Making a Great App Isn't Enough: How to Monetize a Mobile App Properly

Software developers and entrepreneurs are sometimes led to believe that all it takes to be successful is to create a fantastic app. That might be the case in a perfect world; in a “build it and they will come” scenario, a sufficiently fantastic app would sell itself, generating its own marketing buzz and attracting users. Users would be so pleased with the app that they would shower you with cash – and even more, money would come your way through a variety of ambiguous and undefined circumstances.

However, in reality, these fantasies do not come true. There are probably hundreds, if not thousands, of apps that do a good job and serve a useful purpose but are unable to generate a consistent stream of revenue.

Building a great app is only the beginning if you want to be successful. You’ll also need to figure out how to make money from it.

Monetization Strategies

App Monetization Strategies There are many different types of app monetization strategies. Some forms of monetization are more direct, requesting money from users directly so the app can continue to function properly. Others are more subtle, relying on in-app behaviors to generate passive income.

Here are a few of the most popular options:

Paid apps. Some developers charge a fee upfront for their apps. It’s a good way to make sure you get paid for each download. This strategy, however, has limitations; 50% of smartphone users have never paid for an app.
Subscriptions. You can charge a fixed fee per month for an ongoing subscription if you provide ongoing services. This ensures a steady income, but don’t expect every user to become a paying subscriber.
In-app purchases. Extra features, in-app currency, transaction fees, and cosmetic items are just some of the options available.
Advertising. Traditional advertisements and affiliate links may detract slightly from the user experience, but they’re a tried-and-true method of app monetization.

The monetization of data. You can also make money by collecting detailed data on your user base and then selling that data to third parties. Simply make sure you’re being clear and upfront with your users about how you intend to use their data.

How to Effectively Monetize an App

These are some of the most important strategies to consider if you want to effectively monetize your mobile app:

Know who you’re trying to reach. When it comes to monetization, different target audiences will have different preferences. If you’re targeting children or teenagers, who may not have a lot of disposable income, you’re better off monetizing them through advertising or other passive revenue streams. Older audiences, on the other hand, maybe less tolerant of advertising and willing to pay a small fee for an ad-free experience.
Consider using a combination of methods. There’s nothing wrong with pursuing multiple revenue streams at the same time. In fact, it’s frequently beneficial to do so. Pursuing monetization in a variety of ways is a good way to diversify your income portfolio. If one of your sources of income is threatened, you’ll have the others to fall back on. You’ll also be able to compare these various monetization methods to see which ones are the most beneficial to your business.
Put the user’s experience first (UX). Many developers overlook the user experience in their quest for increased revenue. They’re willing to put the average user’s experience on hold in order to make more money; for example, they might spam annoying pop-up ads to generate a few thousand dollars in extra revenue while also disrupting the user’s experience with the app. This is a common blunder. The user experience must come first, or your user churn rate will be so high that your revenue stream will dry up.
Enhance user participation. Apps that are more engaging are usually easier to monetize. Users who are engaged and attentive are much more likely to make in-app purchases, click advertisements, and keep their subscriptions active. Make sure you’re measuring engagement metrics on a regular basis and making positive changes to your app to keep it going.
Your monetization strategies should be measured and analyzed. Always measure and analyze the performance of your various monetization strategies, especially if you’re employing multiple strategies at the same time. You can only determine whether you’re making a profit and whether your income streams are performing optimally through objective analysis.

If you want to be a successful mobile app developer or entrepreneur, you must be able to monetize your work. But don’t put too much pressure on yourself right away; it doesn’t have to be perfect right away. In fact, most mobile app developers spend a significant amount of time experimenting with various monetization strategies, changing their approaches, and tweaking the formula in order to improve their results. It may take months, if not years, to find the right balance for your app. What matters is that you make it a priority and that you treat it seriously, rather than coasting on a good start.