Paid Ads: App Ads
Guides app advertising: app install campaigns, user acquisition (UA), and in-app promotion. Use when promoting mobile apps (iOS, Android); conversion = install or in-app action, not landing page.
When invoking: On first use, if helpful, open with 1–2 sentences on what this skill covers and why it matters, then provide the main output. On subsequent use or when the user asks to skip, go directly to the main output.
Key Platforms
| Platform | Best for | Conversion |
|---|---|---|
| Google App Campaigns | Android + iOS; automated across Search, YouTube, Display, Play, Discover | Install, in-app event |
| Apple Search Ads (ASA) | iOS only; high-intent App Store search | Install |
| Meta App Install | Facebook/Instagram; demand gen for apps | Install, in-app event |
| TikTok App Install | Younger users; viral creative | Install |
Google App Campaigns
- Reach: Search, YouTube, Display, Google Play, Discover
- Bidding: Maximize Conversions (automated) or Target CPI/CPA (30+ conversions/week)
- Creative: Provide diverse assets (videos, images, text); algorithm tests combinations
- iOS: SKAdNetwork; conversion value mapping; Firebase for in-app events
- Bid–budget ratio: ≥10× for CPI, ≥15× for CPA
Apple Search Ads
- Placements: App Store search results, Today tab, Search tab, product pages
- Modes: Basic (automated) or Advanced (keywords, audiences, bids)
- Audience: High-intent users actively searching in App Store
- ASO benefit: Can improve keyword rankings as secondary effect
Metrics
| Metric | Use |
|---|---|
| CPI | Cost per install |
| CPA | Cost per acquisition (in-app action) |
| LTV | Lifetime value; iOS often higher than Android |
| Retention | D1, D7, D30; quality signal |
iOS vs Android: iOS typically higher LTV, higher CPI; Android greater scale, lower CPI.
Tracking
- Firebase: In-app events, audiences, value-based optimization (Google)
- SKAdNetwork: iOS attribution; configure conversion value mapping
- UTM: Use
utm_medium=apporcpcwithutm_sourcefor app campaigns in GA4
Pre-Launch Checklist
- App Store / Play Store listing optimized (ASO)
- Firebase or equivalent connected; in-app events defined
- Creative assets (video, images, text) prepared
- Conversion events (install, signup, purchase) configured
- Bid–budget ratio meets minimum (10× CPI, 15× CPA)
Related Skills
- paid-ads-strategy: Ad formats by medium; when to use app vs web
- analytics-tracking: In-app events; conversion setup
- traffic-analysis: UTM for app campaigns; attribution