy.

Participating in language-learning groups, for example, may help your app reach users looking for similar tools like yours and generate organic installs over time. By being actively present within these communities and making yourself known to their members, your presence could gradually build interest before leading to eventual installs.

Pro tip: Look out for high-traffic threads and conversations related to your app category, then provide meaningful contributions that connect back to it as solutions.

 

Conclusion

While traditional paid ads may deliver immediate results, organic growth strategies provide long-term stability for any app. By investing in ASO services, OEM partnerships, referral programs, content marketing, retention programs, and retention methods, your app can stand out in an overcrowded market without depending solely on paid acquisition channels. Investing in these tactics will cultivate loyal user bases while setting yourself up for future expansion.

Are you ready to expand beyond paid ads with your app? AVOW offers impactful OEM advertising strategies and effective solutions that drive organic growth.

Get the Organic Uplift With Dynamic Preloads Guide now!


5 Organic App Growth Strategies Every Marketer Should Know

5 Strategies to boost organic uplift for your mobile app

Organic App Growth

According to a study by Gartner, the commercial success rate of mobile apps in 2018 was a mere 0.01 percent, meaning only one in every 10,000 apps achieved success. In the highly competitive app ecosystem, achieving high organic uplift—the rate at which organic installs increase due to paid marketing efforts—can amplify the impact of your campaigns and reduce overall acquisition costs. Organic app growth is critical for long-term app success, as it attracts users who discover your app naturally, leading to sustainable growth.

Here are five effective strategies for maximizing organic app growth and enhancing your marketing efforts' overall return on investment (ROI).

 

1. Leverage mobile OEM advertising and Dynamic Preloads

Based on shipment figures, the most popular smartphone brands are the Apple iPhone, Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo. Samsung has a significant 19.2% market share.

Mobile Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) advertising is a powerful strategy for increasing visibility. By directly partnering with device manufacturers, you can give your app a prime spot on users' devices.

Through Dynamic Preloads, your app can be installed on new devices in specific markets or demographics. Unlike traditional preloads, which are static, Dynamic Preloads allow OEMs to install your app when users first activate their devices, often based on their geography and device type, enhancing relevancy and appeal.

This approach also provides native ad placements, such as recommendations in pre-installed app folders or system notifications. By appearing on users' devices in trusted placements, your app has a higher chance of being noticed and used, leading to natural discovery and boosting organic installs.

OEM advertising and Dynamic Preloads create a seamless path for users to engage with your app. This results in higher engagement rates and significantly enhances organic app growth by encouraging organic discovery and increasing visibility within the mobile device ecosystem.

 

2. Encourage word-of-mouth and referrals

Did you know that a staggering 92% of consumers trust recommendations from friends and family more than any other type of advertising?

A key source of organic app growth often comes from word-of-mouth recommendations, where users share your app with friends and family. While it's challenging to quantify or directly measure, boosting referrals can lead to a significant organic uplift. An in-app referral program incentivizes users to invite others by offering rewards like discounts, credits, or exclusive content.

Beyond referral programs, engaging and memorable content and a solid social media presence can help spark word-of-mouth. User-generated content, like testimonials or reviews, can encourage current users to share their experiences with others. Building a community around your app's values and benefits makes loyal users more likely to recommend it.

 

3. Leverage social proof and user-generated content

A significant 88% of both Gen Z and Millennial consumers turn to social media as a critical resource for researching products they are considering purchasing.

Social proof—such as favorable reviews, testimonials, and case studies—validates your app's value and encourages potential users to try it. When users see high ratings, compelling testimonials, or engaging content created by others, they feel a sense of trust and credibility.

Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are especially effective for sharing user-generated content (UGC). They provide a visual experience and an opportunity for users to engage with real-life stories about your app.

UGC campaigns are compelling for apps with visually appealing or interactive features, such as travel, photography, or shopping apps. Creating challenges, contests, or brand hashtags prompts users to share their app experiences. It increases your brand's exposure and attracts users who may install your app based on genuine experiences shared by others.

 

4. Optimize app store presence with ASO

Up to 82% of users find apps by either exploring app stores or following app recommendations offered by the app stores. App Store Optimization (ASO) is foundational in increasing organic visibility, making it a critical driver of organic uplift.

By refining elements like app titles, keywords, descriptions, and visuals (icons, screenshots, videos), your app becomes more appealing and discoverable to potential users in both search and browse categories.

In particular, consider using relevant, high-traffic keywords that align with what users are searching for in your category. Regularly update your app's metadata and visuals to reflect seasonal trends, new features, or user preferences. Optimizing for keywords also helps your app rank higher, making it easier for users to find and install it without paid promotions. 

Remember that organic app growth also benefits from high user ratings and positive reviews, improving your app's ranking and credibility.

 

5. Focus on retention and in-app engagement

Boosting customer loyalty by just 5% can lead to a remarkable profit increase of as much as 85%.

Organic uplift doesn't end at installs. Retention and engagement play a significant role in driving continued visibility and encouraging user referrals. Users who find value in your app are more likely to continue using it, which helps maintain app ranking and attract new organic users.

Focus on providing a seamless user experience and offering valuable features that motivate users to return to your app regularly.

Consider implementing personalized notifications, exclusive content, or special offers that engage users. Regular updates that enhance the app's functionality or introduce new features also contribute to higher retention rates. The more satisfied and engaged your users are, the more likely they are to recommend your app to others, ultimately driving uplift organically.

 

Conclusion: Driving sustainable growth with organic uplift

Boosting organic uplift requires a blend of strategies, from ASO and referral programs to social proof and Mobile OEM advertising. By understanding the factors that drive organic installs, you can make data-informed decisions that enhance your app's visibility, reduce acquisition costs, and increase long-term ROI.

Maximize your app's reach and visibility by partnering with the mobile OEM user acquisition specialists AVOW for impactful Mobile advertising solutions—including Dynamic Preloads—to boost organic uplift and gain a competitive edge in the mobile market.

 

Download the organic uplift with Dynamic Preloads guide now!


Seize the Shopping Season: A Global Holiday and Event Calendar for Mobile Advertisers in 2025

Seize the Shopping Season: A Global Holiday and Event Calendar for Mobile Advertisers in 2025

Preparation is key. And there is no better time to begin preparing for the year ahead than right here and now. Maximize your e-commerce app's potential in 2025 by aligning your marketing strategies with key global holidays and events. By tapping into these cultural moments, you can drive user engagement, boost in-app purchases, and optimize your campaigns for different regions. Here’s a comprehensive guide to key dates across various markets. Plus, keep an eye out for some AVOW insights as we share relevant information about the holidays and consumer behaviors throughout the list.

 

January

 

Seize the Shopping Season: A Global Holiday and Event Calendar for Mobile Advertisers in 2025

 

1 January: New Year’s Day (Global)

Celebrate the start of the new year with special promotions, goal-setting products, and festive sales.

 

26 January: Australia Day (Australia)

Target Australian users with special promotions on patriotic-themed products and summer-related items, as Australia Day falls during the country’s summer season.

 

29 January: Lunar New Year (China, Vietnam, South Korea, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore)

2025 marks the Year of the Snake. Enhance user engagement with themed in-app experiences, festive sales, and culturally relevant content. This period is particularly significant in China and Vietnam, where users are looking for gifts, decorations, and new clothing. Consider launching regional campaigns that offer special discounts and festive items.

 

Seize the Shopping Season: A Global Holiday and Event Calendar for Mobile Advertisers in 2025

 

AVOW Insights:

 

February

 

Seize the Shopping Season: A Global Holiday and Event Calendar for Mobile Advertisers in 2025

 

9 Feb: Super Bowl 

Brands can create Super Bowl-themed promotions, offering special deals on products like snacks, beverages, team merchandise, and entertainment systems. Limited-edition products tied to the Super Bowl or team affiliations can also appeal to fans. With so much attention on the game, it's a prime time for brands to enhance sales and brand awareness.

 

14 February: Valentine’s Day (Global)

Valentine’s Day is celebrated worldwide, from the USA to India, Brazil, and beyond. Tailor your campaigns to offer personalized and romantic gifts, including digital items, virtual cards, or exclusive offers. In countries like the USA, the day is also celebrated with friends, pets, and self-care, so expand your offerings to cater to these groups.

 

Seize the Shopping Season: A Global Holiday and Event Calendar for Mobile Advertisers in 2025

 

AVOW Insights:

 

28 February: Start of Ramadan  (Middle East, North Africa, India, Turkey, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore)

Ramadan is a significant period for Muslims, involving fasting, prayer, and reflection. Apps in these regions can offer Ramadan-themed promotions, such as discounts on groceries, clothing, and travel. Consider special content that reflects the spiritual aspects of Ramadan, as well as iftar meal planning and gift ideas.

 

Seize the Shopping Season: A Global Holiday and Event Calendar for Mobile Advertisers in 2025

 

AVOW Insights:

 

March

 

Seize the Shopping Season: A Global Holiday and Event Calendar for Mobile Advertisers in 2025

 

March TBC:  Indian Premier League (IPL) Season Begins

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is one of the most popular cricket tournaments in India, if not the world, attracting millions of viewers each season. This high-energy cricket season presents a golden opportunity for e-commerce brands to engage with a broad audience. Brands can leverage the IPL’s popularity by launching IPL-themed promotions, offering discounts, and running special sales to capture the attention of cricket fans.

 

Seize the Shopping Season: A Global Holiday and Event Calendar for Mobile Advertisers in 2025

 

AVOW Insights:

  • E-commerce advertising took up over 30% of all TV advertising during the first five matches of the IPL last season.
  • The sale of IPL-related merchandise alone was expected to increase e-commerce revenues by 30% during the IPL season.
  • The increasing importance and popularity of the IPL and its relevance to many other industries cannot be understated. Digital advertising revenues rose tenfold from just US$36 million in 2018 to US$350 million in 2023.

 

6 March: World Book Day(UK, Ireland, Global)

Target the UK and Ireland with discounts on e-books, audiobooks, and literary merchandise. Consider global campaigns for regions where World Book Day is celebrated in April, such as Spain and Germany.

 

8 March: International Women’s Day(Global)

Celebrate women's achievements globally by promoting women-led brands, offering discounts, and featuring special collections. This day is particularly significant in countries like Russia, Brazil, and Germany, where it’s widely observed.

 

17 March: St. Patrick’s Day (Global, particularly USA and Ireland)

Celebrate with Irish-themed products, green-colored items, or special in-app events featuring virtual shamrocks or themed challenges. Partnering with Irish brands or highlighting Irish culture can boost engagement.

 

Seize the Shopping Season: A Global Holiday and Event Calendar for Mobile Advertisers in 2025

 

AVOW Insights:

 

30 March: Mother’s Day (UK, Ireland, Nigeria)

Launch Mother’s Day promotions, highlighting gifts and experiences tailored for moms. Use personalized product recommendations and gift guides to drive conversions. Given the regional differences in the dates Mother’s Day is celebrated worldwide, there is no one set day. May 11th seems to be the next common date when several countries, including the USA, celebrate this holiday.

 

April

 

Seize the Shopping Season: A Global Holiday and Event Calendar for Mobile Advertisers in 2025

 

18 and 20 April: Good Friday and Easter Sunday(Global, especially in USA, UK, Germany, France, Spain, Brazil, Australia, Philippines)

Easter-themed in-app games or egg hunts can drive user engagement. To boost user retention, offer limited-time discounts on relevant products and consider launching a special Easter event or campaign.

 

Seize the Shopping Season: A Global Holiday and Event Calendar for Mobile Advertisers in 2025

 

AVOW Insights:

 

May

 

Seize the Shopping Season: A Global Holiday and Event Calendar for Mobile Advertisers in 2025

 

1 May: Labour Day/International Workers’ Day (Global, especially in Germany, France, Russia, Brazil, Spain, China, Vietnam, Philippines, Turkey)

Celebrate the contribution of workers with special promotions on products that enhance work-life balance, such as wellness items, ergonomic office supplies, or educational apps.

 

Seize the Shopping Season: A Global Holiday and Event Calendar for Mobile Advertisers in 2025

 

AVOW Insights:

 

5 May: Children’s Day (Japan, South Korea)

Target families with promotions on toys, educational games, and children’s clothing. Consider creating a special event for parents and kids to participate in together.

 

19 May: Vesak Day (Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Sri Lanka)

Celebrate Buddha's birthday with themed content, offering products related to spirituality, wellness, and meditation.

 

26 May: Spring Bank Holiday (UK) & Memorial Day (US)

Target users in the UK and US with localized campaigns. In the UK, focus on summer-ready products; in the US, consider patriotic-themed promotions in honor of Memorial Day.

 

31 May: UEFA Champions League Final (Europe)

The UEFA Champions League final is one of the most anticipated football events globally, showcasing the best teams in Europe in a battle for glory. The final draws millions of viewers and provides a prime opportunity for brands to engage with a diverse audience. Engaging with fans through interactive content, giveaways, and exclusive merchandise can help brands capture the event’s buzz, driving sales and building brand loyalty among football enthusiasts.

 

June

 

Seize the Shopping Season: A Global Holiday and Event Calendar for Mobile Advertisers in 2025

 

1–30 June: Pride Month(Global)

Show your app’s support for LGBTQ+ communities by featuring Pride-themed content, products, and special offers. Collaborate with LGBTQ+ influencers and consider donating a portion of sales to relevant causes.

 

 

AVOW Insights:

 

15 June: Father’s Day (USA, UK, India, China, France, Philippines, Turkey, Brazil, Canada, Indonesia, South Africa)

Offer curated collections and personalized gift ideas tailored to fathers. Run Father’s Day contests or campaigns to increase user engagement and drive in-app purchases.

 

July

 

Seize the Shopping Season: A Global Holiday and Event Calendar for Mobile Advertisers in 2025

 

4 July: Independence Day (USA)

Target American users with patriotic-themed content, discounts, and promotions on summer products. Consider in-app events that celebrate American history and culture.

 

Seize the Shopping Season: A Global Holiday and Event Calendar for Mobile Advertisers in 2025

 

AVOW Insights:

 

July TBC: Amazon Prime Day (Global)

It may seem like an odd choice for some, but Amazon's annual Prime Day event—started in 2015 to mark the 20th anniversary of the e-commerce giant—is one of the largest e-commerce events in the world. The annual sale event has had a knock-on effect on e-commerce, with many other brands using the period to mark their own special sales events.

 

Seize the Shopping Season: A Global Holiday and Event Calendar for Mobile Advertisers in 2025

 

AVOW Insights:

  • The popularity of Prime Day has permanently altered the retail landscape, creating a previously unseen summer shopping event during the traditionally slower months for commerce in general.
  • This increased interest and spending during the Prime Day event has a knock-on effect on other e-commerce platforms. On the second day of Prime Day 2024 alone, consumers spent US$7 billion online shopping OUTSIDE of Amazon. 
  • Brands can and should take advantage of this opportunity, as it is one of the few shopping events where almost all sales are done exclusively online.

 

14 July: Bastille Day (France)

Celebrate French culture with promotions on French-themed products, including fashion, cuisine, and lifestyle items.

 

23 July: Start of School Summer Holidays (UK)

Promote educational and recreational products to parents looking to keep their children entertained. Offer summer-themed bundles or discounts to boost engagement.

 

August

 

Seize the Shopping Season: A Global Holiday and Event Calendar for Mobile Advertisers in 2025

 

15 August: Independence Day (India)

Celebrate India’s Independence Day with patriotic-themed promotions, highlighting products made in India or related to Indian culture.

 

Seize the Shopping Season: A Global Holiday and Event Calendar for Mobile Advertisers in 2025

 

AVOW Insights:

  • E-commerce platforms in India have seen YoY growth in the last couple of years. Last year, order numbers increased 23% compared to the same period the year before.
  • The e-commerce categories that have shown the most growth during this holiday are home decor (38.7%), beauty and personal care (26.8%), fashion and accessories (14.7%), and eyewear (18%). This indicates a growing trend and popularity for these item categories, potentially hinting at seasonality and trend changes at this same time each year.

 

17 August: Independence Day (Indonesia)

Target Indonesian users with special offers on local products, cultural items, and celebrations of national pride. It’s also important to note that August plays host to three different independence day celebrations for ASEAN countries. That of Singapore (9th August), Indonesia, and Malaysia (31st August). Promotions involving the entire month of celebrations with a nod to ASEAN history can potentially be powerful for a pan-Southeast Asian audience.

 

25 August: Summer Bank Holiday (UK)

Leverage the last bank holiday of the summer with clearance sales on seasonal items. Create a sense of urgency with limited-time offers to help shift any remaining summer stock.

 

September

 

Seize the Shopping Season: A Global Holiday and Event Calendar for Mobile Advertisers in 2025

 

Throughout September: East and Southeast Asian Heritage Month(USA, Canada)

Celebrate the heritage of East and Southeast Asian communities by highlighting products from these cultures. Host in-app events or promotions that educate and engage users.

 

September: Back to School Season (Global)

Help parents prepare for the new school year with back-to-school promotions. Offer bundles on stationery, electronics, and educational apps, and provide content that eases the stress of back-to-school shopping.

 

Seize the Shopping Season: A Global Holiday and Event Calendar for Mobile Advertisers in 2025

 

AVOW Insights:

  • Back-to-school spending is forecast to hit US$126 billion in the US this year. Of this, close to 35% will come from e-commerce.
  • In the UK, back-to-school spending the month before school starts hit nearly US$13 billion in 2023 for e-commerce alone.
  • According to a survey conducted in 2023, 68% of all UK shoppers cited online channels as the main influence for their back-to-school purchasing needs.

 

13 - 21 September: World Athletics Championships in Tokyo

E-commerce businesses can offer limited-edition products, collaborate with athletes or influencers for endorsements, and create event-themed promotions to drive engagement. Additionally, targeting specific audiences through digital ads and social media during the championship can increase visibility, while offering timely discounts on sports gear, health products, and related merchandise could boost sales.

 

October

 

Seize the Shopping Season: A Global Holiday and Event Calendar for Mobile Advertisers in 2025

 

1 October: National Day (China, Hong Kong)

China’s Golden Week is a prime shopping period. Offer special deals on travel, fashion, and tech products to Chinese users, taking advantage of the extended holiday period.

 

6 October: Mid-Autumn Festival (China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam)

Known in China as zhongqiuji and Vietnam as Tết Trung Thu, the Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the largest festivals not only in China but throughout East and Southeast Asia as well. The season is usually typified by consumer spending on mooncakes, lanterns, fireworks, and other festive items.

 

Seize the Shopping Season: A Global Holiday and Event Calendar for Mobile Advertisers in 2025

 

AVOW Insights:

  • Mooncakes are the most popular food item sold during the festival. They can range from a basic version costing several dollars to versions costing several hundred dollars. In Vietnam, the top five e-commerce platforms boast over 600 different mooncake vendors.
  • The global mooncake market is worth over US$2.4 billion. For context, the global mulled wine market, one of the most popular Christmas drinks worldwide, is worth US$1.5 billion.
  • The sectors that saw the most growth in daily average online sales last year in China were accommodation (133.7% increase), tourism (123.1% increase), entertainment (82.1% increase) and catering (19.7% increase)

 

12 October: Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples' Day (USA)

Offer deals on cultural and educational content that honors indigenous history or explores the impact of Columbus.

 

20 October: Diwali(India, Global)

Engage users celebrating Diwali with vibrant in-app promotions, including discounts on festive décor, clothing, and gifts. Consider a special Diwali-themed event or game to drive engagement.

 

Seize the Shopping Season: A Global Holiday and Event Calendar for Mobile Advertisers in 2025

 

AVOW Insights:

  • It is estimated that over US$12 billion in e-commerce goods will be shipped to Indian consumers this festive season, a 23% increase from the previous year.
  • Q-commerce platforms in India are bracing for over US$ 1 billion in orders during this festive season. Q-commerce platforms are expected to contribute to 51% of all online grocery orders this festive season.
  • The item categories that have seen the most spending growth in India are Groceries (60%), Beauty (41%), Home (21%), Fashion (20%), Mobile (19%) and Electronics (13%)

 

31 October: Halloween (Global)

Halloween is widely celebrated around the world. Introduce Halloween-themed content, such as costume ideas, virtual parties, or special spooky discounts. Gamify the experience with Halloween challenges or scavenger hunts.

 

Seize the Shopping Season: A Global Holiday and Event Calendar for Mobile Advertisers in 2025

 

AVOW Insights:

 

November

 

Seize the Shopping Season: A Global Holiday and Event Calendar for Mobile Advertisers in 2025

 

2 November: Day of the Dead (Mexico, USA)

Celebrate this Mexican tradition by offering themed content, products, or virtual events that honor ancestors and loved ones.

 

11 November: Veterans Day (US)/ Singles’ Day (Asia, Global)

For Veterans Day, offer special discounts to veterans and military personnel. Singles’ Day, originating in China, is now a massive global shopping event. Promote self-care and indulgent products with flash sales or exclusive app-only deals.

 

Seize the Shopping Season: A Global Holiday and Event Calendar for Mobile Advertisers in 2025

 

AVOW Insights:

 

28 November: Black Friday (Global)

Black Friday is the biggest shopping day of the year. Prepare your app with optimized performance, exclusive deals, and targeted push notifications. Ensure your app is ready to handle increased traffic and transactions.

 

Seize the Shopping Season: A Global Holiday and Event Calendar for Mobile Advertisers in 2025

 

AVOW Insights:

 

December

 

Seize the Shopping Season: A Global Holiday and Event Calendar for Mobile Advertisers in 2025

 

1 December: Cyber Monday (Global)

Following Black Friday, Cyber Monday focuses on online deals. To capitalize on the shopping frenzy, highlight tech-related products and ensure your app offers seamless and quick transactions.

 

Seize the Shopping Season: A Global Holiday and Event Calendar for Mobile Advertisers in 2025

 

AVOW Insights:

  • American consumers spent US$12 billion online shopping during Cyber Monday last year, UK consumers spent US$2 billion on the same day, and Italian consumers spent a total of US$2.2 billion on e-commerce during Black Friday and Cyber Monday combined. 
  • Young shoppers in France between the ages of 18-34 spent twice as much as shoppers aged 65 and above
  • Fashion, electronics, and personal care were the most popular categories consumers shopped for globally

 

25 December: Christmas Day (Global)

Capture the festive spirit by offering Christmas-themed in-app experiences and last-minute gift ideas. Consider creating a digital advent calendar with daily deals leading up to Christmas.

 

Seize the Shopping Season: A Global Holiday and Event Calendar for Mobile Advertisers in 2025

 

AVOW Insights:

  • If you thought Singles Day and Black Friday were huge, then say hello to Christmas. Last year, global Christmas retail sales hit a staggering US$1.3 trillion. That is almost 10 times as much as Singles Day sales!
  • E-commerce accounts for 20% of all Christmas sales, or around US$260 billion.
  • Early shopping is increasingly becoming the trend for US consumers, with 40% of consumers starting their Christmas shopping in November.
  • Christmas isn’t just about giving gifts to others, but it’s also about buying gifts for themselves. A Deloitte study found that the top items people would buy for themselves during the Christmas holidays were food and liquor (42%), clothing (39%), shoes (28%) and books (22%).
  • 67% of consumers state that they plan to buy more through online shopping during Christmas, and 68% of consumers stated that they pay MORE attention to emails from companies during the holiday.

 

26 December: Boxing Day 

(UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa)

Boxing Day is all about post-Christmas sales. Promote clearance events and deep discounts to attract users looking for deals.

 

31 December: New Year's Eve (Global)

Encourage users to start the new year with fresh resolutions and goals. Offer products or subscriptions that align with common New Year’s resolutions, such as fitness plans, educational content, or hobby-related items.

 

It’s Time to Seize the 2025 Shopping Season

With our global holiday and event calendar on hand and our expertise in mobile OEM advertising and alternative app stores, now is the time to seize the 2025 shopping season for your e-commerce app. Start planning and locking in your key dates, and use our insights to tailor your next campaign to maximize its impact. Contact our A-Team today and get a head start on 2025!


The DMA

Feel the Heat: the DMA-Summer Continues

This article was originally published on LinkedIn. Robert Wildner, CEO of AVOW, highlights the EU's tough stance on the Digital Markets Act (DMA) affecting Meta, Apple, Google, and TikTok. He notes significant regulatory actions, including Meta’s “pay or consent” model scrutiny and Apple's concession on app store rules, while also addressing the DMA’s impact on AI deployment and technological progress.

First, some bad news. Summer is nearly halfway over. It must be time to hit the beach, right? Not if you’re in the app economy. As I reported last month, the EU has been flexing the muscles behind its Digital Markets Act (DMA), the policy it launched in March designed to put an end to the monopoly enjoyed by certain tech giants. From then on, Europe’s lawmakers said, companies such as Apple and Google had to let others get a piece of the pie. Unsurprisingly, things haven’t been straightforward. But few expected Europe to get as tough as it has.

July was a good example. From Meta facing the full weight of the DMA’s jurisdiction to Apple, Google, and TikTok struggling with the new reality for their activities in Europe, it’s been an important month for the legislation. Indeed, while I’ve previously documented critics who have suggested that the EU lacks the teeth to enforce its new law, what we’re seeing is the opposite. So let’s get into it.

The DMA

Photo by Rohit Tandon on Unsplash

 

1.The EU gets tough on Meta

Since I last updated this blog, the biggest story has been that, in a preliminary investigation, the EU found that Meta’s “pay or consent” user model breached the DMA. Last year, Instagram and Facebook, owned by Meta, told users that, in order to continue using these platforms they either had to agree to their data being tracked or else pay a subscription fee. According to the EU, this goes against its anti-steering laws. Now, Mark Zuckerburg’s company has until September 1st to comply or else potentially follow Apple in facing a penalty of up to 10 percent of its global profits.

It’s an unambiguous rejection of the unfair advantage that some of Silicon Valley’s biggest names have, until now, been accustomed to. What’s more, it demonstrates that the EU means business when it comes to compliance: a win-win for both anti-monopoly campaigners and data privacy activists alike. Naysayers should therefore take note. The DMA really isn’t just another empty piece of “Eureaucratic” lore.

 

The DMA

Photo by Daria Nepriakhina 🇺🇦 on Unsplash

 

2. Apple, Google, and TikTok grapple with the DMA

As mentioned, however, it wasn’t just Meta that felt the heat in July. Apple, Google, and TikTok were under pressure too. In terms of the iPhone manufacturer’s monumental fight to prevent the mobile game Fortnite from returning to its App Store (after kicking it off for having the temerity to include in-app purchases…), this saga appears to be over. Following threats from the game’s developer, Epic, to escalate this case to the EU, it now looks certain that the title will be available on iOS soon. In addition, Apple also finally rolled over in its attempt to block third parties using its Apple Pay technology. Whoever said miracles are impossible?

Next up: Google. As regular readers know, the search engine behemoth has dropped off the DMA-map these last few months, appearing to have meekly complied with the EU’s demands. Well, that doesn’t appear to be the full picture. As Forbes exclusively reported last month, Google has allegedly been scraping data from users. According to the news platform, Google has been using Chrome to collect device and performance data—a possible breach of DMA rules. Simultaneously, the European Commission is also looking into whether Google’s AI deal with Samsung prevents other companies’ chatbots from appearing on Samsung smartphones—another potential DMA no-no.

And then there’s TikTok. Recently it tried to wiggle out of its designation as a DMA-gatekeeper by appealing this status, but last month the EU rejected its plea. Along with Apple, Google, Meta, Microsoft, and others, it will now have to obey the EU’s anti-steering standards. In all, it’s another resolute decision. But can Europe keep this level of enforcement up? Time will tell, but right now things are positive.

 

The DMA

Photo by Thom Holmes on Unsplash

 

3. Ghost in the machine: the EU locks horns with AI

Finally, the major DMA-related story in July relates to artificial intelligence. As I wrote in my last update, Apple is withholding its new AI-powered iPhone tech over regulatory concerns about the DMA. Well, now Meta is following suit, withholding its generative AI tools in the EU until further notice too. Given that both companies are also facing compliance investigations, certain outlets are speculating that there may be a link between these two things. Is there really a pattern?

Whatever the case, some industry professionals might be getting the impression that the DMA is blocking technological progress, which is never a good thing. On the other hand, many leaders also believe that the slow deployment of consumer AI in Europe isn’t necessarily bad. Recently, the UK, the US, and the EU issued a joint statement on generative AI, urging caution before allowing tech companies to unleash it on the market. Moreover, France has also suggested that AI-powered platforms might need to be policed under the DMA too. So who’s right?

For me, Sarah Wilson at BuzzHint strikes a good balance. In her recent article, she argues that while AI is good for marketing—and therefore good for economic growth—it’s also a double-edged sword, “where there is a risk of entrenching the market power of platforms that can effectively exploit certain technologies.” The solution? A careful balance, and one that, in my opinion, is immensely achievable via the DMA, which can act as an effective arbiter of what’s acceptable in the Bloc.

And once again, that’s it for another edition. I look forward to greeting you again in September.

—Robert.

 

This article was originally published on LinkedIn.


Get your shopping app ready for shopping season q3 and q4

From Black Friday to Diwali: Mobile OEM Advertising Tips for Every Market

The shopping season usually reaches its peak in Q3 and Q4 of the year. In India, major festivals like Diwali drive sales. Meanwhile, in the USA, significant activity can be found around Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Christmas. Europe, China, and other nations experience similar spikes during their local holidays or end-of-year celebrations. We'll discuss the different worldwide shopping seasons that occur around the last half of the year and how marketers and app developers can plan to get ahead in the race.

Stats to muse on!

Let’s first examine the stats to understand the opportunity for e-commerce or shopping app developers in general.

Get your shopping app ready for shopping season q3 and q4

Top Shopping Seasons Q3 and Q4

 

10.10 Sale (South East Asia)- 10th October 2024

What is 10.10? The 10.10 sale is an annual mega-shopping event held on 10th October in Southeast Asia. Many online stores offer incredible offers, discounts, and promotions on products ranging from electronics and fashion accessories to home decor goods that attract shoppers worldwide. 

 

Dussehra (India) - 12th October 2024

Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami in India, is an important Hindu festival commemorating the triumph of good over evil. It marks the conclusion of Navratri and leads into Diwali celebrations. During Dussehra, consumers engage in extensive shopping for clothes, gifts, and home decor. Online stores like Flipkart and Amazon provide discounts and special promotions to entice consumers. Sales of fashion products, such as electronics or household items, tend to increase during this team.

 

Diwali (India) -29th October 2024 to 3rd November 2024

Diwali, India's Hindu festival of lights, marks a massive shopping spree among consumers and retailers alike. People buy clothing, electronics, and home decor at significant discounts from stores offering promotions, making Diwali one of the peak shopping seasons across various categories.

 

Singles Day (China) 11th November 2024

Singles Day, held annually on November 11, is an online shopping event hosted in China to commemorate singles. Though initially focused on single people only, today, it offers deep discounts across a wide variety of products for one massive shopping spree!

 

Thanksgiving Day (U.S.A) - 28th November 2024

Thanksgiving marks the official kick-off to the holiday shopping season in America, and it is typically marked by family gatherings and sales on Black Friday.

 

Get your shopping app ready for shopping season q3 and q4

 

Black Friday (U.S.A) - 29th November 2024

Held the day after Thanksgiving in the U.S., Black Friday has become one of the premier shopping events. Online stores offer significant discounts on electronics, clothing, and more at large stores nationwide and online, drawing millions of shoppers both locally and online.

 

Cyber Monday (U.S.A) - 2nd December 2024

Cyber Monday follows Black Friday by emphasizing online sales. Online stores provide exclusive offers that make this day one of the most prominent e-commerce days, with discounts on tech gadgets, fashion apparel, and much more.

 

Christmas Season (Worldwide) - 25th December 2024

From late November through December, consumers and online stores worldwide come out in force for the Christmas shopping season. Consumers buy presents, decorations, and festive foods to mark this joyous occasion. Online shopping apps capitalize by running holiday sales, as campaigns run during this time tend to bring substantial revenue during this peak buying period.

 

Mobile OEM Advertising tips to help you win this shopping season 

Here are seven effective strategies for using mobile OEM advertising across diverse markets and shopping seasons.

1. Plan early

The key to creating a successful mobile OEM advertising campaign lies in careful and early preparation. Start organizing early by strategizing, designing creative assets, and securing prime advertising slots on mobile devices. This way, your campaign is well-planned, cohesive, and ready for launch at the right moment. Plus, you have time to address potential problems early on and fine-tune your approach based on preliminary data analysis.

 

2. Tactfully target specific markets

Customization is the key when targeting different markets. Each region has unique cultural nuances, shopping behaviors, and preferences. For example, Diwali in India is marked by festive shopping for clothes, electronics, and home decor, while Black Friday in the U.S. focuses on significant discounts across various product categories, consumer electronics being particularly popular 

By tailoring your mobile OEM ads to resonate with local audiences, you can boost engagement and conversions. Customize mobile OEM ads to reflect these themes for maximum impactful engagement! Understanding the unique aspects of each market helps in creating ads that have increased relevancy.

 

3. Leverage data for personalization

Personalizing ads can significantly boost their effectiveness. By tapping into data-driven insights to tailor ads based on user behavior, preferences, and device usage patterns, personalized ads will likely garner more attention and drive conversions. For example, targeting electronics buyers during peak shopping seasons with advertisements for the latest gadgets may bring huge success. Utilize machine learning algorithms for data analysis to deliver highly tailored ads to each of your target users.

 

Get your shopping app ready for shopping season q3 and q4Photo by Firmbee.com on Unsplash

 

4. Optimize ad formats

Selecting an engaging ad format is critical to driving maximum engagement from mobile OEM ads. Pre-installed apps, native ads, and push notifications are the three primary ad types available on smartphones and other mobile devices. Each form integrates seamlessly with the user experience. Pre-installed apps provide constant exposure, while native ads blend naturally into the device user experience. Push notifications can prompt action without disrupting user experience.

 

5. Real-time analytics

Real-time analytics are integral for optimizing mobile OEM advertising campaigns, so make sure to track the performance of your campaigns closely and be ready to adjust as needed. Using real-time data, you can quickly assess metrics like click-through rates, engagement levels, and conversion rates. This way, if the ad underperforms, you can quickly make adjustments to improve its content, placement, or targeting parameters to maintain its efficacy throughout the shopping season.

 

Get your shopping app ready for shopping season q3 and q4

 

6. Test and iterate

Testing is critical when optimizing mobile OEM ads. Use the A/B test method to examine different ad creatives, messages, and formats to determine what resonates best with your audience. For instance, testing different visual ads during Black Friday sales will reveal which one is getting more engagement. You can base this on the real-time data. Continue to make changes to the campaigns to get optimal results. This iterative process helps you identify the most effective strategies and maximize your ROI during the shopping season.

 

Conclusion 

By following these tips, mobile OEM advertising can help you to effectively reach your target customers during peak shopping season in various markets. From early planning and market-specific targeting to real-time adjustments and strategic bidding strategies, these recommendations ensure your ads have maximum impact and deliver optimal results. Harness mobile OEM ads to strengthen marketing initiatives and boost sales during the busiest seasons.

 

Ready to Skyrocket Your Sales? Start Your Mobile OEM Advertising Journey with Us Today!


Top 5 Mobile OEM Ad Formats to Boost Your Campaigns

Top 5 Mobile OEM Ad Formats to Boost Your Campaigns

Organic App Growth

 

There is an undue advantage to companies that use Mobile Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) advertising. But why should businesses rely on Mobile OEM ad formats to get ahead in the race?

To better understand this, we need to know what's happening in the backdrop. Mobile advertising spending is estimated to have reached $327.1 billion in 2022 and is now projected to rise to nearly $399.6 billion by the end of 2024. That would approximately be a 22.16% increase in the total mobile ad spend.

It is crucial to understand that with each passing year, the competition among the brands is only becoming fiercer, making it harder for them to reach their customers effectively. In today's mobile-centric world, smartphones have emerged as vital touchpoints for audiences. They provide brands with a dependable and influential platform for interaction. Mobile OEM advertising helps brands to reach their desired target audience efficiently.

 

What is Mobile OEM?

OEM is the acronym for Original Equipment Manufacturer. In the world of mobile apps, OEMs are platforms for advertising developed by device manufacturers, retailers, and mobile carriers. OEM advertising, in essence, refers to on-device display advertising where the user is presented with an installed app for their phone or receives an on-device suggestion for an app. 

Here is a quick list of five of the top Mobile OEM ad formats that marketers leverage to boost their return on investments. 

Top 5 Mobile OEM Ad Formats to Boost Your Campaigns

Photo by Paul Hanaoka on Unsplash

Pre-installed Apps

Pre-installed apps are pre-loaded apps installed on new mobile devices by their original equipment manufacturer (OEM). They provide brands with immediate visibility and engagement as users explore their devices for the first time. Install rates tend to be high because these pre-loaded applications cannot easily be ignored or deleted by users. For marketers, this ad format provides both reach and engagement at the same time. This ad form can be a powerful addition to mobile advertising arsenals.

 

Push notifications

Push notifications are direct messages sent to the user's devices. They typically appear either on the home page or the notification center. Since they have an immediate and eye-catching nature, they are highly effective in engaging users and holding user attention. Push notifications provide timely updates, promotions, reminders, or important news directly into users' inboxes.

This advertising format prompts immediate action by the users, or at times, they can also compel them to act fast when needed. The personalized nature and ability to reach users at any time make push notifications an indispensable tool in increasing retention and engagement, as they can also be tailored according to individual users' preferences for enhanced relevance and effectiveness!

Top 5 Mobile OEM Ad Formats to Boost Your Campaigns

Photo by bruce mars on Unsplash

In-app Advertising

In-app advertising refers to placing advertisements within third-party apps in order to reach an intended target audience. This form of ad can include banners, video ads, or interactive ad formats that appear during app usage. It can range from banners and video ads to interactive ones that occur during usage. As a result, in-app ads are highly engaging.

In contrast, they are often more effective than mobile web ads due to being integrated seamlessly into user experiences within apps. Since users spend a significant amount of time within apps, this ad format offers brands ample time to capture attention. Their targeting capabilities also allow precise targeting based on information such as user data usage patterns or preferences. In a nutshell, in-app advertising can significantly boost your conversion rates!

 

Splash Screens

Splash screens are full-screen ads displayed when an app is opened. This ad format offers maximum impact and guaranteed visibility. Typically visible only briefly while loading content, splash screen ads offer high brand recall by being seen while the user waits.

They take advantage of users being focused on the screen when the message suddenly appears. Splash screen ads are, therefore, a powerful tool for marketers who want to run high-profile campaigns, product launches, or events where companies desire their messages to be seen immediately by users. On top of it, these ads can engage them visually with graphics, animations, or videos designed specifically to drive user interest or engagement right from the beginning.

 

Top 5 Mobile OEM Ad Formats to Boost Your Campaigns

Photo by Sara Kurfeß on Unsplash

Native Ads

Native ads are seamlessly integrated into an app's content, designed to match its visual style. This non-intrusive format offers users a pleasant user experience while advertising branded messages. Native ads may appear as sponsored articles, in-feed ads, or recommended content and seamlessly blend in with its interface.

They have greater user acceptance than other traditional ad formats. Native ads' subtlety and relevance often yield higher user engagement compared to their counterparts. With this Mobile OEM ad format, advertisers have the power to deliver captivating advertisements that resonate with user interests, thereby improving brand interactions and resulting in conversion opportunities, making native ads an invaluable option for marketers!

 

In conclusion

Marketers aiming to differentiate themselves from the competition are increasingly turning to Mobile OEM ad formats, known for delivering exceptional results. By embracing these innovative advertising approaches, they are able to elevate their visibility and engagement significantly. This strategy has become a keystone for those seeking to capture the attention of audiences in a crowded digital landscape.

Want to learn more about various Mobile OEM advertising formats in detail? Download our comprehensive guide about Mobile OEM ad formats now!