App Monetization : How To Monetize Your Mobile App

When you intend to link a mobile app to your business, then it is important that you look for ways to monetize it. With the right tools, you can earn a lot of money from owning a mobile app. 

Below are the best ways to monetize a mobile app;

• Advertising

If you aren’t adding ads to your app, you are missing out on a great opportunity for monetization. A mobile app development company will recommend using advertising to monetize apps. 

Digital advertising with the use of mobile apps has greatly improved communication among advertisers and their numerous customers. This is largely due to the breathtaking amount of time people spend on smartphones. People on the average spend at least one and half hour without their phones on a daily basis which is an equivalent of just 23 days per year.

More often than not, people are unwilling to pay for these apps they spend a lot of their time on. The urge to download an app which costs $5.99 fades away once a cheaper or free alternative is available. It's no wonder that a whopping 91 percent of all app downloaded in the year 2013 were 100% free.

With this, you begin to wonder how you can make real money with your mobile app. Well, it’s easy. Simply make your app free, but enable in-app advertising.

Advertisers today now realize the value adverts in mobile apps over those that are always embedded in browsers or sent through SMS messages. When your mobile app is ready, you can create ads within your app instead of selling it. Some of the display ad options include;

Interstitial/full-screen ads – These types of ads are strategically placed at any natural pause point, for instance when trying to go through menus. Since these ads are not interrupting the app usage of consumers, they tend to generate more clicks without causing users any frustration usually.

Notification ads – When this ad comes up, it is visible at the status bar, this makes the mobile device user more conscious of an ad's presence. Keep in mind that these ads aren't user-friendly. They can potentially damage your app reputation. 

Advanced overlay – This ad uses transitional points similar to interstitial ads, but the difference is that it is made up of interactive rather than simple clickable image. This ad is virtually a combination of full screen and capture form ads.

Banner ads – These ads are normally seen at the top or base of the mobile screen and can somehow be ineffective as they tend to be more of a distraction in comparison to the other forms. Your users can also be irritated by these ads, so think it over before incorporating these ads into your business’s app.

What you aim to achieve the most by implementing these ads us user engagement. It is this same idea that many brands are unable to define. When you use ads that are not user-friendly, you miss the purpose. Simply put, the better the experience of users, the higher they stay glued and engaged. The more they loiter, the more likely they are to click, generate leads and sales. Your ads should entice and not frustrate the user because the more leads you generate; the more money you'll generate from advertisers. 

Choosing The Right Developer For Your Mobile App

Apps are big, screens are bigger, and life, as we know it has gone digital. In our world, which is increasingly open and social, mobile apps play a significant role and have entirely changed the focus from what is on the Web, to apps on our mobile devices. Mobile apps aren’t an option; they’re compulsory.

Except you have top-notch developing skills, you need to employ the services of a mobile app development company. The process of finding an app developer may seem simple. However, it is tasking and tricky to find the right one; a developer who can help you make your app idea a reality. Someone who is ideal and whose services suit your needs.

Some tips that can help you include;

•             Knowing Your Target Audience

Before a developer is engaged, put into consideration those that will use your app. Try to know your user base, and find out the devices this group typically use. Is your targeted audience made up of mainly Linux, IOS or Android?

By streamlining your consumer base, you will be able to target platforms that engage these users accurately. This information should be used to hire someone that has enough knowledge about bringing your vision into reality by using various programming languages.

•             Search for an app development company made up of professionals who are genuinely interested in your business, and not just financial gain

A great development company would not only be able to guide you through the development process but will also give you innovative ideas based on the experience they have gathered developing apps similar to yours. The best ones will know what works well and what doesn’t work at all peculiar to each app store. Go for a company with a fantastic track record. Since they have worked with a lot of clients over time, they will help you make the right decision.

•             Have a Thorough Look at Developer’s Website

Carefully take your time to look at the developer’s website. If their website does not impress you, it is almost impossible for you to love the app you will be getting from them.

•             Check Client References

Search for an app development company that will easily extend the contact information of their clients to ensure that you get adequate feedback on their company. Read reviews online and find out what the world thinks about that company.

•             Price should not drive you

Do not choose a mobile app development company based on its price quote. What you need is a great product, and not necessarily the cheapest available product.

Every entrepreneur works within a budget. However, the smallest option turns out to be the most expensive in the long run. For example, it might become inevitable to start the app process from the beginning with another developer if it didn't turn out as you expected.

An investment in a mobile app is one worth making so make the best out of it by getting the right developer. 

Five Questions You Should Ask When Choosing App Developers In India

If you have an app idea but you don't have the necessary programming skills your best bet to bringing your idea to life is to hire the services of a professional developer.

There are so many half-baked developers in India and the rest of the world for that matter. 

These are five questions you should ask app developers in India before you hire their services;

1. Where can I see examples of apps you've developed? 

A qualified developer should be more than willing to show you a verified list of apps they have created for other reputable brands. Even if a developer has not been entirely responsible for an app development, they should present you with a list of apps they played a role in developing. Each app should have a link to the web or all the app stores depending on what type of app it is. 

From an examination of previously published apps, you'll be able to gauge the developer's skill, vision, and experience to produce what you want. 

 2. Can I have a talk with your references? 

It is important that you check out references as this will give you an opportunity to find out how responsive, reliable and professional your prospective developer is. For instance, you can ask if they delivered on time and within the specified budget. You should also ask how they work under pressure. 

The thing with requesting for references for your prospective developer is that some candidates will only offer you access to favorable references. So you should not depend on what they give you alone. Go to their social media business pages and find out what others think about them. Social media and business review sites are perfect places to find out the work ethics and capabilities of your prospective developer. 

 3. What kind of phone do you use?

The perfect way to get an insight on how knowledgeable and passionate your candidate is is to ask this question. If the developer claims to have knowledge about specific mobile platforms, they should have a phone to prove it. If they specialize in Android apps, they should have an Android phone, and they should play with their apps and the apps of other developers. 

 4. How can I make money with my app? 

If the major goal is revenue generation, then your developer should be able to offer ideas and features rear will help you monetize your app. There are several models you can opt for like the pay-per-download model which is typically between 99¢ to $4.99. It could cost more depending on what features it offers. 

If you want a free app, make sure your prospective developer has knowledge about in-app purchases, mobile display and the likes. 

 5. Do you prefer face to face conversations or messages? 

This is imperative because how your developer communicates will help determine how often you will get updates on your app. If you typically prefer instant messaging, let your prospective developer know. 

Building an app doesn't happen overnight. You shouldn't go for someone who agrees to unrealistic deadlines. This way, you'll get the best value for your money.