Programming Social Applications

Build with Monetization in Mind

Another application developer failure point is not knowing how to monetize a good idea. As you develop your applications, you must have a clear understanding of how they will eventually make money. If it’s through advertising, you must make sure to set aside the appropriate space for the ads.

If advertising is not your preferred monetization method, there is a host of other methods available to you. Adding content upgrades to enrich the user experience can be an excellent way to keep users happy and give them the freedom to use the application how they wish.

Another effective method is integrating monetization into the application’s flow. For example, some game companies will provide a small amount of powerful enhancement points that players can use to speed up production of something, give them better stats, or add any number of other upgrades. Most players will just use the free points as they are slowly allotted, but some will purchase additional amounts to get an advantage over their peers.

No matter which method you use, it’s essential to form a strategy for how your application will make money prior to the start of development.