Top 10 Business Models for Mobile App Development

best Business Model for Mobile App Development

by admin ,August 8, 2024

With the rise in the usage of mobile apps, most of the small, medium and large businesses prefer to develop high-quality mobile apps for their business. here in this blog, we will discuss about what are the best Business Models for Mobile App Development.

Have a look at these stats below: –

  • The number of smartphone mobile network subscriptions worldwide reached almost seven billion in 2023, and is forecast to exceed 7.7 billion by 2028
  • There are approximately 6.84 billion smartphones in the world.
  • Worldwide smartphone users have increased year-over-year by at least 5% over the last five years.

Mobile App Development market

Nowadays, businesses prefer to get mobile app development services from an agency that provides reliable business mobile app models. Mobile apps present a variety of ways to make money. But to use these opportunities correctly, it is important to select the best business model for mobile application development.

So, let’s take a look at some mobile application business models that you can choose to gain profit.

Key Benefits of Business Models for Mobile App Development

Business Model for Mobile App Development

A well-defined business model is important for the success of a mobile app. Have a look the main advantages of business models for mobile app development: –

  • Generates Revenue

Different business mobile app development models, such as in-app purchases, subscription services, or advertisements, can provide a steady stream of income, offering financial sustainability and growth.

  • Better Scalability

Certain models, like SaaS (Software as a Service), allow for easy scalability as the user base grows, making it simpler to manage and support a larger audience without significant infrastructure changes.

  • Market Penetration

An app business model can lower the entry barrier for new users, allowing for a wider reach and faster market penetration, which is important for building a large user base.

  • Customer Insights

A mobile application model provides valuable data on user behavior and preferences, which allows businesses to tailor their offerings and marketing strategies effectively.

  • Competitive Advantage

Choosing the right business mobile app model can provide a competitive edge by differentiating the app from others and meeting specific market demands or user needs more effectively.

Mobile apps are essential for a business to be successful. Building a new mobile app is a significant investment for startups, small business and large enterprises in the USA. Also, check out the benefits of mobile apps for business to grow faster.

Top 10 Best Business Models for Mobile App Development

Business Models for Mobile App Development

Whether it is a mobile game or a shopping/photo editing app, the mobile market has huge potential. If you have an idea for developing a mobile app for business, go for it, but also consider planning the revenue stream. Also read, best mobile app ideas for startups.

Here, we have listed the top 10 mobile app development business models that will help businesses generate income.

  • Freemium Business Model 
  • Advertising Model  
  • Commissioned Apps   
  • Paid Methods    
  • In App Purchases    
  • Subscription Based Apps    
  • Sponsorships   
  • Data Monetization  
  • Affiliate Marketing   
  • Video Advertisements   

Now let’s understand in detail about these 10 best business models for mobile app development.

1. Freemium Business Model

It is one of the most popular ways to monetize your app by offering it for free, but users need to make at least one purchase to access all the benefits of the app.

When using music, antivirus, or similar mobile applications, you may have noticed that several ads open without clicking on any button. This happens because the apps use a freemium model, making users more likely to spend money on an app’s premium features when the app is offered for free.

Offering the app for free helps in increasing the retention rate and user engagement as well.

Examples- Candy Crush Saga, Clash of Clans, Duolingo, etc.

2. Advertising Model

The advertising model relies on displaying ads within the app to generate revenue. It is a viable option for both free and premium apps and is relatively easy to implement. However, developers must strike a balance between ad presence and user experience, as intrusive ads can drive users away.

Example- Facebook

3. Commissioned Apps

Commissioned apps are customized solutions which are developed for specific businesses or organizations. Developers can earn a commission on each transaction facilitated by the app, making it a profitable option.

Example- Uber for Business

4. Paid Methods

With paid applications, people can purchase the app and then download it. There will be no trial options; people should directly purchase by checking the app summary. In this way, you can generate profit, but there may be chances of lacking customer satisfaction and keeping your app at rest by users.

5. In App Purchases

In-app purchases allow users to buy virtual goods, services, or any relevant information within the app. This model is commonly used in gaming, social media, and educational apps.

It is the duty of developers to make sure that the in-app purchases should be relevant, fairly priced, and clearly communicated to users.

Example- Candy Crush Saga.

6. Subscription Based Apps

Subscription Based Apps

This business model relies on users purchasing the app subscription in exchange for its services. In simple terms, users will pay a certain amount of money on a monthly or annual basis, and in return, they can access the app without being disturbed by ads.

This model is widely popular for video-streaming, music, and e-book related applications. You can also offer a free trial period or keep some of the content free for everyone to attract more customers.

Example- Netflix and Amazon Prime.

7. Sponsorships

This is one of the best app monetization options available in the market. The idea is to establish a brand presence within your app by adding advertisements and affiliate links that generate revenue when users click on them.

You can also reward users with incentives, often referred to as click-through rewards, such as games, exclusive content, coupons, or access to premium features.

Example- Red Bull TV

8. Data Monetization

Data monetization is the process of collecting and selling user data to third-party companies for purposes like targeted advertising and market research. While this model can be profitable, it should be conducted with respect for user privacy and in compliance with data protection regulations.

Example- Facebook

9. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is a popular business model in mobile applications, often used by entrepreneurs. It provides a channel to promote products or businesses, allowing individuals to earn small commissions.

If you have a product, you can market it to others and earn a profit through creating leads and generating sales.

Example- Amazon

10. Video Advertisements

Visual representation, especially through visual ads, is becoming increasingly popular. Visual ads play a significant role in attracting customers as they can directly showcase products and applications.

This business model involves displaying ads for applications. Effective video ads can help in attracting users to your app, and app developers can collaborate with advertising companies to develop and display video ads on their apps.

The Best and Famous Money-Making Mobile App

There are many mobile business applications that make money by employing various business models. But only a few are very famous for earning money by adopting the right solutions.

Here is a list of top money-making mobile apps: –

  • Amazon
  • Netflix
  • Uber
  • Acorns
  • Ola
  • Foap
  • Swagbucks
  • LINE Manga

Tips for Choosing the Right Business Model for Mobile App Development

Selecting the right business model for your mobile app is essential for its success. Here are some important tips you can follow to make a better decision: –

1. Conduct thorough research to understand the needs, preferences, and behavior of potential users. This will help you in choosing a business model that aligns with their expectations and provides better engagement.

2. Examine how similar apps in your industry are monetized. This analysis can provide insights into effective models and highlight potential gaps or opportunities for differentiation.

3. Decide how you plan to generate revenue, such as through in-app purchases, subscriptions, advertisements, or a freemium model. Choose the method that best suits your app’s purpose and user base.

4. Make sure that the business model you choose is not only viable in the short term but also sustainable in the long run. It should be adaptable to changing market conditions and user needs.

5. Be aware of any legal and compliance requirements related to your chosen business model. This includes understanding the regulations in different regions if you plan to operate globally.

To Wrap Up- The Best Business Models for Mobile App Development

When it comes to selecting an ideal business app development model for your mobile app, it is crucial to consider factors such as your target audience, the app’s value proposition, market competition, and your budget.

You should also think about combining multiple business models to maximize your revenue. Success in the mobile app development industry comes from building a valuable app and choosing the right path to profitability.

Why Choose MAADI for Mobile App Development in India?

Monetization is not possible without selecting the correct business model. There are various ways of making money through apps, and each model works differently.

If you are unsure about choosing the right business model for your mobile app or if you are planning to develop a mobile application for your business, then you can hire mobile app developers from MAADI, the best mobile app development company in India and USA.

With over 14+ years of domain experience, our development team has successfully launched 2000+ projects globally.

Contact us today to discuss your mobile app development needs.