App Monetization 101: How to Monetize an App in 2024

The mobile app market is flourishing. In today’s digital landscape, there are millions of apps available across various platforms - in fact, there are over 1.76 million on the iOS App Store alone. Each of them offer solutions, entertainment, and convenience to users worldwide. 

And guess what? There’s still plenty of opportunity.

But with so much competition, monetizing an app successfully can be a challenge. Success requires strategic planning, innovative thinking, and a keen understanding of emerging trends and technologies.

To help you stay competitive, we’ve written a comprehensive guide that delves into the intricacies of app monetization. Whether you know how to monetize an app or not, this guide will explain what is monetization for a thriving app business.

You’ll learn how to monetize an app as we cover:

• Starting and growing an app-based business
• A holistic approach to mobile app monetization
• 4 proven models for monetizing an app

Starting and growing an app-based business

If you’re just getting started, there are two primary paths you can take:

• Creating a new app from scratch.
• Buying an existing one with proven product-market fit.

Both avenues come with unique advantages. Starting from scratch can give you control over every aspect, from concept to execution, allowing for innovation and alignment with specific goals. 

Meanwhile, purchasing an existing business may offer a faster entry to the market with proven mobile app monetization and an established user base. However, due diligence is required to ensure the business's alignment with the buyer's vision and to uncover any hidden challenges or liabilities.

Growing and financing your app-based business

Growing an app-based business, especially one that’s SaaS, involves continuous innovation, user engagement, and scalability. Regular updates, introducing new features, and staying ahead of the latest industry trends are essential for maintaining a competitive edge.

If you’re bootstrapping your app, you’ll likely reach a plateau in growth. To continue scaling, finding investors may be a vital next step. 

Consider partnering with a platform like Boopos. Companies like ours can provide support you need to propel your app monetization strategies efforts to the next level. 

A holistic, 4-step approach for monetizing your app 

Monetizing an app is not just about implementing a strategy. It also requires a holistic approach. 

Understanding your app, audience, market trends, and continuous optimization are crucial for long-term success. Here's how you can do that.

App monetization step #1: Know your audience

Understanding your audience is the cornerstone of app monetization. Analyzing user behavior, preferences, demographics, and feedback can provide valuable insights into creating targeted strategies.

Regular engagement through surveys, social media, or in-app feedback allows for real-time understanding. Tailoring content, offers, and experiences based on user personas leads to higher conversion rates and sustained growth.

App monetization step #2: Choose the right monetization model

Selecting the right mobile app monetization model goes beyond analyzing market trends. It's about aligning with your app's core values and user expectations. 

Each model, which we discuss later in this article, has its strengths and limitations. Research, experimentation, and continuous assessment are vital. 

It's not uncommon to integrate multiple models or pivot strategies to find the perfect fit. Keeping an eye on competitors and industry innovations can guide informed decisions.

App monetization step #3: Implement user-friendly design

User-friendly design plays a pivotal role in monetizing an app. An intuitive interface, attractive layouts, and seamless navigation enhance user engagement while also leading to higher conversions.

Aesthetics and functionality must coexist, focusing on user needs and preferences. Regular updates, accessibility features, and optimizing for various devices contribute to a cohesive user experience.

App monetization step #4: Measure and opptimize

Measuring performance and optimizing strategies is an ongoing process. From tracking user interaction to assessing conversion rates, regular analysis enables app owners to refine and adapt mobile app monetization efforts.

Utilizing tools like analytics from the Apple App Store, A/B testing, and user feedback helps in making data-driven decisions. Continuous optimization not only enhances current strategies but also anticipates future trends and keeps your app relevant and competitive.

4 app monetization strategies: Choosing the right path

The app monetization strategies you choose to implement will ultimately define your success. But keep in mind that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Different apps require unique strategies aligned with their purpose and target audience. 

Here's a deeper look at 4 prominent ways of monetizing your app:

Mobile app monetization strategy #1: Freemium model

Can you monetize a free app? Yes - by implementing what’s known as a freemium model.

Monetizing an app this way combines free accessibility with premium features, making it a popular choice among app developers. Offering basic functionalities for free while charging for advanced features attracts a large user base by sparking curiosity and interest.

However, the challenge in monetizing an app this way lies in striking a balance between what's free and what's premium. Offering too little may deter users from upgrading, while giving away too much may reduce potential revenue. Continuous innovation and user engagement are key to sustaining this model.

Mobile app monetization strategy #2: Subscription model

Subscription businesses are gaining traction, especially among content-rich apps like news, entertainment, and productivity tools. They provide continuous access to content or services for a recurring fee, fostering customer loyalty and a predictable revenue stream.

To build your own subscription model, follow these steps:

• Identify Your Niche: Understand your target audience and what they value.
• Start Development: Develop the in-app functionalities, such as sign-up forms, billing, and access management.
• Set Pricing Tiers: Offer different pricing plans to cater to various user needs.
• Promote Your Subscription: Market the subscription through in-app messages, social media, and targeted ads.

The success of a subscription app monetization model relies on constant value addition and understanding user needs. Exclusive content, regular updates, and personalized experiences can make the subscription worthwhile, retaining customers and encouraging new ones to join.

Mobileapp monetization strategy #3: Advertising model

Incorporating advertisements within an app provides revenue through third-party collaborations. From display ads to video promotions, the advertising model caters to various formats, creating opportunities for earning through cost per click (CPC) or cost per 1,000 impressions (CPM).

While this model can be lucrative, it requires careful consideration of user experience. Intrusive or irrelevant ads can deter users, so it's vital to maintain a balance between monetizing your app through ads and preserving user satisfaction.

Mobile app monetization strategy #4: In-app purchases

In-app purchases enable users to buy virtual goods or additional content within an app. Whether it's buying virtual currency in games or additional features in productivity apps, this model for monetizing an app caters to various market niches.

This model's success hinges on enticing offers and seamless purchasing experiences. Incentivizing users through exclusive content (like the subscription model), special discounts, and integrating secure payment gateways can significantly boost in-app purchase revenue.

Proven app monetization strategies with a partner you can trust

As you navigate the complex landscape of monetizing an app, having a reliable partner can make all the difference. At Boopos, we specialize in supporting entrepreneurs in their business endeavors by using technology to simplify the process.

We can offer one-on-one advisory support and give you access to a directory of pre-vetted businesses.

Whether you're thinking about launching or expanding your app-based business, Boopos offers the tools, support, and flexibility to help you succeed. Contact us to explore how to monetize an app today.