Q&A: The New Rules of Mobile App Monetization and Loyalty
As the app economy evolves, so does the definition of customer loyalty. With rising acquisition costs and user attention becoming harder to earn, brands and app developers are rethinking their mobile app monetization and retention strategies. One tactic gaining traction: rewarding users not just for purchases, but for actions that signal intent and build loyalty over time.
Q&A with Willis Nelson
We spoke with Willis Nelson, VP of Business Development at Fluent, to learn more about how brands are monetizing the user experience and driving long-term value through post-action engagement.
Read the full Q&A for expert insights into:
- How post-action mobile app monetization opens new revenue streams
- Why discounts aren’t the only path to loyalty
- Where to start if you’re rethinking your monetization strategy
Let’s start with the basics—what kinds of non-purchase user actions can brands monetize within the app experience?
From cashback apps to mobile games, intent-based actions—like uploading a receipt, submitting a sign-up form, or completing a level or challenge—offer new ways to create value. These moments demonstrate strong engagement without requiring a direct purchase. By tapping into them, brands can unlock new revenue streams in parts of the user journey that are often overlooked.
How does Fluent help brands tap into those moments to boost both revenue and engagement?
At Fluent, we specialize in post-action monetization—delivering offers that feel timely, relevant, and rewarding in those high-intent moments after a user takes a specific action. Our SDK is lightweight, easy to implement, and fully customizable, so ad placements integrate seamlessly into the app experience. We also help brands strengthen their loyalty programs by serving exclusive deals or offers that users can complete in exchange for loyalty points.
What types of post-action offers or rewards tend to resonate most with users?
Offers that feel exclusive or unexpected tend to perform best—like a cashback reward, exclusive discount, or free trial for a popular subscription service. Timing and relevance are key to creating experiences that surprise and delight users.
How do you ensure those experiences feel native and not disruptive inside the app?
That’s a big priority for us. We work closely with partners to identify moments where offers can complement the user experience rather than interrupt it. From there, we use our machine learning and proprietary identity graph—built on 200M+ first-party insights and enriched with Experian data—to personalize each experience based on the user’s behavior and interests. The result is something that feels less like an ad and more like a natural part of the user journey.
In what ways do these post-action offers actually help with long-term loyalty?
When users feel like they’re getting something valuable in return for their engagement—whether it’s loyalty points or an exclusive offer—they’re more likely to stick around.
“Post-action offers keep users engaged by creating a positive feedback loop. They reinforce the idea that the app is worth returning to, laying the foundation for future engagement and long-term loyalty.”
What’s your top advice for brands or publishers exploring post-action mobile app monetization for the first time?
Start with a partner that can adapt to your user experience—not the other way around. Look for flexibility, strong data signals, and a model that rewards both sides. When there’s value and trust in the partnership, everything else—revenue, engagement, loyalty—tends to follow.
Ready to turn everyday app engagement into lasting revenue and loyalty?
Let’s talk about how Fluent can help you unlock new value through seamless post-action monetization. Contact us today to get started!