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Building an app can feel like an enormous undertaking, but it’s also one of the most lucrative ways to generate revenue in today’s digital-first economy. With millions of apps available and billions of users worldwide, creating and monetising an app has become a top priority for many businesses, developers, and entrepreneurs.
This step-by-step guide will walk you through the essential stages of developing an app and making it profitable.
Whether you’re just brainstorming an idea or ready to bring it to life, you’ll learn how to turn a concept into a money-making app.
The foundation of any successful app begins with rigorous ideation and research. This process helps define the app’s purpose and ensures it caters to a real user need.
Ask yourself:
● What problem does your app solve?
● Who is your target audience?
● What unique value does your app bring to users?
If your app lacks a clear purpose or fails to answer these questions, it’s time to rethink the concept. For instance, fitness apps like MyFitnessPal thrive because they help users achieve specific health goals.
Research your competitors. What are they doing well, and where are the gaps? Platforms like Google Trends and industry forums can provide insight into user pain points and industry trends.
Take note:
● Read competitor app reviews to understand user frustrations.
● Investigate app stores to identify top-performing apps in your niche.
● Use tools like Statista to access market data and app usage trends.
Narrow Down Your Target Audience
Tailor your app for a specific demographic, focusing on their behaviour, pain points, and expectations. A narrowly defined user persona ensures your app offers features aligned with user needs.
Choosing the correct development method sets the stage for your app's success. Budget, expertise, and time constraints will influence this decision.
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Native Apps vs. PWAs
● Native Apps are designed specifically for platforms like iOS or Android, offering smooth performance and full integration with device features.
● Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) are faster to develop and run on web browsers but may lack advanced functionalities.
Think about the level of functionality your app requires. For instance, gaming apps often perform better as native apps due to faster processing power.
Popular no-code platforms such as Google AppSheet, Glide, and GoodBarber are great for non-technical users. These platforms allow you to create basic apps quickly and at a lower cost. However, if your app requires custom features, you might need to hire a development team.
Cost Considerations
● No-code platforms typically cost less upfront, with monthly subscription fees.
● Fully custom apps often demand budgets ranging from £40,000 for simple apps to £200,000 for complex projects.
How your app looks and feels can make or break its success. Users are quick to abandon apps with clunky interfaces or poor navigation.
A compelling design isn’t just about aesthetics, it enhances user engagement and retention. High-quality visuals and seamless usability boost the app’s appeal.
Wireframes act as the blueprint for your app. Tools like Figma and Adobe XD help visualise layouts and user flows. This step prevents expensive revisions further along in development.
Keep navigation simple by ensuring users can reach their desired action within three taps or clicks. Whether it’s completing a purchase or finding a setting, simplicity breeds satisfaction.
After planning and design comes the technical aspects of app creation.
For developers, languages like Swift (iOS) and Kotlin (Android) are essential for native apps. Cross-platform tools such as Flutter and React Native allow simultaneous development for both platforms, saving time and resources.
Run your app on both iOS and Android devices to identify any bugs, crashes, or performance issues. Compatibility testing ensures your app functions smoothly regardless of device type.
Launch a beta version before an official release to gather critical insights. Early feedback allows for fine-tuning features and addressing issues before your app goes public.
Once your app is developed, the next step is making it profitable. There are numerous revenue models to choose from depending on your target audience and app type.
This strategy works exceptionally well in gaming apps. Selling items like virtual currencies or premium upgrades can contribute significantly to revenue.
Offer valuable ongoing features, such as exclusive content or guided tools. Examples include Duolingo and Netflix, which rely heavily on recurring monthly subscription fees.
Install ad frameworks to generate revenue for each click or impression users create. While ads work best in free apps, overuse can alienate your audience.
Give users basic features for free, but charge for advanced access. Note-taking apps like Evernote excel with this monetisation method.
Partner with relevant companies to embed their branding in your app, offering mutual benefits.
Platforms like Kickstarter enable you to secure funds during the pre-launch phase and gauge early interest.
A well-planned launch determines how quickly your app gains traction.
Use ASO strategies to increase your app’s visibility. This involves:
● Crafting keyword-rich titles and descriptions.
● Choosing eye-catching screenshots and videos.
Generate buzz with a compelling social media campaign. Offer sneak peeks or pre-registration options to build anticipation.
After the launch, integrate push notifications to keep users updated about new features, offers, or content.
Keeping users engaged is critical for long-term success.
Pay attention to retention rates:
● Day 1 Retention tracks how many users return the day after downloading.
● Day 7 Retention reflects app stickiness over the initial week.
Features like gamification, rewards, and personalisation keep users coming back. Tailored push notifications can also drive interaction.
Reinvest a percentage of your revenue into marketing efforts like targeted ad campaigns or influencer partnerships to grow your user base.
Compliance with privacy and security regulations protects you from legal challenges.
Apps must adhere to global privacy laws like GDPR. Tools like iubenda simplify compliance by generating legally sound policies.
Ensure your app follows Apple App Store and Google Play Store requirements to avoid rejection during submission.
Creating an app that makes money involves more than coding; it requires deliberate planning, innovative design, effective marketing, and strategic monetisation. By following these eight steps, you’ll position your app for success while delivering value to your users.
It’s time to put your vision into motion. Start building your app today and unlock its revenue potential!
The cost of developing an app depends on its complexity and the development method. A simple app can cost between $40,000–$120,000, while more complex apps can exceed $200,000.
Using no-code platforms like AppSheet or GoodBarber can significantly reduce costs.
Yes, you can create an app for free using no-code platforms like AppSheet, Appy Pie, or Thunkable. However, free plans often come with limitations, and you may need to upgrade to access advanced features or publish your app on app stores.
Free apps can generate revenue through:
● In-app advertising.
● In-app purchases (e.g., virtual goods, premium features).
● Subscriptions for premium content.
● Affiliate marketing or sponsorships.
Earnings depend on your app's monetization strategy and user base. For example:
● Apps with 100,000 downloads can earn $5,000–$20,000 per month.
● Subscription-based apps can generate recurring revenue, with 10% of users subscribing at $10/month earning $10,000/month.
The most effective strategies include:
● In-app purchases: Ideal for gaming and utility apps.
● Subscriptions: Great for fitness, education, and productivity apps.
● Advertising: Works well for free apps with high engagement.
● Freemium models: Offer basic features for free and charge for premium upgrades.
The timeline varies based on the app's complexity:
● Simple apps: 3–6 months.
● Medium complexity apps: 6–9 months.
● Complex apps: 9–12+ months.
Using no-code platforms can speed up the process significantly.
No, coding skills are not necessary if you use no-code platforms like AppSheet, GoodBarber, or Thunkable. These platforms offer drag-and-drop interfaces and pre-built templates to simplify the process.
To publish your app:
● Register as a developer on the Apple App Store ($99/year) and Google Play Store ($25 one-time fee).
● Follow their submission guidelines, including providing app descriptions, screenshots, and privacy policies.
● Test your app thoroughly to ensure it meets store requirements.
Retention strategies include:
● Offering a seamless onboarding experience.
● Sending personalized push notifications.
● Regularly updating your app with new features.
● Using gamification to keep users engaged.
The top-grossing app categories include:
● Gaming (e.g., in-app purchases for virtual goods).
● Fitness and health (e.g., subscriptions for guided workouts).
● Productivity (e.g., freemium models with premium features).
● Education (e.g., language learning apps with subscription plans).
Common challenges include:
● High competition in the app market.
● Ensuring a smooth user experience (UX).
● Retaining users and reducing churn.
● Choosing the right monetization strategy.
● Complying with legal and app store guidelines.
Effective marketing strategies include:
● App Store Optimization (ASO) to improve visibility.
● Social media campaigns to build awareness.
● Influencer partnerships to reach your target audience.
● Offering free trials or discounts to attract users.
Yes, you can monetize your app without ads by using:
● Subscriptions for premium features.
● In-app purchases for virtual goods or upgrades.
● Sponsorships or affiliate marketing.
● Charging a one-time fee for app downloads.
To comply with legal requirements:
● Create a privacy policy that outlines how user data is collected and used.
● Follow app store guidelines for content and functionality.
● Use tools like iubenda to generate compliant policies.
● ative apps: Built for specific platforms (iOS or Android) and offer better performance and access to device features.
● Progressive Web Apps (PWAs): Web-based apps that work on any device with a browser. They are easier to develop and maintain but have limited access to device features.
Have an app idea but not sure where to start? At New Web Order, we specialize in turning your vision into reality. Whether you need help with app development, monetization strategies, or marketing, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
📩 Get in touch with us today to start building your app and unlocking its revenue potential!
