Whether we’re talking about apps, e-commerce platforms, or branded content, monetization strategy can’t come at the cost of user experience. This was a core theme in Episode 3, and it resonates across the season.
There’s no universal answer – what works for a finance app won’t translate to gaming, and vice versa. But transparency, personalization, and value exchange are essential pillars. Free versions supported by ads, paid upgrades, or incentive models can all work – as long as users understand the deal and feel like they’re gaining more than they’re giving.
And increasingly, users are choosing how they want to pay – with attention, time, or money. Monetization models must reflect that. At the same time, poorly timed or overly frequent ad exposure can cause churn, even if the underlying offer is strong. The margin for error is shrinking.
That’s why the most effective monetization strategies aren’t “set and forget.” They’re designed with lifecycle engagement in mind – measuring not just acquisition, but retention, intent, and satisfaction.
A More Human Centred Future
What unites these themes is a shift away from short-term, numbers-driven thinking and toward a more holistic, user-centric model of advertising. Yes, automation is helping us scale. Yes, data is becoming richer (and also harder to get). But none of it matters if we lose sight of the fundamentals: creativity, strategy, and relevance. Those aren’t buzzwords – they’re what build sustainable brands.
Points of Growthis a place to keep these conversations going. In the remaining episodes of the season and into the next, we’ll dive deeper into regional trends, creative benchmarks, and what it takes to lead teams through an increasingly hybrid marketing landscape.
Because if we want to grow – not just as marketers, but as an industry – we have to ask better questions. And listen more closely to the answers.
Neha Dawar is the Business Development Manager at Yango Ads and host of the Points of Growth podcast. She works with brands and platforms across Southeast Asia and the Middle East to bridge strategic insights with scalable digital solutions.
Points of Growth is now available on
Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube.
For guest inquiries or collaborations,
Contact: nehad@yango-ads.com
