What is CPA
CPA (Cost Per Action) is a pricing model in online advertising. The advertiser pays not for impressions or clicks, but for a specific user action. These actions may include registration, purchase, subscription, form submission, app installation, or any other valuable interaction.
Unlike CPC (Cost Per Click) or CPM (Cost Per Mille) models, CPA campaigns focus not on traffic volume, but on conversions. The advertiser defines in advance what counts as a conversion. They pay only when this action occurs. This makes action-based model one of the most effective and predictable ways to manage an advertising budget.
How to calculate cost per action
CPA = advertising spend ÷ number of target actions
For example, if an advertiser spends $500 and receives 100 registrations, the cost per registration is $5.
CPA in Telegram
Telegram advertisers often use the CPA model. It helps promote channels, bots, and services. Many ad platforms, including Telegram-specific ones, support the CPA model. Advertisers can choose it to focus on specific actions. For example, platforms like Telega.io, AdGram, and Clickadilla offer Telegram-focused ad placements with built-in CPA models for subscriptions and bot interactions.
Broader affiliate networks like PropellerAds and Adsterra also allow this. Advertisers can send traffic to Telegram using push, direct click, or in-page formats. These platforms don’t offer Telegram directly as a placement. But campaigns can still be optimized for CPA by tracking channel joins or bot submissions.
Examples of target actions:
- a user subscribes to a channel after clicking an ad;
- an app is installed via a Telegram bot;
- a form is filled out or an order is submitted through a chatbot after seeing an ad.
Why it works
- High spending transparency — you pay only for results
- Clear performance evaluation based on meaningful actions
- Reduced risk of wasting budget on non-converting traffic.
Tips for working
- It’s important to clearly define what counts as a valuable action for your business.
- All conversions should be carefully tracked and verified to avoid inaccurate reporting.
- CPA campaign success depends on the quality of landing pages. Content and user journey also play a key role. Tools for server-side tracking, link shorteners with UTM parameters, and proper funnel design help improve results and lower acquisition costs.
CPA is especially effective when the goal isn’t traffic volume, but meaningful results. In Telegram, this model helps advertisers promote products and services with a clear return on investment.
