Mobile applications (apps) have become a significant part of our daily lives as the world becomes more digitized. Hence developing and launching a mobile app has become a lucrative business opportunity for many entrepreneurs.
With the proliferation of smartphones and the increasing demand for mobile apps, it’s not surprising that many people wonder how much money they can earn through an app. However, with the right strategies, a successful app can generate substantial revenue for its owner.
In this article, we will explore the different ways apps can make money, factors that determine the earning potential of an app, different app monetization strategies, and how to maximize your app revenue. But before that, let’s quickly understand the app market.
Understanding the App Market: Its Size and Growth Rate
The app market is vast and continuously growing. According to Statista, global mobile app revenues amounted to 461.7 billion U.S. dollars in 2019 and are expected to reach 935.2 billion U.S. dollars by 2023.
Specific app categories generate more revenue than others. According to Sensor Tower, the top five app categories in terms of revenue include Gaming, Social media, Entertainment, Music, and Productivity.
Gaming apps have the highest earning potential, with top-grossing games like Candy Crush and PUBG Mobile earning millions of dollars every month. However, non-gaming apps like Tinder and TikTok have also achieved significant revenue growth through in-app purchases and advertising.
Key Factors Determining The App Earnings
The earning potential of an app is dependent on several factors. Some of the most important ones include the following:
App Category
The category of your app plays a significant role in determining its earning potential. Some app categories, such as gaming, social networking, and lifestyle, are more lucrative than others.
Gaming apps, for example, have a higher earning potential because they generate revenue from in-app purchases and advertising.
Targeted App Market
The app market you choose to target also affects your earning potential. App markets like Apple App Store and Google Play Store have more users and higher revenue potential than smaller markets.
User Engagement Level
User engagement level also plays a vital role in determining the app’s earning potential. Applications with high user engagement rates, such as social networking apps, have a higher potential to generate revenue from in-app purchases and advertising.
Monetization Strategy
The monetization strategy you choose for your app can also impact your earning potential. Depending on the app type and user intent, you can use several monetization strategies.
Head down to learn different monetization strategies and checkmark the best fit for your application.
Different App Monetization Strategies
Choosing the right pricing strategy for your app can significantly impact your revenue. Understanding the various monetization strategies available to you is essential to make an informed decision. Below are some of the most popular app monetization strategies:
1. In-App Purchases
With this strategy, you offer users the ability to purchase virtual goods, services, or premium features within your app. This can be a very lucrative strategy if you have a loyal user base willing to pay for additional features.
The strategy is most commonly used by gaming apps but can also be applied to other categories. According to businessofapps, In-app purchases are one of the most common monetization models. An estimated 50% of non-game and 79% of game apps use it.
2. In-App Advertising
Advertising is a popular app monetization strategy that displays ads within your app. The revenue is usually based on the number of clicks or impressions the ad receives.
Ads can be displayed in various formats, including banner ads, interstitial ads, and native ads. An in-app advertising strategy can be very effective if you have a large user base.
The mobile app and ad experts predict that mobile ad spend will reach $362 billion in 2023, driven by The World Cup and The Winter Olympics. While US mobile advertising spend is expected to hit $355.1 billion in 2023.
3. Subscription
This monetization model allows users to access premium content, features, or a whole app for a recurring fee, usually monthly or annually.
Subscription-based access is suitable for apps offering lasting value, such as news, media, or entertainment.
4. Sponsorship
Sponsorship involves partnering with other businesses, brands, or companies that pay you to feature their products or services within your app.
It can be a great way to generate revenue if you have a specific niche audience that aligns with a particular brand. Most commonly used by social networking and lifestyle apps.
How Much Money Can You Earn Through An App? Let’s Calculate It
The amount of money an app can generate varies depending on various factors, such as the app category, monetization strategy, and user engagement. According to Sensor Tower, the average revenue per user (ARPU) in the Apple App Store is $0.47 per month and $0.01 per session. The average revenue per app download varies significantly, but the estimated value calculated lies between $0.60 to $1.20.
Example Calculation
Let us assume that we have developed a gaming app that generates revenue through advertising and in-app purchases.
Suppose the app has 100,000 monthly active users who generate an average of five sessions daily. The app generates an average of $0.10 per user per month through advertising and $1 per user per month through in-app purchases.
Based on this data, the app’s total monthly revenue would be:
(100,000 users x $0.10) + (100,000 users x $1) = $10,000 + $100,000 = $110,000
Calculating Your App Revenue
Once you have decided on your app monetization model, you can begin to calculate your potential app revenue. The amount of money you can earn through your app will depend on a range of factors, including:
- The number of downloads your app receives.
- Number of active users and their engagement levels.
- App store’s revenue-sharing policies.
- Price of your in-app purchases or subscriptions.
- Cost of running and maintaining your app.
Read this to know what it costs to build a top-notch mobile app in 2023.
You can use a range of app revenue calculators available online to estimate your app revenue. These calculators consider various factors and assess your potential app revenue based on your app’s category, platform, and monetization model.
Want To Maximize App Revenue? Some Tips For You!
As mobile apps continue to grow in popularity, developers are constantly looking for ways to maximize their revenue. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to app monetization, some key tips can help increase your app’s profitability.
The revenue potential of an app is not just limited to its category or monetization strategy. App developers must focus on providing a high-quality user experience, investing in user acquisition and retention strategies, and regularly updating the app with new features to increase revenue over time.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to improve your existing app, these tips can help you reach your revenue goals and make the most of your app’s potential.
1. Optimize your app store presence
Your app store listing is the first impression potential users have of your app. Optimize your listing with eye-catching graphics, compelling descriptions, and positive reviews to encourage downloads.
2. Keep Your App Free
Offering your app for free can increase user downloads and adoption rates. You can then monetize your app through in-app purchases, advertising, or other strategies.
98% of Google Play revenue comes from free apps.
3. Offer A Free Trial
Offer a free trial or a limited version of your app to entice users to upgrade to the full version or purchase additional features.
4. Implement App Analytics
Implementing app analytics can be a game-changer for your app’s success. By tracking user engagement and behavior, you can gather insights into how users interact with your app, what features they use the most, and what needs improvement.
With these insights, you can optimize your app’s performance, increase user engagement, and ultimately generate more revenue.
5. Optimize Your In-App Advertising
Optimize your ad placement and targeting to maximize revenue if you use in-app advertising to monetize your app. Experiment with different ad formats and placements to find what works best for your app and users.
6. Offer Compelling In-App Purchases
To encourage users to make in-app purchases, offer compelling content and features relevant to your app’s target audience. You can also offer discounts and promotions to incentivize users to make purchases.
7. Personalize Your User Experience
Personalizing the user experience can help you increase engagement and encourage users to spend more time and money within your app. Use user data and behavior to offer personalized recommendations, content, and promotions.
8. Regularly Update and Improve Your App
Regularly updating and improving your app can help retain and keep users engaged. Utilize user feedback and app analytics to identify areas for improvement and add new features and content to keep your app fresh and relevant.
Closing Thoughts
Mobile apps can be a lucrative source of income if developed and monetized correctly. Advertising, in-app purchases, and subscription-based models are some of the common monetization strategies used in the app market.
The amount of money an app can generate varies depending on various factors, such as the app category, monetization strategy, and user engagement. App developers must focus on providing a seamless user experience, optimizing their app’s metadata, and investing in user acquisition and retention strategies to maximize their app’s revenue potential.
Are you looking for a reliable Mobile App Developer partner?
Then CodesOrbit has got you covered. From ideation to developing a cutting-edge application to helping you offer an enriched user experience, our team provides full-stack services for all your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take To See A Return On Investment From My App?
Well, there is no timeframe. It depends on various factors, such as your app’s niche, user base, and monetization strategy. With the right approach and continuous optimization, you can see a return on investment within a few months.
What Are The Best App Monetization Strategies For Small Businesses?
The best app monetization strategies for small businesses depend on your app category and customer base. However, advertising, in-app purchases, and subscriptions are popular methods to generate revenue for small businesses.
How Can I Improve My App’s User Engagement?
You can improve your app’s user engagement by implementing user feedback, optimizing your app’s user interface, and regularly updating your app with new features and content.
What Are Some Common Mistakes To Avoid When Monetizing An App?
Some common mistakes to avoid when monetizing an app include overloading your app with ads, charging too much for in-app purchases, and neglecting to optimize your app store listing.
Can I Change My App’s Monetization Strategy After Launch?
Yes, you can change your app’s monetization strategy after launch. But, it’s important to communicate any changes to your users and carefully consider the potential impact on user experience and revenue.