
ROI, Not Just ROAS: Measuring Long-Term CLV from FinServ Lead-Gen Campaigns on Zepto
In the financial services (FinServ) sector, advertising is often measured by Return on Ad Spend (ROAS). While ROAS shows short-term efficiency, it doesn’t reflect long-term customer value. That’s where Zepto Ads combined with a Customer Lifetime Value (CLV) approach can drive lasting impact and smarter Return on Investment (ROI).
The Limitations of ROAS in Financial Marketing
ROAS is useful for understanding the immediate return from an ad campaign. But in FinServ, where relationships can last years—think insurance, loans, or investments—this metric misses the mark. A customer acquired through Zepto Ads might seem expensive at first, but their lifetime value can far outweigh the cost.
What Makes CLV Critical for Financial Brands?
Customer Lifetime Value (CLV) is the total revenue a customer generates over their engagement with your brand. In financial services, where retention is key, CLV provides a long-term view of success. Zepto Ads can help you attract the right kind of leads—those who stay and spend more over time.
ROI vs. ROAS: A Mindset Shift for FinServ Advertisers
- ROAS = Immediate returns
- ROI = Long-term value
- CLV = Core to ROI accuracy
By shifting your focus from ROAS to ROI and CLV, you’re aligning with growth over time—not just short-term conversions.
Why Zepto Ads Are Ideal for CLV-Based Strategies
Zepto Ad offer precise targeting and in-app placements tailored to user behavior. These features allow FinServ brands to:
- Segment audiences by spending potential
- Use behavioral data for CLV prediction
- Optimize creatives and CTAs for retention-focused results
For example, targeting high-intent app users with Zepto Ads who are in-market for a credit card or investment plan ensures your campaign is ROI-driven from the start.
Bajaj Finserv: A Case Study in ROI Success with Zepto Ads
Bajaj Finserv ran a lead-gen campaign using Zepto As focused on premium segments like credit card users and investors.
Key Results:

Metric | Value |
---|---|
Impressions | 4.39 million |
Clicks | 6,200+ |
CTR | 0.14% |
Reach | 1.15 million |
Avg. Banner CTR | 0.1–0.3% |
With optimized messaging and smart segmentation, the campaign delivered a significant increase in qualified leads and ROI over time.
How to Integrate CLV into Your Zepto Ads Strategy
Step 1: Build a CLV Model
Use internal customer data to calculate average lifetime value across product categories (e.g., insurance vs. mutual funds).
Step 2: Leverage Zepto’s Targeting
Deploy Zepto Ads to reach users who match your high-CLV profiles. Focus on first-party behavior, device type, location, and cart preferences.
Step 3: Optimize for Retention, Not Just Conversion
Use formats like:
- Timer banners (to drive urgency)
- Rich media (for engagement)
- Video integrations (to explain product value)
CLV-Focused Strategies to Boost FinServ ROI
Personalize Ad Messaging
Tailor ads based on user profile data available on Zepto Ad. A user interested in savings could be nudged toward SIPs or deposits.
Use Cross-Selling for Increased CLV
Show complementary offerings—credit card after loan approval, insurance post mutual fund investment—within the same app ecosystem using Zepto Ads.
Invest in Customer Education
Ads don’t just have to sell—they can educate. Use Zepto Ads to push explainer videos, financial tips, or ROI calculators to increase user trust and stickiness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Zepto Ads, CLV, and ROI
What’s the difference between ROAS and ROI?
ROAS = Revenue from ads ÷ Ad cost
ROI = Net profit ÷ Total investment (includes post-ad costs)
Zepto Ad help maximize both, but ROI gives the full picture when CLV is included.
How do Zepto Ads help calculate CLV?
Zepto’s analytics allow you to track long-term behavior—repeat visits, transaction value, and engagement helping you estimate CLV more accurately.
Can I apply CLV models to all Zepto Ad campaigns?
Yes, especially for financial products with longer purchase or renewal cycles. Zepto Ad are highly effective in nurturing these high-value customer journeys.
Final Thoughts: Aligning Zepto Ads with Sustainable FinServ Growth
Focusing only on ROAS can lead to missed opportunities. Instead, embrace Zepto Ad as a tool to drive long-term value through ROI and CLV. The success of brands like Bajaj Finserv shows how effective this strategy can be in delivering high-quality leads and measurable business impact.
As competition grows in the FinServ space, those who prioritize long-term customer value will not only stand out but thrive.