1.3 What Is Mobile App Monetization?

The next aspect of a mobile app is monetization, which means to convert something into currency or express something in the form of currency. Another way to think of it is turning a mobile app into money. One of the most compelling reasons to develop a mobile app is to make money, and when money is involved, it also means business. In simple terms, business is a noun that can be defined as the practice of making one's living by engaging in commerce. Putting both definitions together begs the question: How do I make money with my mobile app business?

Some of the more direct ways to monetize mobile apps are in-app advertising and simply selling your mobile app online. Because these techniques are so common, many mobile app developers make the common mistake of thinking they are the only ways to make money from mobile apps. The fact is, there are many mobile app monetization methods that are often ignored. However, some monetization methods are completely inappropriate for certain mobile apps.

Keep in mind that not all mobile apps even fit into traditional direct monetization methods. For instance, Blue Apron (blueapron.com), an American meal delivery service, encourages their customers to use their service by giving their mobile app free to customers. The company still profits, but its mobile app's monetization is indirect. The app itself doesn't make money, but the company does downstream as customers use the app to order meals. Another example of indirect mobile app monetization is the Southwest Airlines app, which customers can use to check in to their flights. The app itself frees Southwest employees from mundane tasks, thereby reducing costs, and frees customers from having to check in at the airport, thereby increasing customer satisfaction.