SmartLink vs Locker: Which Pays More?

Short answer: Direct answer: locker pays more per click, SmartLink earns from leftover traffic.

Beginners argue about SmartLink versus locker as if one must win. Working publishers use both, in different positions, for different visitor intent. The locker monetizes visitors who want a specific file. The SmartLink monetizes everyone else: skimmers, exit traffic and curious clickers. This post shows the exact split that earns most.

The rule

Locker EPC runs higher because intent is concentrated. The visitor already decided they want the file, so completing one offer feels like a fair trade. SmartLink traffic is colder, so per-click value is lower but volume is bigger. Neither number means anything alone. Compare revenue per page per week and the winner is obvious within days.

Best combo

Put the locker on the Download button itself, since that is the moment of highest intent. Place the SmartLink in two fallback spots: directly under the locker area and mid-article where skimmers drop off. Never stack both on the same button or visitors hesitate and convert on neither. Separation is what makes the combo work.

When SmartLink wins

SmartLink wins outright on viral social traffic with low patience. TikTok and Shorts visitors rarely finish multi-step flows, so sending them straight to a SmartLink often beats forcing a locker. Rule of thumb: search traffic gets the locker first, viral traffic gets the SmartLink first, and stats confirm it.

Track weekly

Check EPC per page every Sunday in the dashboard and move the underperformer. If the locker on a page drops under the SmartLink for two straight weeks, swap their positions. Kill whatever stays below ten cents EPC after a fair test. Ruthless weekly pruning is how small blogs reach full-time numbers.

Pro tip: track per-page EPC in a simple sheet with date, page, locker EPC and SmartLink EPC. Trends beat single-day spikes.

Bottom line: locker for intent, SmartLink for leftovers, weekly stats to decide the split.