Post
by FourthWorld » Sun Feb 12, 2023 7:23 pm
The challenge here is that most ad networks don't allow their simple web APIs that they use on web pages to be used in native apps, instead requiring more onerous binary APIs.
You can still use those in LC with the Builder scripting language, but before you invest that much work it may be worth considering why so few do.
Ad revenue can be big, if you're in the top 200 downloads at the app store. For everyone else it brings in little money, for many zero.
CPMs for ads are notoriously low, requiring frequent app usage among a large audience.
But because ads impair the quality of the software experience, the ability to grow an audience big enough to make money from ads is compromised.
One strategy that has worked for some is to build up an audience with a truly free offering, adding ads as your development time permits while the audience grows big enough to merit the effort.
But even then, early stages of growth will be too slow without a solid well funded marketing plan.
So considering all the factors, it's almost a Catch 22, where it takes a certain investment to see a return from it. But then again, what in any business isn't?
If an app is anticipated to have enough demand to merit ads, it may have enough demand to merit a fee instead.
It needn't be entirely fee based. You could have a core set of valuable features available at no cost, with upgrade options for power users. In-app purchase is supported in LC.
This keeps the quality of the experience high, and can produce more income per user than low CPM rates would provide.
Another option is using a mobile app as a free extension for a more full-featured desktop app available for a fee.
There are so many ways to monetize apps I wouldn't try to offer a one-size-fits-all here. What works for you will depend on the nature of your app, its audience characteristics, and the scope and depth of competing alternatives.
If you decide to limit your monetization to ads, find an ad network you like and review the APIs. We may be able to help you write the Builder code to use them well.
But first, it may be more profitable to thoroughly review your marketing plan. If you're looking to make money, in today's crowded market that will make the biggest difference regardless of the monetization options you choose.
