Building a mobile app is a complex process. It requires careful consideration of various factors, including user experience, functionality, and monetisation. Monetising mobile apps is a critical aspect of the success of the apps. It's not always easy to strike the right balance between generating revenue and providing value to users.
With the rapid growth of the mobile app market, it's essential to have effective monetisation strategies in place. It's not only to generate revenue but also to sustain the app's growth.
In this article, we'll explore how VirtualSpirit's Mobile Engineer, Muca Sahli, has leveraged his expertise in building mobile apps with an effective in-app monetisation strategy. His deep knowledge of mobile app development has helped him implement effective monetisation strategies that drive revenue and enhance the user experience.
1. Can you share with us what made you initially interested in mobile development? How many years have you been working as a mobile engineer?
I became interested in developing mobile applications at the beginning of the emergence of mobile phones with the Symbian operating system around 2001. At that time, I saw cell phones as smaller and more practical computing devices than computers.
Using just my phone, I can send emails and messages and do word processing using Quick Office, which is similar to Microsoft Word on a computer. Then in 2007 and 2008, the Android operating system was launched with more advanced features and more interesting applications. This sparked my curiosity to try to make good and useful mobile apps.
2. Before we're going a bit deeper. Can you describe your ups and downs of working as a mobile engineer at VirtualSpirit?
What I like about working at VirtualSpirit is that there are many colleagues who are very professional.
Additionally, the applications developed at VirtualSpirit are very diverse, ranging from chat applications, video call applications, consultation applications between patients and doctors, and others. This adds to my knowledge about the business flow of each application and different technologies.
So it really helps improve my skills. There are also knowledge-sharing sessions that give me more insight and knowledge into mobile application development.
3. Can you describe your experience with monetising mobile apps? With what framework do you build apps with monetisation?
I have experience in monetising mobile applications using the React-Native framework with an in-app purchase monetisation strategy. The in-app purchase (IAP) strategy is very popular and involves selling virtual goods, content or additional features within the app that can be purchased by users.
4. What measures have you taken using the in-app purchase monetisation strategy for the applications you have built?
To make an in-app purchase strategy successful, several factors must be considered. First, the price of virtual goods or additional features must match the value provided to the users. Prices that are too high can discourage users from buying, while prices that are too low can reduce the potential for greater earnings.
Second, in-app purchases should not interfere with the user experience. Don't pop up too often or interrupt the flow of using the app.
Third, developers must provide an easy and safe way for users to make in-app purchases by providing a choice of common payment methods such as credit cards, PayPal or mobile operators.
With a good in-app purchase strategy, app developers can generate significant revenue from users without relying on ads or selling apps at high prices.
5. How do you measure the success of a monetisation strategy in your app?
To assess the success of in-app purchases, developers can pay attention to several things, such as the Conversion Rate, ARPU, LTV, and Churn Rate. In addition, developers also need to consider development costs, marketing strategies and competition in the market. By conducting the right analysis, developers can assess the success of in-app purchases and make improvements if needed to increase revenue and position in the market.
6. Have you ever had to make changes to a monetisation strategy based on user feedback?
7. What challenges have you faced when implementing the IAP monetisation strategy and how did you overcome them?
I faced a challenge while integrating the application with a payment system and determining additional features that interest users. I also needed to create a smooth user experience and uncomplicated purchase flow. To overcome this challenge, I have to pay attention to the quality and needs of users and ensure that in-app purchases provide added value and increase revenue from the application.
8. How do you prioritise user privacy and data security when implementing the IAP monetisation strategy?
The way I prioritise user privacy and data security is by using a secure payment system, ensuring user data is not misused, giving users control over their personal data and information, not forcing users to make purchases, and complying with regulations regarding user privacy and data security.
9. How do you keep up with industry trends in mobile app monetisation?
The way I follow industry trends in mobile app monetisation is by continuously learning and innovating, joining developer communities, and reading a lot about trends and market needs from reliable sources.
10. Last question: What is your advice for other mobile engineers who are also building mobile apps with a monetisation concept?
My advice is to know your target audience and learn what they are looking for in your app. Then, you can choose the right monetisation strategy by putting user experience as the top priority. Additionally, you should pay close attention to user privacy and data security because personal data security is very important. Lastly, continuously test and monitor the performance of the monetisation strategy you have implemented to improve and enhance your app.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, as VirtualSpirit's Mobile Engineer, the experience shared by Muca Sahli provides valuable insights into the world of mobile app monetisation. To successfully monetise a mobile app, it is crucial to understand the needs and wants of the target audience, prioritise user experience, and ensure user privacy and data security. In-app purchases, along with other popular monetisation strategies, can generate significant revenue for app developers when executed properly.
However, implementing these strategies may require technical expertise and market research, which demands continuous learning and innovation. It is also essential to track and evaluate the performance of monetisation strategies regularly to identify areas for improvement and ensure long-term success.
With these considerations in mind, app developers can navigate the competitive mobile app market and build profitable, user-friendly apps that meet the needs of their target audience.
