How to earn money with mobile apps?

The global market for smartphone applications is expected to reach $188 billion by 2020. It is an impressive value. Know in this article the main characteristics of this market and how you can take advantage of the excellent potential of this area.

The idea for an app

It all starts with an idea. If you have an idea for a mobile app, which you've never implemented, read the next few lines. Usually the most successful applications come from original ideas or ideas that respond to a users need. For example, an application to register your expenses weekly, so that at the end of the month you can check some statistics of your personal finances.

Within the applications category, it should be noted that there is a large group of other types of applications: games. In this case, these are purely ludic applications. The purpose of games is for the user to enjoy himself or to pass the time. The interest in games for smartphones has been increasing exponentially in all age groups. Last years this was exclusive to children and adolescents but today we are seeing an increasing demand from adults, men and women. The evolution that smartphones have passed by has also created the conditions for this. With the increase of capacity, in terms of performance, it is possible to develop games with a more appealing and realistic visual aspect.

Whether you plan to develop an application or a game, what you should consider is that it should have some differentiating factor from the other offers. Either by responding to a need, or by being visually appealing and intuitive. To be sucessfull in the market of smartphone apps you need to stand out from the competition.

From idea to an application

Most of the time, the idea for a new app comes from an entrepreneur who does not have the technical skills to implement it. The development of an application is like the software developping, and therefore requires specialized technical knowledge. The best way to ensure your idea is implemented successfully is to seek help from one or more programmers. You can give him your idea and he will be in charge of the programming of the app, according to the requirements that have been defined.

The complexity of an application can vary greatly, as well as the time required for its development. In this way, the cost of development and the number of human resources required will be proportional.

Monetize an app

To earn money with a smartphone application, there are 3 main ways:

• Charge for your download: in this case the user will have to pay a certain fee when downloading the application, for the first time;
• Charge for premium features: in this situation the user can download your application for free, but it will have some limited functionality. If they wish to access these features, they will have to make a payment;
• Advertising: this way the user can download and use the application for free, but you will see advertising during the use of it. So, who will support the application are advertisers who may be interested in promoting his business to users of your application.

Usually applications that allow a free download have the potential to reach more people faster. Even if the free version has some limited functionality, it is always more likely for a user to download a free application to test without compromise, than to have to pay a value beforehand without having tried it. On the other hand, an application whose download is paid can reach fewer people but be more profitable. If it responds to a very specific need in an area with little competition, there may be significant adherence of users who, even if they are fewer in number, can provide a greater return.

Conclusion

If you have an idea for a new application you should make sure that this is an original idea or that somehow stands out from the existing applications. Once this step is over, it's time to look for a programmer or company like Web House that can bring your application to life. This type of work is highly specialized, so it must be made by professionals. During this process you should also define what form of monetization you find most effective for the type of application you are producing. Keep in mind that an application that reaches more people and manages more downloads, is not necessarily the most profitable. So, you should equate or even test, several options to see which one provides the best profitability.