Inbound calls are live phone calls from customers who reach out to a company/business after searching for a service, visiting a website, or seeing an ad. These calls are steered by consumer intent, meaning the customer has shown interest and is seeking solutions. Inbound calls are calculated as high-quality leads because the person on the phone is ready to engage and self-motivated. This makes them likely to convert into a service booking or sale.

These calls are different from outbound leads, where the sales team or business contacts the customer first, like follow-ups, email outreach, or cold calling. Outbound leads need more persuasion, effort, and time to create interest since the contact is unwanted. As for media buyers, inbound calls are dependent on their monetization potential. 

Advertisers and networks pay top dollar for calls that meet specific criteria and quality because they reduce the path to revenue. Understanding this contrast is the initial step towards selling high-intent calls to networks and creating profitable campaigns.

The Value of Inbound Calls & Networks

Inbound calls happen when a customer reaches out to a business after browsing a website, searching online, or seeing an ad. This action shows high buying intent since the caller is seeking a solution and is aware of their need. Inbound callers make instant purchasing decisions, compare offers, and discuss services. High-intent callers have higher lifetime value, require less persuasion, and convert faster. This makes it desirable to marketers and advertisers who pay a good rate for calls that meet their quality standards.

The Role of Networks in Pay-Per-Call

In the pay-per-call model, networks function as a medium between media buyers and advertisers. They manage various campaigns by setting clear and specified criteria for acceptable calls, like traffic source compliance, call center hours, geographic targeting, and minimum duration. 

For media buyers, networks give access to different advertisers without any negotiations. This offers campaign diversity, ensures timely payments, and simplifies scaling. Networks also maintain reporting and tracking systems that make it easy to analyze and measure performance. By guaranteeing that media buyers have a consistent outlet for monetization and advertisers to get the right type of calls, networks keep the ecosystem profitable and efficient for every party involved.

📖If you are new to this mode, our guide on how to start a pay-per-call business will break down the basics and help you understand how to get started.

How does the Inbound Call Process Work?

Selling inbound calls to networks starts by understanding how these calls are generated, tracked, and monetized. The process seems simple from the above: run ads, generate calls, and get paid. But there is a comprehensive flow behind each profitable campaign. Every step, from ad designing to payout, has to be fully optimized to ensure that calls deliver value to the advertiser and meet quality requirements.

From Ads to Live Calls

Inbound calls begin with a well-structured advertising campaign. Media buyers use different traffic sources, like native ads, display ads, Facebook lead campaigns, and Google Search ads, to target customers seeking specific services or products. When a customer clicks on an ad, they are navigated to a trackable phone number embedded in the ad, a click-to-call button, or a call-enabled landing page. 

This phone number is dynamically generated via a call tracking platform, which makes sure that the call is attributed to the correct traffic source and campaign. Once the customer dials the number, the call is then routed through an IVR (Interactive Voice Response) or directly to the advertiser's call center that qualifies and filters the caller before connecting them to a sales agent. This flow guarantees that relevant calls are passed, saving time for buyers and advertisers.

Tracking: From Click to Call to Conversion

Without tracking, it is nearly impossible to claim payouts from networks or to prove the quality of calls. 

Step 1: The process starts by click tracking, which records the ad engagement, like source, device, location, and time. 

Step 2: Next is call tracking, which assigns a specific phone number to every traffic source or campaign. 

Step 3: The final stage is conversion tracking. This confirms whether the call has met the advertiser's set criteria or not. This may include the sale being completed, specific qualifying questions answered, or a minimum call duration. Networks use such metrics to find out which calls are billable. 

Typical Payout Models in Inbound Call Sales

Monetization via pay-per-call followed different payout structures. The 3 most common are:

1. Revenue Share (RevShare)

In this payout model, you get a percentage of the revenue generated via the call. This model is common in high-ticket industries where a single closed deal is worth thousands. RevShare model also carries a higher risk since payouts depend on the advertiser's capabilities to close sales.

2. Pay-Per-Call (Duration-Based)

You are paid a fixed amount for every call that meets a pre-set criteria. This model is a favorite among media buyers since you can forecast earnings based on call quality or volume.

3. Hybrid Model

The model combines the upside of RevShare and the stability of pay-per-call. You can get a flat and smaller payout per qualified call with a bonus if the advertisers convert the lead into a paying client. This model balances performance-based incentives with consistent income, making it attractive for professional media buyers who can deliver high-quality calls.

Optimizing the Flow for Maximum ROI

Each step in the inbound call flow, from payout model selection to ad targeting, impacts profitability directly. Media buyers must test monitor call metrics, test ad creatives, and refine targeting to ensure compliance with network regulations. Understanding the payout model enables you to line up your marketing campaigns with the most profitable structure for considering your traffic type. The more you understand how this flow works, the more effective you will be at scaling the call volume, while maximizing your revenue, building trust with networks, and maintaining quality.

Who Buys Inbound Calls & Why?

Inbound calls are in-demand lead types in performance marketing because they provide ready-to-convert customers to businesses directly. These calls are purchased by networks that have expertise in matching high-intent callers with companies ready to provide services. Understanding who buys inbound calls and why allows media buyers to target the right opportunities.

Types of Networks That Buy Inbound Calls

1. Affiliate Networks

Affiliate networks work with various media buyers, affiliates, and publishers to generate calls for advertisers and traffic. Inbound calls are attractive here since they command high payouts in contrast to online leads or clicks. These networks deliver clear quality guidelines, tracking platforms, and ready-to-run campaigns. With these networks, media buyers can just plug in and start monetizing calls.

2. Lead Generation Networks

Lead generation networks work with multiple industries and act as a median between advertisers and media buyers. They generate inbound calls from different sources and distribute them to their advertiser partners based on matching criteria like language, service type, or location. These networks treasure inbound calls for their speed-to-sale benefit, since call leads convert faster compared to form-fill leads.

3. Vertical-Specific Networks

Some networks focus on a single niche. These networks have profound relationships with advertisers, more refined call-routing systems, and better payout rates. Media buyers who have the ability to provide a consistent call volume in a network's niche advantage from high-value and long-term partnerships.

Why Networks Prefer Buying from Media Buyers?

Networks choose to buy calls from individual media buyers instead of depending on in-house marketing for the following reasons:

• Risk Sharing & Cost Efficiency

When networks run in-house marketing campaigns, they bear the full cost of campaign management and ad spend. By buying calls from media buyers, networks only pay for qualified leads that meet their criteria. This can be called a pay-for-performance model that shifts cost and risk away from the network.

• Unlock Diverse Traffic Sources

Media buyers bring calls from different channels, like display, native ads, Facebook, Google Search, and many others. Such diversity ensures a steady stream of calls from various entry points and reduces the network's reliance on a single traffic source.

• Access to Experts & Professionals

Specialized media buyers are pros at maintaining high-quality traffic, understanding compliance requirements, and optimizing campaigns for specific verticals. Networks get an advantage from such skills without investing in oversight or ongoing training. 

• Rapid Scaling Without Overhead

Testing ad creatives, building ad campaigns, and hiring internal advertising teams take resources and time. Media buyers are already equipped with infrastructure, skills, and tools to generate calls. Partnering with media buyers allows networks to scale call volume without the delays of internal setup.

The Mutual Advantage

The relationship between media buyers and networks benefits both: networks constantly get a streak of high-intent customers to pass on to advertisers, and media buyers get access to high-paying and steady call campaigns. This collaboration keeps the ecosystem of inbound calls efficient and profitable for both parties.

🚀 Take the next step and sign up as a publisher to sell inbound calls to make money.

7 Steps to Finding the Right Networks to Sell Inbound Calls

For media buyers, successfully selling inbound calls depends on working with the right networks. A reputable network will give you ongoing support, reliable payment schedules, and high-paying offers. This is why the process of vetting and finding networks must be a top priority before scaling a marketing campaign.

Step 1: Where to Find Pay-Per-Call Networks

Finding a reliable pay-per-call affiliate network starts by knowing how they hire media buyers and where they operate. Common sources are:

• Trade Shows & Networking Events: Consider conferences like LeadsCon and Affiliate Summit as an opportunity to meet network representatives. It will allow you to evaluate their professionalism face-to-face.

• Groups & Industry Forums: Dedicated LinkedIn and Facebook groups have reviews and recommendations from professional affiliates.

• Referrals from Other Media Buyers: Trusted recommendations from experienced media buyers can help you choose the best network.

• Dedicated Pay-Per-Call Platforms: Many websites list payouts, verticals, and networks, enabling you to compare different opportunities.

Step 2: Evaluating a Network's Reputation

Investigate the network's credibility before committing. Look for the following:

• Advertiser Relationships: A network having direct advertiser connections has more control over quality and payout requirements than brokers working via multiple layers.

• Longevity in the Market: Established networks having years in operation are more trustworthy and stable compared to untested and new ones.

• Industry Testimonials & Reviews: Search for feedback on review sites, social media, and affiliate forums. Having positive feedback is a green flag. 

Step 3: Offer Niche Fit & Availability

Successfully selling inbound calls depends on your expertise in a specific niche. When evaluating networks, make sure of:

• Geo Coverage: Ensure the offers cover the region or city where you can generate high-quality traffic. A mismatch between offer requirements and traffic location can lead to disqualifications.

• Private or Exclusive Offers: Networks offer exclusive campaigns with higher payouts and less competition, making them more attractive.

• Check Offer Variety: The networks should have campaigns in industries where you can drive high-intent and targeted traffic.

Step 4: Payment & Payouts Terms

Profitability is about when and how you get paid. Consider:

• Payment Methods: Look for flexible payment options, depending on your location and preference.

• Minimum Payout Threshold: Most networks need you to reach a specific amount before giving out payments. This factor is important to consider, as it will impact your cash flow planning.

• Payment Frequency: Bi-weekly or weekly payments maintain cash flow when scaling campaigns.

• Payout Rates: Compare the rates of networks for similar offers across various platforms. Rates must be competitive for your niches.

Step 5: Traffic Rules & Quality Requirements

Networks have stern guidelines to safeguard advertisers from fraudulent or low-quality calls. Violating these rules results in termination from the network or withheld payments. Understand the following rules before committing:

• Geographic Targeting: Calls should originate from specific zip codes, states, or countries.

• Day-of-Week & Time-of-Day Restrictions: Certain offers may accept calls on specific days or business hours.

• Acceptable Traffic Sources: Most networks restrict specific channels, like no branded search or incentivized traffic.

• Call Duration Minimums: Most offers should last 60-120 seconds to be billable.

Step 6: Communication & Support

A knowledgeable and responsive network team makes a big difference in your earnings. Consider:

• Timely Responses: Test their communication speed throughout the vetting process.

• Resources & Training: Some networks offer case studies, compliance guides, and creative assets to help media buyers enhance performance.

• Dedicated Account Managers: Having a one point of contact ensures optimization advice, troubleshooting, and faster campaign setup.

Step 7: Tracking & Technology Capabilities

In pay-per-call, well-founded tracking is non-negotiable. Look for networks that deliver:

• Fraud Prevention Measures: Strong call verification and filtering systems protect media buyers and advertisers.

• Integration with Call Tracking Platforms: Compatibility with integrated tools makes campaign management easier and smoother.

• IVR (Interactive Voice Response) Routing: This ensures calls are directed to the right department and advertiser.

• Real-Time Call Routing: See how your calls are performing, including caller location, outcome, and duration. 

Tips for Negotiating with Networks to Sell Inbound Calls

Negotiating with networks is about creating win-win arrangements, building trust, and showing your value. The following tips will allow you to secure long-term profitable relationships and secure better terms.

Tip 1: Negotiate Exclusive Deals & Volume-Based Bonuses

If you can assure consistent call volume, ask for performance bonuses or tiered payouts. Exclusive campaigns with fewer competing buyers may lead to better stability and margins.

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Tip 2: Position Yourself for Higher Payouts

Networks want to pay more to media buyers who deliver high-quality calls consistently. Before negotiating, compose the proof of your performance, like advertiser feedback, call duration averages, and conversion rates. Data-driven results will enable you to justify higher rates.

Tip 3: Offer Flexibility to Meet Their Requirements

Networks value media buyers who have the ability to adapt call scheduling, geo coverage, and targeting to fill advertiser gaps. If you offer flexibility, you may secure better terms in return and increase your bargaining power.

Tip 4: Test Before Committing to Long-Term Deals

Run small-scale ad campaigns to first evaluate payment timeliness, tracking reliability, and approval rates. This helps to avoid committing large budgets to networks that do not deliver their promises.

Tip 5: Strengthen Relationships with Account Managers

The account manager is the biggest patron inside the network. Be responsive, share results, and maintain regular communication. Strong relationships lead to priority in call routing, private offers, and faster approvals.

Conclusion

The inbound call space is the most rewarding and dynamic area in performance marketing, which offers networks and media buyers the chance to grow. Success comes from consistently delivering value and building smart partnerships. When you treat every call as a chance to connect customers with the right solution, you fuel real business results and generate leads. With strong relationships, adaptability, and focus, selling inbound calls to networks becomes a sustainable and powerful revenue stream.

📝 Looking to boost your inbound call volume? Sign up as an advertiser and connect with top media buyers ready to deliver high-intent leads.

FAQs

What is inbound call sales?

Inbound call sales include companies getting calls from existing or potential customers, often handled by sales staff to convert interest into real purchases.

How much can you earn from selling inbound calls?

Earnings depend on the payout model, call quality, and niche. High-intent calls can pay $10-$100+ each.

What is a qualified inbound call?

A call that needs set criteria, like geo-targeting, caller intent, and duration, is constituted as a qualified inbound call.