More than fulfilling your passion, taking a mobile game development course could lead you to a lucrative career. You can build games, publish it on app stores, and earn a living. However, success will not be a smooth-sailing destination. Besides creating a great product, you need to apply the right monetization strategies to boost your earnings.

Do you want to get some tips? See below nine best ways to monetize free-to-play apps:

1. Interstitials between levels

Interstitials or full-screen ads that appear after a player completes a level are but a good way to earn profits from your game. This strategy applies the CPM method of payment wherein publisher pays you a few bucks (often $2) for every 1,000 impressions of the ad. Just position the ad strategically so you won’t annoy users.

2. Button for “more games”

This in-app ad strategy works by simply putting a button linking gamers to other games. Just be sure to choose bigger gaming vendors. You can earn money once gamers click on the button to get a list of suggested games or any relevant mobile application that might interest them.

3. Freemium

As the name hints, this scheme offers the game free at first and charge users at some point. The most common approach is to offer gamers a free download of the app and let them pay for some of its features, stages, levels, or latest versions. Like other in-app ads, this may annoy users. But once they are into your game, they will sure purchase to advance in whatever your app offers.

4. Code-sharing

Does your app have a strong code? Other brands (industry rivals) offer a deal to “re-skin” your output. You can make the most of your app’s success by letting fellow developers take your code and license it to their name. The buyer will modify the graphic design, tweak sound effects, and rename the product. The great thing about re-skinning apps, though, is that it will not kill your brand and/or disrupt current users’ great gaming experience.

5. Downloadable stuff

Enthusiasts go crazy about a particular app; hence, they are likely to purchase everything related to it. Yes, many users are willing to spend pennies in exchange of wallpapers and ringtones for their phones. 

6. Customized virtual items

As a developer, you can sell your free app by making a customized version of it. The most common alteration applies to the overall feel and appearance of the app. You may also apply changes to features, weapons, and characters. 

7. Upgrades

Some gaming apps often let users own items, giving them power and control but with few limitations. For this reason, you can offer users with upgrades and charge them with certain amount of money.

8. Subscriptions

This model, which requires users to pay a fee to access a product, doesn’t work for all apps. If you developed a game that fits this model, then take advantage of people’s demand to premium content. Charge them on either monthly or yearly basis.

9. Content updates

Refreshing your app’s content regularly may be trivial but it counts. It can make your content strong—since it excites users to keep coming back for more. Don’t make them feel like they’ve already used your app to its fullest potential. With an updated content, you’ll see regular users turning into customers.

Can’t wait to create and make money from your own mobile app? Take a mobile game development course today! CIIT offers two great options: bachelor’s degree program and a short course.

For more details on these courses, feel free to contact CIIT.

Sources: blog.gameanalytics.com | androidheadlines.com | buildfire.com