15 Nov Desktop software monetization guide
Indeed, there are several effective methods to monetize an application or software. Understandably, all of them have some pros and cons. The great idea is to utilize SDK monetization. Having installed SDK, you will easily get money from users’ data. Only non-personal data is used, so there is nothing to worry about. The SDK monetization option from Infatica to monetize desktop games is one of the most popular now.
Understandably, there are many other monetization strategies. Let’s take a look at several.
The principle of paid downloading
One of the most direct ways to monetize is to choose the option of paid downloading. The emergence of new business models may seem to make this method obsolete, but it is still perfectly suited to certain types of apps and services. Indeed, many developers and companies still offer it. Many paid applications can be found on Google and Apple Stores.
Regarding payment, it most often starts when users download the application. Logically, the application is automatically installed after payment.
Some companies also opt for recurring payments. In other words, mobile users buy a monthly or annual subscription to use the solution on a daily basis. A comparable model for web applications that do not require downloading, offered in SaaS (system as a software), is the subscription to the service by creating a customer account that has rights to use the service or a key. API allows him to connect to it.
Please note, specific conditions must be met for the sale of a paid application to be successful.
- First of all, good communication is necessary before the presentation of the application. Use various channels such as social media to share information about the new product. The peculiarities and uses must be highlighted in order to arouse the interest of Internet users. This is the first step in making sure that launching the application does not flop. If possible, create a buzz when the time comes.
- Then the application must be published in the Stores. This is the best way to reach a large audience. For example, the App Store has an audience with a high propensity to spend. As for Google Play Store, it is the most used app store in the world. It is present on 75% of smartphones, which allows for greater exposure. Note that you must create native applications to be able to make a deposit on these Stores. This can be done by hiring professional mobile app developers.
The free app system with in-app purchases
The in-app purchase is a popular system for monetizing an app. It presupposes distributing an application for free. Users download it and install it on smartphones or tablets without having all the functionalities. Indeed, they have access to a basic version. If they want to get a little further in using the new app, they have to make a purchase. There are four types of products marketed with this system:
- First, consumable products which are generally usable once or during a given period. For example, this is the case with a life point or an internal game currency in a mobile game.
- Second, non-consumables are products with no expiration date. Most of the time, this is a new feature or premium access.
- Third, some developers offer services for a monthly or annual subscription with automatic renewal.
- Finally, the same services, new features are offered for sale as a subscription without renewal.
This in-app shopping system is often chosen by mobile game developers. Most of the time, players are new to the game. They can continue playing to a certain level. They must subscribe or buy something to unlock the next challenge. Digital media are also beginning to exploit this method. Many offer free applications. However, Internet users only have access to limited information. To access all the content, you must subscribe to a premium offer.
In-app purchasing is a business model that can be very profitable.
Monetizing apps with the help of ads
As with websites, in-app advertisements are profitable for developers. This involves renting out the advertising banners, etc. Advertisements are often clear. Sometimes they look like a suggestion in the app. These can be internal or external links. In all cases, the owner of the application is paid for the number of clicks, for the number of displays of a banner (CPM or cost per thousand impressions, for example), or according to the contracts established. This mode of monetization must consider the user experience so that the free access to the app is not at the cost of the user experience with too much or annoying exposure to advertisements.