How to run a successful eSIM business: Tips for API Partners

You’ve integrated eSIMs into your business — congratulations! Now, let’s dive into how to make the most of your partnership with Airalo Partners. 

A strategic approach will help you optimize sales, enhance the customer experience, and grow your revenue. Whether you're an airline, online travel agency (OTA), mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), or any other business, leveraging eSIM technology can set you apart.

Examples of how partners use our API integrations to sell eSIMs

One of the biggest advantages of Airalo’s API integrations is their flexibility. Since eSIMs are fully digital, they can seamlessly integrate into various business models and customer touchpoints. 

Here are some examples of how eSIMs are implemented in different businesses and industries:

• Airlines: For airlines, eSIMs are a natural fit in a customer’s travel planning process. By offering eSIMs as an add-on in check-in or confirmation emails, airlines provide passengers with affordable connectivity before they even board their flight. This value-added service enhances customer satisfaction and generates additional revenue.
• OTAs:  Online travel agencies can enhance their offerings by bundling eSIMs with travel packages. By including an eSIM as part of their package, OTAs differentiate themselves from competitors and provide travelers with the convenience of instant connection upon arrival.
• MVNOs: For mobile virtual network operators, integrating eSIMs through Airalo’s API expands their current product lineup. eSIMs offer MVNOs a hassle-free way to provide global connectivity with full control over branding and pricing.
• Financial institutions: Banks and fintech companies can offer their customers eSIMs as a travel benefit. For example, a bank could provide eSIMs as part of a premium travel rewards package, giving cardholders easy access to affordable data plans while abroad.
• Loyalty programs: Loyalty programs can leverage eSIMs as an incentive. For instance, customers who accumulate a certain number of points can redeem an eSIM package, adding value to the program while increasing engagement and retention.

9 tips for running a successful eSIM business

Each eSIM business will have different goals and approaches. However, our partners' experience shows a few common practices that set businesses up for success when using Airalo's Partner integrations.

1. Study the customer journey

Understanding when and how customers need eSIMs will help you integrate eSIMs at the right time and place in your business. The goal of understanding the customer journey is to find spots that won't disrupt the buying process.

For example, airlines can offer eSIMs during the checkout process or with an email nudging customers to complete their online check-in. OTAs can promote eSIMs in their actual package offers to differentiate themselves from competitors.

Tony Kaldas, Director of Partnerships, Arabia and Africa, shares advice from recurring  experience with successful partners: 

Seamless integration is the key to maximizing eSIM adoption. The most successful businesses embed eSIMs naturally into the customer journey — where it feels intuitive, not intrusive.

Whether it’s an airline offering eSIMs during check-in or an OTA bundling them into a travel package, the goal is to enhance convenience without adding friction. The best partnerships ensure connectivity feels like a seamless part of the experience, not an extra step.

💡It's good practice to create a customer journey flowchart and test different placements to optimize conversions.

2. Configure your pricing

Competitive pricing is key to positioning your eSIM offerings in the market. The right price depends on many factors, like the target customer, seasons, trends, and additional offers. 

It's good practice to research market trends and competitor pricing. This will give you the proper outlines and guidelines for your pricing strategy to attract and retain customers.

You could also experiment with offering promotions and discounts to attract more customers. For example, offer a discount on the first eSIM purchase or discount bundled eSIM packages at a lower rate for families.

3. Plan and create communication messages

Clear and benefit-forward communication and messaging are key to highlighting the value of eSIMs and how they fit into your offerings. 

For example, if you're including eSIMs in a travel package, emphasize the convenience of an all-in-one solution. Customers should understand how eSIMs enhance their trip by providing instant connectivity upon arrival. 

Work on refining your messaging by focusing on key benefits. For example; cost savings, easy activation, and reduced environmental impact. Make sure that your website and application clearly display eSIM product offers so customers can make decisions without hesitation.

4. Create workflows and email templates

Create email templates and automated workflows to streamline communication, save time, and maintain a consistent brand voice. Well-designed emails should include clear instructions, branding elements, and strong CTAs to enhance the user experience and reduce inquiries.

Automate email workflows to improve retention and re-engage customers. Set up reminders for incomplete purchases, confirmation emails, usage instructions, and renewal alerts to ensure uninterrupted service. These optimizations enhance engagement and drive conversions with minimal effort.

5. Set up support and resources 

Avoid customer frustration and churn by addressing problems upfront through education material. Offer self-service options like FAQs, step-by-step tutorials, and troubleshooting guides to help users resolve common issues. 

Video tutorials and downloadable PDFs can enhance user experience by offering clear and accessible instructions. Well-prepared support materials ensure customers feel confident to use eSIMs. In the long run, this leads to higher satisfaction and loyalty.

6. Promote eSIMs in your marketing

Feature eSIMs in marketing campaigns, newsletters, and social media promotions. Highlight their benefits, such as convenience, affordability, and global connectivity, to attract customer interest. 

If you bundle eSIMs with other travel-related products, showcase how they add value to the overall package. A strong promotional strategy makes eSIMs an integral part of your business.

7. Build trust with clear data privacy policies

Data security is a top concern for customers. Reassure them by providing clear documentation on your privacy and security measures.

Explain how eSIMs are secure and comply with industry standards for data protection. Offer easy access to privacy policies and security FAQs on your website. Transparency about data privacy reassures customers and strengthens your reputation as a trustworthy provider.

8. Collect feedback from clients and share testimonials

Customer feedback is a powerful form of social proof that builds credibility and helps you enhance your offerings.

Showcase positive feedback on your website and marketing materials to show the benefits of your eSIM services. Authentic testimonials from satisfied customers create trust and influence potential buyers.

Plus, engaging with customer insights allows you to refine your offerings and address any concerns proactively. 

💡Encourage users to leave reviews and testimonials about their eSIM experience. Share how their feedback improves the overall experience and how it is appreciated by the team. 

9. Keep an eye on your eSIM analytics 

Use insights and monitor analytics to improve the attractiveness of your product offer. Use the Airalo Partner Platform's analytics dashboard to track your sales performance, customer trends, and product popularity. 

Here are some key metrics to keep an eye on:

• Top-selling eSIM package destinations: This will give you insight into which packages are the most attractive for your users. You can use this information for your promotional material to attract more customers.
• Most popular data plans: Understand how much data customers usually need for their travels. This will help you put forward the most relevant eSIM packages. For example, do customers traveling to Europe for a weekend need 1GB or 5GB?

Use these insights to optimize marketing campaigns for more attraction and conversion. The insight into eSIM data plans can also be used to improve your pricing strategies.

FAQs: Tips for API Partners

What type of integrations does Airalo Partners offer?

Airalo Partners provides multiple integration options, including: API, SDK, and WooCommerce. The right choice will depend on your business set up and technical abilities. 

Read our guide to find your best fit: eSIM SDK or API: What's the right choice?

Can I create my own eSIM brand?

Yes! Our Partner API allows you to white-label eSIM solutions through the Partner Platform. You can add your brand logo and name to eSIM installation documents. 

Is there a fee for joining Airalo Partners?

No. There are no upfront or subscription fees to join Airalo Partners and become an API Partner. With our easy-to-integrate solutions, you can start earning revenue the moment you start.