Pricing Models: CPX vs CPC
AdMesh offers two distinct pricing models designed for different campaign objectives. Your brand-agent’s AI automatically selects the optimal model based on context, but understanding each model helps you set the right expectations and optimize your campaigns.Overview: Two Models, One Goal
Both CPX and CPC models follow AdMesh’s single billing guarantee: you’re never charged twice for the same user engagement. The system automatically selects the highest-value engagement and charges only for that.Single Billing Guarantee: If a user converts, you only pay CPA (not CPX or CPC). If they click but don’t convert, you only pay CPC (not CPX). This prevents double-charging and ensures fair billing.
CPX Model: Awareness-Focused Pricing
What is CPX Model?
The CPX (Cost Per Exposure) Model charges you when your product is shown to a user, regardless of whether they click. Clicks are tracked for analytics but don’t incur additional charges.How It Works
1. Exposure (Recommendation Shown)
1. Exposure (Recommendation Shown)
- CPX is charged when your product appears in an AI response
- Amount: Based on contextual relevance score (typically 0.50)
- Timing: Charged after 30-minute attribution window if no click occurs
2. Click (User Clicks Link)
2. Click (User Clicks Link)
- Click is tracked for analytics (you see it in your dashboard)
- No CPC charge — clicks are free in CPX model
- CPX charge remains (already paid on exposure)
3. Conversion (User Signs Up/Purchases)
3. Conversion (User Signs Up/Purchases)
- If conversion occurs, CPA is charged instead
- CPX charge is waived (conversion is higher value)
- Only CPA is charged
Example Scenario
User asks: “What’s the best CRM for small teams?”Best For
- ✅ Brand awareness campaigns — Maximize visibility
- ✅ Predictable budgeting — Know your exact cost per exposure
- ✅ Low-risk testing — Test new products or markets
- ✅ Top-of-funnel marketing — Build brand recognition
Advantages
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Predictable Costs | Fixed cost per exposure, no variable click charges |
| No Click Risk | Clicks don’t increase your costs |
| Analytics Included | Click tracking provides insights without extra cost |
| Lower Barrier | Easier to justify spend for awareness goals |
CPC Model: Performance-Focused Pricing
What is CPC Model?
The CPC (Cost Per Click) Model reserves CPX budget on exposure but only charges when users click. If no click occurs, CPX is charged. If a click occurs, CPX is released and CPC is charged instead.How It Works
1. Exposure (Recommendation Shown)
1. Exposure (Recommendation Shown)
- CPX budget is reserved (not charged yet)
- Budget is held in pending state
- If no click within 30 minutes, CPX is charged
2. Click (User Clicks Link)
2. Click (User Clicks Link)
- CPX is released (waived, returned to your budget)
- CPC is charged instead (typically 0.30)
- You only pay for engagement, not just visibility
3. Conversion (User Signs Up/Purchases)
3. Conversion (User Signs Up/Purchases)
- If conversion occurs, CPA is charged instead
- CPC charge is waived (conversion is higher value)
- Only CPA is charged
Example Scenario
User asks: “Best project management tool for remote teams?”Best For
- ✅ Performance campaigns — Focus on clicks and conversions
- ✅ ROI optimization — Pay only when users engage
- ✅ Conversion-focused — Maximize qualified traffic
- ✅ Budget efficiency — Reserve budget but only charge on engagement
Advantages
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Pay for Engagement | Only charged when users click |
| Budget Protection | CPX reserved but not wasted if click occurs |
| Performance Tracking | Clear correlation between spend and engagement |
| Industry Standard | Familiar CPC model with AI enhancements |
Choosing the Right Model
Choose CPX Model When:
- 🎯 Brand awareness is your primary goal
- 💰 Predictable budgeting is required
- 🧪 Low-risk campaigns (testing new markets/products)
- 📈 Top-of-funnel marketing objectives
- 📊 Analytics matter but clicks aren’t the goal
Choose CPC Model When:
- 🎯 Performance and ROI are priorities
- 💰 Conversion-focused campaigns
- 📊 Budget efficiency (only pay for engagement)
- 🔄 Industry standard CPC model preferred
- ✅ Click quality matters more than exposure volume
Billing Examples
Scenario 1: CPX Model - Exposure Only
Timeline:- T+0: Recommendation exposed → CPX charged ($0.05)
- T+5min: User clicks → Tracked, no CPC charge
- T+30min: No conversion → Final billing: CPX only
Scenario 2: CPX Model - Exposure + Conversion
Timeline:- T+0: Recommendation exposed → CPX charged ($0.05)
- T+5min: User clicks → Tracked, no CPC charge
- T+2hrs: User converts → CPA charged ($10.00), CPX waived
Scenario 3: CPC Model - Click Only
Timeline:- T+0: Recommendation exposed → CPX reserved ($0.05, not charged)
- T+5min: User clicks → CPX released, CPC charged ($0.20)
- T+24hrs: No conversion → Final billing: CPC only
Scenario 4: CPC Model - Click + Conversion
Timeline:- T+0: Recommendation exposed → CPX reserved ($0.05, not charged)
- T+5min: User clicks → CPX released, CPC charged ($0.20)
- T+2hrs: User converts → CPA charged ($10.00), CPC waived
Scenario 5: CPC Model - No Click
Timeline:- T+0: Recommendation exposed → CPX reserved ($0.05, not charged)
- T+30min: No click → CPX charged ($0.05)
- No conversion → Final billing: CPX only
How AdMesh Selects the Model
Your brand-agent’s AI (unified reasoning layer) automatically selects the optimal pricing model based on:- Query context — User intent and conversation flow
- Campaign goals — Awareness vs performance objectives
- Budget availability — Wallet balance and pricing model affordability
- Market conditions — Competitive landscape and relevance scores
preferred_pricing_model and determines billing behavior.
Comparison with Industry Standards
Traditional Advertising Models
| Model | When Charged | Industry Standard |
|---|---|---|
| CPM | Per 1,000 impressions | Charge on impression, clicks free |
| CPC | Per click | Charge only on click, no impression charge |
| CPA | Per conversion | Charge only on conversion, no click/impression charge |
AdMesh Innovation
| Model | Exposure | Click | Conversion | Innovation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPX Model | ✅ Charged | ❌ Free (tracked) | ✅ Charged (waives CPX) | Awareness-focused, predictable costs |
| CPC Model | ⏸️ Reserved | ✅ Charged (releases CPX) | ✅ Charged (waives CPC) | Performance-focused, budget protection |
Key Differences
-
CPX Model ≠ Traditional CPM
- CPM: Charges per 1,000 impressions (volume-based)
- CPX: Charges per verified exposure with intent (quality-based)
- CPX: Tracks clicks for analytics (CPM typically doesn’t)
-
CPC Model ≠ Traditional CPC
- Traditional CPC: No exposure charge/reservation
- AdMesh CPC: Reserves CPX on exposure, releases on click
- Both: Charge on click, but AdMesh prevents double-billing
-
Cascading Attribution
- Traditional: Separate billing for each event type
- AdMesh: Automatic waiver/release of lower-value charges
- Result: Single billing guarantee, never charged twice
FAQ
Can I choose which model to use?
Can I choose which model to use?
Your brand-agent’s AI automatically selects the optimal model based on context, query intent, and campaign goals. However, you can influence this through:
- Campaign objectives (awareness vs performance)
- Budget allocation preferences
- Offer configuration settings
What happens if my wallet balance is low?
What happens if my wallet balance is low?
AdMesh automatically falls back to CPX model when CPC model can’t be afforded. This ensures your campaigns continue even with limited budget, prioritizing lower-cost CPX when possible.
Can I switch models mid-campaign?
Can I switch models mid-campaign?
The model is selected per recommendation based on context. You can’t manually switch, but the AI will adapt based on performance, budget, and query context.
How do I know which model was used?
How do I know which model was used?
Check your recommendation details in the dashboard. The
preferred_pricing_model field shows “cpx” or “cpc” for each recommendation.What if a user clicks but doesn't convert?
What if a user clicks but doesn't convert?
- CPX Model: You already paid CPX on exposure, no additional charge for click
- CPC Model: CPX was released, CPC is charged after 24-hour attribution window
Can I be charged for both CPX and CPC?
Can I be charged for both CPX and CPC?
No. AdMesh’s single billing guarantee ensures you’re never charged twice:
- CPX Model: Only CPX charged (clicks are free)
- CPC Model: Only CPC charged (CPX is released)
- Conversion: Only CPA charged (CPX and CPC are waived)
Summary
AdMesh’s CPX/CPC billing models represent an AI-native innovation that: ✅ Prevents Double-Billing — Cascading attribution ensures single charge✅ Supports Multiple Goals — Awareness (CPX) vs Performance (CPC)
✅ Protects Budget — Reservation system prevents waste
✅ Provides Flexibility — AI selects optimal model per context
✅ Maintains Standards — Familiar CPC model with enhancements This approach is purpose-built for conversational AI environments where intent, context, and verified exposure matter more than raw impressions.