Somewhere in a parallel universe, a pale Android or iOS app developer Michael (or Sam or Ivan, it doesn’t matter) is sitting behind a monitor. He has worked for some months to release the coolest mobile application that will solve the problems of millions of smartphone addicts. And he did it all without any charge, simply to bring more kindness and light into that parallel world.
But in the real world, all of us (or almost all) work in order to earn bread and butter, and preferably for something extra more delicious. And in our real-world mobile programs should be profitable one way or another. Otherwise, what is this all for?
So, what are our introductory notes? On the AppStore alone in January 2017 there were 2.2 million mobile apps. And most of the presented apps provide one or another system of monetization.
This situation is really perfect because these millions of programs had been invented, tested, and monetized with these very methods even before us. This does not mean that experimenting is prohibited. Far from it! But if you don’t know where to start, the experience of generations of developers will help you not to get lost.
Monetization is a delicate matter: where to start?
First, let’s take the fact that your application falls into one of these categories as an axiom:
- Free soft, as the name suggests, does not imply payment for its installation and use. There is no paid content in it.;
- Freemium is by far the most popular type of app. Software addicts have the ability to freely use the basic development functions. But you will have to pay for access to additional functionality, bonus game levels or local currency;
- Programs that cost a few dollars to install. Of course, unless the developers offer a trial version of their invention. By the way, offering in-app purchases is also appropriate.
Now let’s think about how you can make money on them.
Advertising in free apps
Free software is not directly profitable. But you can get rich on advertising: in 2017 alone, spending on mobile ad exceeded 20 billion!
But to get even a crumb from this billion-dollar pie, you need to fill a large customer base. After all, the more active people download your “brainchild”, the more ad impressions are provided. Great earnings also come from here.
It works like this: you place ads in the program, which, for example, encourages you to purchase the full version of the program. If the client wants to get rid of intrusive ads, then he can safely do it. It is enough to pay a certain amount.
Many experts consider this method is one of the most popular among those ones wishing to enrich themselves on their own development.
But in this method, you need to take into account one nuance. If you have created an app that is going to be used many times, then you should look at the less intrusive monetization options. Native advertising is becoming more and more popular now.
What is its peculiarity? It seems to the user that such advertising is part of the application itself, it is unobtrusive and more responsive to it. This way of making money is suitable not only for large companies but also for novice developers.
Paid version of your creation
The second option for making money is selling your product in Google Play and AppStore. That is, the user downloaded your creation for the specified price, and you received your percentage for this. The most popular and profitable way. Just remember to share. For example, Apple takes a 30% commission on every sale of your product. You will have to pay the same amount if you have an Android product.
Today, several times more mobile software are downloaded from Google Play than from the AppStore. Such statistics. But here’s the interesting thing: developers of paid applications in the AppStore earned almost 2 times more than their competitors who sold their creations on Google Play.
So draw conclusions on which platform your product will start filling your pockets faster.
Shopping inside: additional features will have to pay
Give users a product with a minimal set of features. It is desirable that it can be downloaded for free.
Program users will be able to buy new functionality directly in the application. Do you think no one wants to get new funny stickers for communication or a miracle helmet to complete the next level in the game? If your product was able to captivate users with its originality, then this is quite possible. The main thing is to work hard on Android and ios prototyping.
This approach is good for soft which consumers could enjoy for a long time, for example, various games, dating services, social networks. Which of the above ways of moneymaking to choose is up to you.
