Chapter 18. Releasing and monetizing apps

 

This chapter covers

  • Submitting ad-supported apps
  • Submitting paid and trial apps
  • Implementing in-app purchases
  • Testing in-app purchases

As developers, we code to learn, to have fun, and most importantly to make money. Without money, we wouldn’t be able to support our families, let alone pursue our goals. In this chapter we explore the various options for monetizing your Windows Phone 8 applications. Whether you’re a hobby developer looking to turn your efforts into additional income or a professional developer working for yourself or an employer, Windows Phone offers a variety of options to monetize the apps you produce.

Free apps are good for building your portfolio but do little to put money in your pocket and pay the bills. The time and effort you put in to writing your apps is valuable. Although it may not make your rich, it can help with some extra money. The strategy you choose will determine the potential payoff.

There are three major strategies for monetizing Windows Phone apps:

  • Ad-supported apps
  • Paid and trial apps
  • In-app purchases

Each has its level of effectiveness, with ads on the low end, paid and trial apps in the middle, and in-app purchases at the high end. The level of effort required to implement each strategy follows the same order. The greater the effort you put into your monetization strategy, the bigger the payoff may be.

18.1. Ad-supported apps

18.2. Paid and trial apps

18.3. In-app purchases

18.4. Testing

18.5. Summary