FTD Optimization: Conversion Rate vs Deposit Size

FTD Optimization: Conversion Rate vs Deposit Size

What it is: The choice in optimization tools and bid logic between maximizing the FTD count and maximizing average first-deposit amount.

Best for: RevShare affiliates, where lifetime value tracks deposit size, not just whether someone deposited.

Pros (optimize for rate):
— Clean, fast signal — you get many conversions to optimize on quickly
— Works on CPA where every FTD pays the same flat amount

Cons (optimize for rate):
— Bonus-hunters who deposit the $10 minimum inflate your rate and never trade
— On RevShare, a high count of tiny deposits can earn less than a few whales

Pros (optimize for size):
— Filters toward traders with real capital and trading intent
— Aligns with RevShare and hybrid deal economics

Cons (optimize for size):
— Slow signal — big deposits are rare, so optimization data is thin
— Easy to over-fit to a few outliers and kill volume

The nuance most miss: your deal type dictates the metric. CPA rewards rate, RevShare rewards size, and hybrid wants both — so segment your creatives by which deal they feed. Sending bonus-chasers to a RevShare offer is a slow leak.

Who should skip this: Flat-CPA-only affiliates — optimize rate and ignore deposit size entirely.

Verdict: Match the metric to the deal.