The most complete guide to Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3: what it is and how to choose the right GEO for your advertising + full country list

When launching ads on Facebook, TikTok, or Google, one of the first decisions is choosing the GEO. But not all countries perform equally: some have high CPM, others have cheap audiences but low conversion rates. That’s why marketers, affiliate marketers, and media buyers use an informal yet extremely useful classification system — Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3.

This article will help you understand:

• what each Tier means,
• which countries are in each segment,
• how the classification affects CPM, LTV, and fraud levels,
• which offers work best in each segment,
• and which creatives perform well for each Tier.

Especially useful for those launching ads via Meta Ads, working in affiliate marketing, buying traffic, or testing creatives across different markets.

Keep reading to learn how to choose the right Tier for your offer and budget.

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What is Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 in Marketing?

Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 are country (GEO) classifications based on user purchasing power, traffic cost, and audience quality. They are used in affiliate marketing, targeted advertising, SEO, and affiliate networks.

The Tier system is not official but has become an industry standard when selecting countries for ad campaigns, especially in Meta Ads, Google Ads, TikTok Ads, push traffic, and CPA networks.

Why is Tier Classification Important?

Classifying GEOs by Tiers is not just a theoretical concept. It directly impacts your campaign's performance, user acquisition costs, and expected ROI. Understanding the differences between Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 lets you adapt creatives, budgets, payment methods, and even the monetization model.

Key aspects affected by Tier:

Cost per Click (CPC) and Cost per Mille (CPM)

In Tier 1, CPM can reach $20–40 and higher — due to strong competition among brands and affiliate marketers.

In Tier 2, CPM is lower — around $3–10, making these countries attractive for scaling.

In Tier 3, CPM can start from $0.10–$1, but you must take into account traffic quality and associated risks.

📌 If your goal is to test a new creative, Tier 3 allows you to do it cheaply. But if the goal is to attract a paying audience (for example, for SaaS or subscription services), you can’t do without Tier 1.

User LTV (Lifetime Value)

In Tier 1, users bring more revenue over time: they purchase subscriptions, return, and upgrade their plans.

In Tier 2, the average LTV is moderate — suitable for one-time sales or low-cost products.

In Tier 3, cards are often unavailable, and purchasing power is minimal.

📌 The Tier directly impacts ROMI — Return on Marketing Investment.

Conversion Rate

In Tier 1, leads are of high quality, but users require more trust: a well-crafted landing page, a clear offer, and an understandable user journey.

In Tier 2, initial conversion rates may be higher because UX demands are lower.

In Tier 3, it’s often necessary to lower the entry barrier — using freebies, simple forms, and one-click subscriptions.

Advertising Competition

In Tier 1, it’s hard to win auctions — competition is fierce against big brands and agencies.

In Tier 2, you can get traffic at reasonable rates.

In Tier 3, auctions are cheap, but audience attention is highly scattered.

Moderation Policies

In Tier 1, moderation is strict: Meta, TikTok, and Google closely monitor compliance with local laws (especially in finance, health, and gambling niches).

In Tiers 2 and 3, there are fewer restrictions — allowing you to test a wider range of creatives.

In some Tier 3 countries, "gray" offers are allowed, which would get instantly blocked in Tier 1.

📌 Always check local regulations — what works in Tier 3 might not pass in the US or Germany.

Monetization and Payment Methods

• Tier 1: cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, subscriptions, installment payments.
• Tier 2: cards, sometimes cash-on-delivery.
• Tier 3: mobile payments, carrier billing, often only free offers.

Overview of Tier 1: Premium Countries with High Income

Tier 1 refers to countries with the highest purchasing power, a developed advertising infrastructure, and a demanding audience. It is the primary target for brands, SaaS services, large e-commerce projects, and premium products.

Launching ads in Tier 1 always means expensive traffic, high quality, and high expectations.

High Purchasing Power. Users are willing to pay for quality, subscriptions, and brands. LTV is significantly higher than in Tiers 2 and 3.

High CPM/CPC: CPM in Meta Ads often exceeds $15–40; clicks in Google Ads cost $1–5+.

High-Quality Traffic. Motivated audiences accustomed to online shopping with stored payment data.

Strict Moderation. Ads must comply with legal requirements (especially in sensitive verticals).

Ideal Tier for High-Margin Products. SaaS, EdTech, premium courses, DTC brands, and e-commerce products priced from $80 and up.

Expected User Behavior in Tier 1 

Users from Tier 1 are experienced and demanding. They expect high-quality UX, honest communication, and transparent terms.

They read texts carefully, check the details, and analyze offers. Headlines like "discount until the end of the day" don’t work — they trigger distrust.

UX is critical: if the landing page loads in more than 2–3 seconds or isn’t mobile-optimized, expect a high bounce rate.

Transparency is mandatory: prices, terms, and return policies must be clear and easily accessible.

In short: you don't lure a Tier 1 user — you convince them.

How to Convince a Tier 1 User

Act like an expert, not a salesperson. Tier 1 audiences are tired of "hard selling." Therefore:

• Speak from the user's perspective: show real experiences, testimonials, screenshots, and demos.
• Don't push — explain. For example: ❌ "This product will change your life!" ✅ "Here's how it saves 4 hours a week — just like it did for Jason from Austin."

Social proof is gold:

• Video testimonials (UGC or "real user" simulations)
• Screenshots with results and metrics
• Numbers like "Over 5,000 users already joined"
• Media mentions, certifications, partner logos
• Experts: doctors, lawyers, celebrities, realtors, etc.

Honesty and transparency instead of manipulation.Show the real price, without hidden fees.Clearly explain refund policies and trial periods.Avoid using "free" if it’s a subscription — be honest: "14 days of free access, then $19/month."

Explain WHY it benefits them.This is value-based selling: show the problem your product solves, and how much time, money, or effort it saves. Support it with facts:"Instead of three SaaS tools — one. Instead of 7 clicks — 2."

Style + UX = part of the conversion. A simple, easy-to-read landing page. Brand elements (favicon, logo, support contact). Fast loading speed, mobile optimization. Clear text without jargon or clichés.

Strong call-to-action without pressure:"Try the demo," "Free test," "Sign up — no card required."

Don't forget about retargeting.Decision-making in Tier 1 is rarely immediate. A typical journey:

• User visits → browses → leaves
• Sees retargeting ad → remembers → returns
• Reads a case study or review → converts

📌 Your retargeting creative should be different. Don't just duplicate the original ad — present a new angle.Users want to feel they are making the decision themselves — your goal is to guide them, not push them.

Which Offers Work Best in Tier 1?

Tier 1 is about high-ticket sales, logical arguments, and long-term value.Users are ready to pay — but only if they clearly understand what they’re paying for.

Successful offers for Tier 1:

• Clear product-market fit
• Professional tone of voice in creatives
• Well-structured sales funnels

SaaS и B2B-services

Tier 1 is the perfect niche for paid subscriptions, CRMs, AI products, and business automation.

Examples:

• CRMs for freelancers and agencies
• Productivity tools
• AI services: text generation, speech recognition, video analysis

Education, Courses, and EdTech

Tier 1 users actively invest in self-development. Online courses and certifications are especially popular in B2B, design, programming, AI, and business.

Examples:

• Courses on Figma, UX, Python, marketing automation
• Platforms like Coursera, Domestika, Skillshare
• Instructors with case studies like "300,000+ students, 95% positive reviews"

Health & Wellness

Tier 1 users are willing to pay for quality sleep, recovery solutions, and supplements — especially those backed by research.

Examples:

• Sleep trackers, routines, apps
• Premium supplements: nootropics, vitamins, immune support
• Mental health apps

FinTech и InsurTech

Tier 1 audiences demand security, value, and control over their finances.

Examples:

• Crypto wallets with multi-currency support
• Investment platforms with educational content
• Neobanks, cashback cards, online insurance

E-commerce & DTC brands

Tier 1 is the primary market for premium brands offering direct-to-consumer delivery, where success depends on proper positioning, high-quality packaging, flawless e-commerce UX, and honest advertising.

Examples:

• Cosmetics
• Gadgets: smart brushes, GPS trackers, skin scanners
• Ethical fashion and eco-products

Other Promising Niches in Tier 1:

• LegalTech (online consultations, contract templates)
• TravelTech (trip planning, insurance, rentals)
• PetCare (premium pet products, DNA testing)
• HomeTech / SmartTech (security systems, smart lighting, home automation)

📌 Tier 1 = premium audience, but that doesn’t mean "gray" or "black hat" verticals can't work here.

Betting, gambling, dating, VPNs, and antivirus offers can still succeed in Tier 1 — but require different approaches.

Betting (Sports Betting)

What works in Tier 1:

• White-label licensed brands (e.g., FanDuel, DraftKings in the US)
• Betting through mobile apps (promotions linking to App Store/Google Play)
• Retargeting sports fans during major events (NFL, NBA, UFC)

What doesn't work:Direct promotion of unlicensed casinos or bookmakers and "Place a bet and win $500 right now" — an instant ban in Meta.

How to approach it:

• Focus on analytics, not gambling: "How to predict NFL results better than the bookmaker"
• Avoid mentioning winnings or money — frame it as "entertainment"
• Retarget users of apps like SofaScore, Bleacher Report

Gambling (Casinos, Slots, Poker)

What works:

• Sweepstakes model (prize pools for participation)
• Blockchain casinos where registration does not require verification
• Partnerships with approved offers in the US or UK (e.g., lotteries)

What gets blocked: any unlicensed casino promotions in Tier 1, mentioning real money, jackpots, or "guaranteed" winnings.

How to adapt:

• VPN-based presentation: "How to access entertainment not available in your country"
• Narrative approach: "Here’s how I unwind after work" (UGC-style videos)
• Content funnel: blog post → opt-in → in-funnel promotion

Dating

What performs well:

• DTC dating platforms: Bumble, Hinge, Match
• Niche platforms: for 40+, for specific religions/orientations
• Promo landers like "Quiz: Which dating platform suits you best?"

What gets blocked: anything that looks like adult/sex services.

How to do it right:

• Position as a path to serious relationships
• Frame it with psychology/research ("80% of users found a partner within 3 weeks")
• Use quizzes on the landing page for pre-qualification

VPN, Antivirus, Adblock

This is one of the top "gray-white" verticals for Tier 1 because users care about privacy, often use public Wi-Fi, and want protection from tracking, ads, and cookies.

How to promote:

• Focus on personal data protection
• "How to bypass restrictions while traveling" (especially appealing to Americans)
• Compare different services (in the form of a review or checklist)

What Kind of Creatives Work in Tier 1?

Tier 1 is the territory of well-thought-out, natural, and logically constructed creatives.

Trashy or low-fi approaches do not work here. The audience expects substance, trust, and tangible value, delivered through a professional yet human tone.

UGC (user-generated content)

A classic for Tier 1.The style: "I tried it myself — here’s what happened." Videos where a regular person (or an actor convincingly playing a regular person) sincerely shares their experience are the top-performing format in many niches by ROI.

What it should include:

• Vertical format (Reels / TikTok-style)
• Real environments (kitchen, garage, bedroom, workspace — not a studio)
• Subtitles + a strong hook in the first 2 seconds

Product or Benefit Demonstration Videos

Tier 1 users buy what genuinely works.Show the product in action or the results of using it: before/after, comparisons, interactive demonstrations.

Effective formats:

• Screencasts (for SaaS, AI, applications)
• Before/After (for beauty, fitness, sleep tech)
• Split-screen comparisons ("with product / without product")

Personalized Messages

Users want to feel that they are being addressed personally, not treated as part of a mass audience. That’s why personalized hooks work so well:

• "If you’re a marketer/designer/mom/business owner — this is for you."
• "How much time are you losing every week? I used to lose 4 hours — now it's just 15 minutes."

Ads by persona — separate creatives tailored to specific audiences — perform especially well.

Native, Non-Pushy Approach

Tier 1 audiences immediately filter out anything that feels like "oh no, now they’re going to sell me something."Here, native positioning works best — presenting the ad as news, a personal recommendation, or a casual conversation:

• calm, natural tone
• natural gestures
• humor and light self-irony
• no "only today," "you won't believe," or "shocking results"

Reels-format (Meta first)

Meta loves Reels — especially in the US, Canada, and the UK. It’s the highest-priority format according to the algorithm:

• Up to 30 seconds
• 9:16 vertical format
• Bright captions (e.g., using Captions app)
• First-person videos
• Natural lighting, home-like atmosphere
• Emotional ending or a question at the end

Additional Tricks That Work in Tier 1:

• Storytelling: 5–7 seconds for setup → 1–2 lines of results → CTA
• Emotion + Metric: "I couldn’t sleep for 2 hours — now I fall asleep in 15 minutes."
• Honest Reviews: Showing pros and cons performs better than 100% positivity.
• Focus on Benefit, Not the Product: "This service saves me $200/month."

📌 The key rule for Tier 1: don’t sell — show. Give the user context, real benefits, and the freedom to decide — and they will click themselves.

When to Choose Tier 1

• You work in a B2B or SaaS vertical where quality and high LTV matter.
• Your offer is an info product or online service with card or subscription payments.
• You are ready to invest in a longer sales cycle because conversions here are more expensive but more predictable.
• You have strong creatives and a funnel that fits a demanding audience.

🌍 Overview of Tier 2: Countries with Moderate Competition and Good Scaling Potential

Tier 2 refers to countries with a medium income level, stable internet infrastructure, and a growing culture of online shopping.It’s the ideal choice for affiliate marketers who want to test offers without huge budgets or scale up from Tier 3 to a higher-quality audience.

Tier 2 strikes a balance between traffic cost, user quality, and competition levels, making it one of the most attractive segments for advertising.

Key Characteristics of Tier 2

Moderate Purchasing Power. Users are willing to spend but are more price-sensitive compared to Tier 1. LTV is moderate but can be high with the right angle and offer.

Average CPM/CPC. CPM in Meta Ads usually ranges from $3–10, and Google Ads clicks cost about $0.30–$1.50, allowing efficient hypothesis testing even with limited budgets.

Stable Traffic Quality. The audience is familiar with online services, frequently uses banking products, mobile apps, and shopping platforms. However, they require more obvious benefits and strong calls-to-action.

Lighter Moderation Rules. Compared to Tier 1, it's easier to pass moderation on Facebook, TikTok, or Google here, especially in "borderline" niches like finance, dating, and subscriptions.

Ideal Tier for Mass-Market or Flexible Products. Mobile apps, online courses, beauty gadgets, fitness services, inexpensive goods, financial products, dating — all of these perform well in Tier 2 thanks to reasonable CPMs and a broad audience.

How to Convince a Tier 2 User?

Tier 2 audiences are familiar with online products but are still sensitive to prices, promises, and discounts. Here, the balance between emotional triggers and rational explanations works best.They are willing to buy "just for fun" — but only if they feel the benefit and trust.

Appeal to Pragmatism + FOMO. A Tier 2 user doesn't want to miss out but also doesn’t trust blindly. Show the value clearly and concisely ("40% off until the end of the week," "1-month access for the price of a coffee"), without pushing too hard.

Use UGC effectively. But not polished New York-style content — it should feature people from their own town/country/social circle. The more local flair and authenticity, the better.

Provide clear proof. Instead of "We’re the best on the market," say "Trusted by 5,000 doctors across Europe."

UX and Trust Are Still Crucial. Tier 2 users know what subscriptions, ads, and "fine print" are. If your landing page looks like a cheap Shopify template — you’ve already lost.You must have: transparent pricing, a list of features and benefits, partner or brand logos you work with, and one-click support contacts.

CTA Should Be Simple and Preferably Offer Free Value. Users love to "try before they buy." Give them that:

• "Get free trial access"
• "Compare your results with the national average"
• "Take a quiz — and we'll match you with a plan”

Don’t Ignore Retargeting. Tier 2 also doesn't make decisions instantly. While Tier 1 might need 3–5 touchpoints, Tier 2 usually needs 2–3. In Retargeting, Use: social proof, discount reminders, or a case study from the user’s country.

📌 The key to Tier 2: Clarity, tangible benefits, and emotional closeness to the user. They’re not looking for a perfect brand — they just want to see that the product actually works and fits them personally.

Which Offers Work in Tier 2?

Tier 2 is all about flexibility, adapting to local specifics, and smart value presentation.

There’s less pressure on legal purity compared to Tier 1, but users still seek convenience, good pricing, and clear results. They are already experienced with online shopping but expect tangible benefits for their hryvnias, pesos, or zlotys.

SaaS, Mobile Apps, Utilities

Tier 2 is excellent for SaaS products with affordable plans, mobile utilities, and app subscriptions.Successful offers provide immediate value without complicated onboarding.

Examples:

• VPNs, antivirus apps, memory cleaners, virus scanners
• Budget-friendly CRMs, online editors, converters, PDF tools
• AI apps that "write your text/essay/post for you"

Education and Self-Development

Tier 2 users are eager to learn — especially if it helps them earn more.

Examples:

• Courses in design, video editing, freelancing, Instagram marketing
• Platforms like Prometheus, Domestika, Udemy with localized discounts
• Educational apps with tests and certifications

E-commerce and DTC Products

Everything that looks high-quality and is reasonably priced sells well: gadgets, accessories, beauty and self-care products, household solutions. Tier 2 loves buying "something cool and useful" — especially when the benefits are well explained.

Examples:

• Products under $50: lamps, backpacks, cosmetics, kitchen gadgets
• Massagers, body care products, beauty tech
• Items offering cash-on-delivery (COD)

Health & Wellness

Nutrition and health offers perform well under the "problem — solution" format, especially if the offer is localized.

Examples:

• Supplements, vitamins, products for sleep or joint health
• Detox programs, fitness apps
• Quizzes like "Which diet plan is right for you?"

FinTech, Payday loans, Mobile Wallets

There is high demand in Tier 2 for simple financial aid solutions or mobile banking — especially in unstable economies.

Examples:

• P2P lending platforms
• Simple payday loans
• E-wallets and multi-currency services

Gambling

In many Tier 2 countries, gambling is legal or lightly regulated.

What works: CPA casino offers with free spins, slots, poker, and live games — presented as "easy start without registration."

Betting

Tier 2 users are passionate about sports, especially soccer, basketball, and tennis.

What works: mobile-first betting apps, predictions + bonuses for the first bet.

Dating

Both mainstream dating apps and niche platforms perform well in Tier 2 — targeting adults, flirting, or regional dating.

What works: apps with simple UX, fast registration, and offers that don’t require immediate payment.

VPNs, Antivirus, Optimizers

Tier 2 is a great space for "gray-white" utilities, because users often:

• Use unlicensed software
• Need protection while working online
• Seek ways to bypass restrictions (TikTok, Telegram, streaming services)

📌 Tier 2 users are looking for value, not perfect brands. They just want everything to "work and be clear."

This gives you more freedom in creative choices and allows you to test unusual approaches and launch offers that might already be restricted in Tier 1.

What Kind of Creatives Work in Tier 2?

Tier 2 is the territory of balance between simplicity, value, and trust. Here, emotion, a "folk" tone of voice, and local triggers work best. Users aren't as oversaturated with ads as in Tier 1 yet, but they already know how to scroll past anything that feels too pushy or "too good to be true."

UGC: Still Works

Videos from ordinary people telling it like it is are still the #1 format — but they need to feel lively and imperfect.

How to present it:

• Simple background, everyday settings, emphasizing "I use this myself."
• Slight exaggeration of emotions is acceptable — "I didn't believe it, but..."
• "Unexpected" outcomes often work: "I bought this by accident — and didn’t expect it to be so good."

Demonstrating Value + unboxings

Tier 2 users want to see products "in real life" before buying, so these video formats perform well:

• Unboxing videos
• "Here’s how it works" demos
• Before/After comparisons or "My impressions after 7 days"
• Up to 60 seconds long
• Strong hook or visible benefit in the first 3 seconds ("Here’s what I got for $20")
• Vertical format, simple editing

Informal tone of voice

There’s no need to sound like a professor here. Talk like a friend: simple, emotional, sometimes with humor.

Promotions, freebies, giveaways

In Tier 2, the idea of "getting more for less" has a strong impact. Discounts, gifts with purchase, lead magnets, 2+1 or 3+1 promotions all work well. The key is to make the benefit tangible and concrete, not abstract.

Reels / TikTok Style: louder than in Tier 1

Tier 2 responds well to emotional creatives with TikTok-style energy: bright previews, a sharp hook in the first 2 seconds, sound effects, and large-font subtitles.

📌 The key to Tier 2:Closeness, realism, and perceived value. Advertising works not because it looks perfect, but because it feels familiar, accessible, and honest.

When to Choose Tier 2

Tier 2 is the optimal choice for those seeking a balance between affordable traffic costs and satisfactory lead quality. These countries are not yet oversaturated with advertising competition like Tier 1 but already have a well-established online shopping culture and reasonably strong purchasing power. This makes them attractive both for scaling and for hypothesis testing.

Tier 2 is ideal when you are launching a new offer or testing a new creative bundle. Thanks to lower CPM compared to Tier 1, you can quickly gather data and see which approaches truly work without spending significant budgets. It’s a great playground for testing messaging, hooks, video formats, and landing pages.

After a successful launch in Tier 3, Tier 2 becomes the next logical step for scaling. The audience here is slightly more demanding but still highly responsive to emotional creatives, clear value propositions, and direct calls-to-action. You can maintain your ROI without sacrificing audience reach.

Tier 2 is also a smart choice if you are promoting products aimed at the mass market: affordable subscriptions, mobile apps, beauty products, gadgets, online courses — all can perform better here than in Tier 1. Users in Tier 2 react more emotionally to good prices and make faster decisions without diving deep into brand loyalty.

This Tier is especially beneficial for launching localized or regional campaigns. If you have an offer in a local language, adapted delivery conditions, and support for regional currencies or popular payment systems — Tier 2 gives you an excellent opportunity to gain a competitive edge. For example, in Poland, Turkey, or Mexico, you can easily outperform larger brands by leveraging local context and properly tailored messaging.

Tier 2 is also an excellent option for beginners and small affiliate marketing teams. If your budget is limited but you want to work with higher-quality traffic than Tier 3 offers, this is the right segment. It allows you to gain experience, get your first approvals in affiliate networks, collect analytics, and fine-tune your funnels without excessive risks.

In summary, choose Tier 2 when you want to: test new hypotheses, lower user acquisition costs without major drops in traffic quality, adapt to local features, scale efficiently with minimal losses. It’s a practical choice that offers stability, real conversions, and effective growth potential.

🌏 Overview of Tier 3: Cheap Traffic with High Volume and High Fraud Risk

Tier 3 refers to countries with low-income populations, uneven internet infrastructure, and limited purchasing power. It is the most budget-friendly advertising segment, ideal for mass reach, A/B testing, split testing, and offers that rely on volume. Despite challenges with monetization, Tier 3 is actively used by affiliate marketers for quickly gathering large amounts of traffic, building retargeting audiences, scaling bundles to profitability using CPC or CPI models.

Key Characteristics of Tier 3

Low Purchasing Power. Users in Tier 3 rarely have access to credit cards or the habit of paying for services. Most offers need to be as simple as possible and ideally not require payment upfront. LTV is extremely low, so the focus must be on scale rather than deep user engagement.

Low CPM/CPC. The cost of 1,000 impressions in Meta Ads can range from $0.20–$2, and Google Ads clicks often cost less than $0.10. This allows for massive traffic volumes even with minimal budgets but requires very careful filtering to avoid low-quality leads.

Unstable Traffic Quality. In Tier 3, there's a high risk of fraud, low engagement, and short interaction cycles with products. Users often click on ads accidentally or out of curiosity, without real intent to convert.

Light or Nonexistent Moderation. In many Tier 3 countries, Facebook and TikTok pay far less attention to moderation compared to Tiers 1 and 2. This opens opportunities for running "gray" offers — gambling, dating, sweepstakes, and more.

Perfect Tier for Aggressive and Gray Models. Pin-submit offers, antivirus apps, freebie offers, SMS subscriptions, clickunders, sweepstakes, as well as CPI/CPA models — all can generate stable profits in Tier 3. The key is scaling and fraud control.

How to Convince a Tier 3 User

Tier 3 audiences click easily — but trust no one. They often interact with ads from mobile devices, are looking for free offers, don’t read long descriptions, and aren’t ready to pay upfront — many don't even have payment methods. To make a Tier 3 user take action, you need to present the offer at the most basic benefit or curiosity level — simple, bright, and direct.

Emotional Presentation Works Best: "try it — and see," "get it now," "nothing to lose." People here don't read the fine print — they react to one-click benefits. Focus on bold visuals, short messages, and clear promises — bonuses, something free, a chance to win, quick results.

UGC Formats Also Work, but as Emotional Triggers. Not "real user experiences," but reactions like:"Showed this to a friend — he freaked out", "I just clicked — and won 100 coins." Everything should feel instinctive: funny, interesting, beneficial, or bizarre.

No Analytics, No Comparisons, No Tables. Emotion, visual effect, and a short CTA are what work. For example, "get 10 free spins now", "download and play — no registration", "subscribe and win a prize". Everything must be as direct as possible, with no "ifs."

UX Must Be Almost Invisible. Minimum steps, minimum decisions. If the user sees three buttons — they won't click any. There must be one button: "Download," "Get," "Try now." Ideally, the first click already draws them into the experience.

CTA Must Be Ultra-Clear and Direct. "Get it," "Play," "Start," "Click." No "subscribe" or "create an account" — only simple, game-like actions.

Retargeting Works Less Often in Tier 3. Because the decision cycle here is short — either the user clicks immediately or forgets. If you do launch retargeting, use a new trigger or hotter message: an extra bonus, a discounted offer, or localized social proof.

📌 The Key to Tier 3 — maximum simplicity, instant benefit, and emotion that grabs attention from the first frame. It doesn’t matter how perfect the product is — what matters is how quickly it sparks the impulse to "just try it."

Which Offers Work in Tier 3?

Tier 3 is about volume, simplicity, and emotion. Users here don’t read the fine print, don’t analyze reviews, and definitely won’t pay by card for a subscription unless there's instant value. This is the land of quick actions, ultra-short funnels, primitive CTAs, and the "gray/black" zone where what matters isn’t the brand or UX — it's "what do I get right now."

Sweepstake, pin-sub, click2sms

Tier 3 is perfect for all offers monetized through clicks, SMS subscriptions, or lead forms without payment. You don't need complex logic — just trigger the desire to click, register, or win something.

Random game mechanics like wheels of fortune, lotteries, and quizzes that generate leads simply by participation work excellently.

Utilities, Antivirus, VPNs

Budget Android apps that promise security, optimization, or speed boosts are Tier 3 classics. People just want their phones to work better without digging into what exactly they’re installing.

Examples: VPNs with free trial periodsб antivirus apps with alerts like "Your device is in danger", battery savers, memory cleaners, file converters.

Gambling, Slots, Casinos

In Tier 3, gambling is often poorly regulated or not regulated at all, making aggressive gray-black offers perform well.

What works: "Play for free", "Get 50 free spins for registration", "Slot machines without an account", "Gift for your first login".

The key is to immediately give the feeling of winning or at least a real chance — without requiring complicated steps.

Betting

Like gambling, sports betting in Tier 3 is more about "playing" and excitement than strategy. Bets should be simple, and offers should be vivid.

Examples: bonus for the first bet, "guess the score and win", betting via apps, with quick signup, no verification, and minimal deposits.

Dating

Tier 3 reacts to dating creatives faster than any other Tier. But you need to be straightforward, even provocative — aesthetics, UX, or psychological subtleties do not work here.

What works: “who’s online near you right now?", "meet people without registration", "date today — for free". Often these offers lead to CPA/lead payouts or subscription triggers.

📌 Tier 3 is the land of impulse, gamification, and minimal entry barriers. Complexity, long landings, or brand prestige don’t work here. What works is something understandable in 3 seconds, looking like a freebie, promising something fun or rewarding instantly. If your offer fits this formula, Tier 3 will bring volume.

What Kind of Creatives Work in Tier 3?

Tier 3 is all about emotional impulse, simple decisions, and extremely short attention spans. Details, analytics, or brands don’t work here."Oh, cool, I'll try it" — that's the reaction you want.

The perfect formula: hook in the first 2 seconds + visual reward + one action with no explanation.

UGC: hyper-emotional, simple, "one of us"

In Tier 3, UGC isn’t about "here’s how I use the product" — it’s an emotional reaction to something unexpected.

How to present it:

• Background doesn’t matter — facial expressions, hands, big emotions matter
• Pre-act — short conflict or absurd situation like "Thought it was a scam. Turned out — nope."
• Visual result — bonus, prize, reward, surprise

Demonstration: gameplay, spins, counters, cash-like visuals

Tier 3 users react not to logic, but to motion, sound, and excitement.

Thus, ideal creatives are:

• Videos with visual dynamism (spins, taps, rapid actions)
• Counters (+100 coins, +1500 points)
• One simple tap leading to a win/unlock/prize

No demonstration = no click.

Tone of Voice: as simple as possible

Not just "simple" — primitive. The creative should sound like it’s coming from a market, a comment section, or a casual conversation. No words like "platform," "application," or "tool."

Only "here," "now," "try," "win," "get."

Promotions, freebies, instant bonuses

Tier 3 hates thinking but loves getting something immediately. It could be:

• "100 coins for a click"
• "50 spins without registration"
• "Gift for participating"
• "Welcome bonus for new users"

The key is no delay: after the first click, users must instantly move forward — no checklists, no questions, no forms.

TikTok-Style: fast, loud, raw

The most aggressive version of Reels/TikTok style works here:

• very loud sound or special effects
• phrases like "Watch what happens," "I couldn’t believe it — but..."
• bold, large-font subtitles
• sharp editing, jump cuts, scene switching

The first 2–3 seconds must not just grab attention — they must break the scroll.

📌 The key to Tier 3 is instant emotional trigger and clear visual action. What works is what’s primitive, obvious, and flashy. If you hit that formula — you get the clicks. If not — even free CPM won't save you.

When to Choose Tier 3

Tier 3 is the best option when you need massive traffic at minimal cost. These are countries with low CPMs and CPCs, where users react quickly to emotional, "freebie" triggers or visual stimulation. They don’t read terms, don’t analyze offers, don’t evaluate UX — but they click when they see something bright and simple. That’s why Tier 3 is the classic ground for mass testing, gamified creatives, and gray monetization.

Tier 3 is the perfect entry point for beginners in affiliate marketing. You can test dozens of creatives, messaging angles, and funnels with minimal risk. Thanks to ultra-low CPMs, you’ll quickly see what works — and get your first real results without major costs. Tier 3 is also an excellent way to build a retargeting audience for Tier 2 campaigns or to scale up a funnel that has already proven effective in more expensive regions.

This segment is also great for gray verticals — gambling, dating, sweepstakes, pin-sub. In many Tier 3 countries, moderation rules are much looser, sometimes barely enforced. This lets you run offers that would get blocked immediately in Tier 1 or Tier 2.

However, it’s crucial to understand, Tier 3 is not about traffic quality — it’s about volume and CPA models. You shouldn’t expect high LTV or repeat conversions. Most users will interact with your product once — and disappear. Thus, it’s essential to monetize the first conversion: subscription, click, app install, registration, or a cheap lead with follow-up upsells.

Tier 3 is also a great choice if you’re running offers that don’t require credit cards — such as SMS subscriptions, free trials, mobile apps with push monetization, or simple lead gen offers with pay-per-contact models. It’s also useful if you have a working Tier 2 bundle and want to boost traffic volumes for approvals in affiliate networks, funnel testing, or building lookalike audiences.

In the end, Tier 3 isn’t about brand, quality, or deep funnels. It’s about volume, impulsive interactions, and fast top-of-funnel traffic. If you want to test a pitch for $10, get 1,000 clicks to a landing page, or quickly roll out a new mechanic — Tier 3 offers the best environment for that. Just remember: here, it’s not the best product that wins — it’s the shortest and fastest funnel.

Country List by Tier

The classification is indicative — you can use it as a guideline and adjust it based on your specific tasks and situation.

Tier 1 — Premium Markets with High Purchasing Power

• United States
• Canada
• United Kingdom
• Australia
• New Zealand
• Germany
• France
• Italy
• Spain
• Netherlands
• Sweden
• Norway
• Finland
• Switzerland
• Ireland
• Austria
• Belgium
• Denmark
• Japan
• South Korea
• Singapore
• United Arab Emirates

Tier 2 — Balanced Traffic with Strong Scaling Potential

• Poland
• Czech Republic
• Hungary
• Romania
• Portugal
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Lithuania
• Latvia
• Estonia
• Greece
• Croatia
• Bulgaria
• Turkey
• Mexico
• Brazil
• Chile
• Argentina
• Malaysia
• Thailand
• Vietnam
• South Africa
• Colombia
• Peru
• Costa Rica
• Ukraine
• Kazakhstan

Tier 3 — Cheap Traffic, High Volume, Low Quality and LTV

All other countries not included in Tier 1 or Tier 2 are classified as Tier 3. Notably:

• India
• Belarus
• Georgia
• Armenia
• Azerbaijan
• Uzbekistan
• Pakistan
• Egypt
• Indonesia
• Nigeria
• Algeria
• Philippines
• Bangladesh
• Sri Lanka
• Iraq
• Venezuela
• Ethiopia
• Cameroon
• Tanzania
• Ghana
• Syria
• Lebanon
• Mongolia
• Nepal
• Moldova
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Serbia
• Montenegro
• North Macedonia
• Cuba
• Afghanistan
• Sudan
• Libya
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe
• Iran
• and many other countries across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and Pacific Islands

Conclusions

The Tier system is the foundation for planning an advertising strategy by GEO.

Tier 1 provides high-quality traffic but requires large budgets.

Tier 2 is a universal option for stable campaign launches.

Tier 3 is ideal for large-scale testing and split runs.

Understanding the Tier structure allows you to:

• increase the effectiveness of your advertising campaigns
• optimize your testing budget
• avoid bans or low conversion rates
• choose the right vertical for each GEO
• build a scalable system that accounts for local specifics

A Tip That Will Save You Money, Time, and Effort

🔎 Before launching your ads — check which creatives are already working in your target Tier via Adheart. This will help you save on tests and adapt your strategy to the local market

Adheart – Meta Ads Spy Tool to uncover your competitors' top-performing ads and trending products