This article emphasizes that accurate measurement is the cornerstone of successful retail media networks (RMNs). As RMNs attract a growing share of digital ad spend—projected at 22% by 2025—advertisers demand proof of ROI, with 68% ranking higher ROI as their top reason to increase budgets. However, 41% of advertisers feel RMNs lag in measurement capabilities due to inconsistent standards and walled gardens.
The article provides a comprehensive framework for RMN measurement, starting with essential capabilities: omnichannel coverage, deduplicated attribution, SKU-level precision, lift measurement, and timely, easy-to-access reports. It highlights the importance of flexible attribution logic to align with campaign-specific goals.
A critical insight is the need for user-level data, which ensures unbiased and deduplicated measurement, especially in offsite campaigns where walled gardens limit access. The article recommends using data collaboration platforms to bridge datasets from different parties (e.g., ad platforms and conversion sources).
Key actionable steps include: understanding your campaign use case (onsite vs. offsite, managed vs. self-service, conversion location), preparing engagement and conversion data with campaign mapping, and sharing insights with brand partners through simple, exportable dashboards. Best practices include setting clear expectations, leveraging SKU-level analysis, and offering third-party verification for engagement data.
The Wolt Ads case study demonstrates success: using AppsFlyer's Data Collaboration Platform, Wolt achieved a 32% revenue uplift, 4x ROAS, and improved penetration and category share. The article concludes that measurement builds trust, drives ad revenue, and ensures RMNs remain competitive by simplifying the brand experience.
App measurement is fundamentally different from web analytics due to data fragmentation across ad networks, devices, and apps. A Mobile Measurement Partner (MMP) like AppsFlyer bridges these gaps, enabling unified attribution, fraud protection, and LTV measurement. For eCommerce, granular event tracking, deep linking, and privacy-safe data collaboration are critical. Leaders should focus on metrics like IR, CPI, LTV, and ROAS, and adopt AI-driven optimization to overcome challenges like ad fraud and privacy changes. The future is Connected Commerce—integrating apps, web, retail media, and AI.
Banks lack unified attribution for owned channels (email, SMS, push), web, QR codes, and re-engagement, causing budget misallocation. Omnichannel attribution connects all touchpoints to deposits and loans, revealing that owned channels can be 2-3X more cost-efficient than paid ads. Cross-device journeys (e.g., mobile ad to desktop conversion) remain invisible in single-device attribution. Banking-grade compliance (SOC 2, ISO 27001) is maintained. Ad ops decision-makers can optimize budget allocation by comparing true cost per deposit/loan across channels.
Data collaboration platforms are consolidating under ad-centric owners, threatening measurement neutrality. Publicis bought LiveRamp, WPP acquired InfoSum, and LiveRamp absorbed Habu, leaving AppsFlyer as the only major independent player. Brands must vet partners for conflicts: does the platform or its parent benefit from ad spend? Without independence, budget allocation and ROAS calculations may reflect agency incentives over actual performance. Key questions: revenue from ads, cross-channel attribution consistency, data governance, and auditable methodology.
TikTok's full-funnel automation, integrating creative, media, and measurement, addresses fragmentation in AI tools. Brands using Smart+ and GMV Max see improved ROAS and CPA. Case studies show Naturium achieved 3.5x ROAS, PHLUR 191% higher ROAS, and Leatherman 97% revenue increase. Symphony and Content Suite enable scalable, authentic content. The key is pairing automation with strategic storytelling.
AppsFlyer MCP connects Claude directly to live attribution data, replacing manual reporting and CSV exports. Gaming teams catch budget anomalies overnight, finance teams compress multi-hour analysis into minutes, and e-commerce teams close the gap between measurement and spend decisions. Setup takes under 60 seconds, enabling real-time queries on channels, cohorts, and ROAS. The key insight is that AI-powered analysis requires live data connections, not stale exports.
Over 75% of banking app users drop off after first session due to friction. AppsFlyer's Deep Linking Suite preserves user intent by routing customers directly to relevant in-app experiences from any entry point: web, QR codes, SMS, email, or app. Deferred deep linking ensures non-app users reach the intended destination after installation. Deep linking improves day-30 retention by 110% with personalized onboarding. For ad ops, this reduces wasted ad spend by connecting campaigns to actual conversions like account funding.
Digital banks grow 50% annually by mastering behavioral segmentation, deep linking, and measurement infrastructure. Traditional banks can recover 15-25% of abandoned onboarding and boost conversion 30-40% using behavioral triggers. Deep linking improves conversion 3-5X by eliminating friction. Measurement infrastructure proves ROI, enabling evidence-based budget shifts. Most banks achieve positive ROI within 30-60 days when implementing these tactics together.
Adjust's 2026 predictions emphasize multi-platform measurement, AI-driven decision-ready insights, and linking optimization for growth. Key themes include aggregating signals for privacy-safe personalization, predictive analytics for long-term success, and evaluating paid and organic performance together. Regional highlights: Europe's gaming growth via monetization, China's AI-native entertainment, APAC's market divergence, Japan's demand for integrated measurement. Actionable takeaway: invest in unified analytics that connect mobile, web, and offline touchpoints to optimize user journeys and ROI.
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