How to create an app and make money

Written by: Charles Ezekiels

About the author

Charles Ezekiels — app-maker & digital entrepreneur. Years building simple apps, launching MVPs, and monetizing products through ads, subscriptions and in-app purchases. Practical, hands-on guidance for creators who want to build and earn.

Why you should build an app (and how it actually makes money)

I didn’t start building apps because I wanted to be a “tech guy.” I started because I had a problem I needed to solve — and I realized other people had the same problem. That’s the first rule you should remember: successful apps begin with a real user need.

Apps make money in predictable ways: ads, subscriptions, one-time purchases, in-app purchases, or selling services and leads. Which path you choose changes the product design and the user experience. Ads reward attention; subscriptions reward retention; one-time purchases reward clear, immediate value. I’ll walk you through each option as we plan your app so you can pick the model that fits your idea.

Start with one clear idea — validate before you build

Here’s the step I can’t stress enough: validate your idea before writing a single line of code.

1. Describe the problem in one sentence. Example: “Busy parents need a quick way to track kids’ chores and reward points.”
2. Describe the solution in one sentence. Example: “A simple checklist app with automated points and rewards.”
3. Find 10 potential users and ask one core question: “Would you pay X for this?” or “Would you use this weekly?” Validation beats opinions every time.

Do a simple landing page with a one-paragraph pitch and an email capture. Drive a few targeted visitors (social, friends, small ads) and measure interest. If people sign up, you’ve got traction. If not, iterate the idea. This took me two weeks the first time and saved months of wasted development.

Pick a monetization strategy early (it shapes everything)

Which monetization model fits your idea?

• Ad-supported: Great for high-usage, free apps (news, games, utilities). Needs large active user base to scale.
• Subscription (SaaS): Best for tools with ongoing value (productivity, health tracking, education). Focus on retention and recurring value.
• One-time purchase: Simple for premium utilities or content. Works if the app delivers clear immediate value.
• In-app purchases (IAP): Common for games or feature unlocks—design around temptation and fairness.
• Freemium + upgrade: Offer a free core experience and charge for advanced features.
• Lead generation / affiliate: If your app connects users to services, you can earn referral fees.

Decide this now. If you design an app for ads but want subscriptions later, you’ll rework major parts. I usually recommend starting with the simplest monetization that fits your user — it’s faster to test and iterate.

Person holding a smartphone with app icons and a fan of hundred-dollar bills, symbolizing how to create an app and make money online.

Choose the right platform and tech approach

Platform choices:

• iOS (Swift): Great for affluent user bases and app store visibility.
• Android (Kotlin/Java): Largest global audience, essential for international reach.
• Cross-platform (React Native, Flutter): Build once, deploy to both iOS and Android — ideal for MVPs and faster iteration.
• Web app / Progressive Web App (PWA): Fast to launch, works across devices, and can validate demand before native development.

If you’re new and want speed, build a PWA or use Flutter/React Native. If you target a specific ecosystem (e.g., iPhone-only features), go native. I’ve launched three MVPs: two with React Native and one PWA. React Native saved time without sacrificing performance for simple UIs.

Define your Minimum Viable Product (MVP)

Cut everything unnecessary. Build only the features that prove the core value. I use the following checklist when defining an MVP:

1. Core user problem: What one thing will the app solve today?
2. Core user action: What single action must the user perform to get value? (e.g., “Create a task,” “Track a habit,” “Scan a receipt”)
3. Core retention loop: What will bring users back? A daily reminder, new content, or progress tracking?
4. Core monetization: Will you show one ad per session, or gate a premium feature behind a subscription?

An MVP should launch in weeks — not months. I aim for 4–8 weeks from commitment to public beta when possible.

Design: simple interfaces win

Don’t over-design. Users want clarity. Use these rules:

• One main action per screen.
• Big, tappable buttons for mobile.
• Immediate feedback when an action completes.
• Minimal onboarding — show benefits in 30 seconds.

Sketch screens on paper or use free tools (Figma, Sketch). I always prototype basic flows first — you’ll catch UX problems early without coding.

Development options (do it yourself or hire)

Your options:

• Build it yourself: If you know JS, learn React Native or Flutter tutorials. This is lowest-cost but slower if you’re new.
• Hire a freelancer: Good for single-feature builds. Use Upwork, Fiverr, or local devs — check portfolios and references carefully.
• Hire an agency: Expensive but less oversight required; best when you have budget and need polish.
• Use no-code tools: Glide, Adalo, Bubble — ideal for simple workflows, marketplaces, or content apps. Great for testing ideas fast.

I often start with no-code or cross-platform for the first release, and then move to native once product-market fit is clearer. That way, you avoid heavy engineering costs early on.

Essential backend & services

Your app will likely need a few backend components. Use these managed services to move faster:

• Authentication: Firebase Auth, Auth0
• Database: Firebase Firestore, Supabase, or AWS DynamoDB
• File storage: Amazon S3 or Firebase Storage
• Push notifications: Firebase Cloud Messaging, OneSignal
• Analytics: Google Analytics for Firebase, Mixpanel
• Payments: Stripe, Paddle, Apple/Google in-app purchases

Using managed services reduces maintenance overhead and helps you focus on delivering value. In my experience, Firebase is the fastest option for MVPs because it covers auth, database, storage, and basic analytics in one place.

Plan your launch & growth loop

Launching is not the end — it’s the start of growth. Plan at least three user acquisition channels before launch:

• Organic SEO / content: Blog posts, tutorials, and how-to guides (this is what you’re reading).
• Paid ads: Small targeted campaigns on Facebook/Instagram or Apple Search Ads for niche apps.
• Community outreach: Reddit, forums, Discord, and influencers in your niche.

Create a simple referral loop in the app: invite friends, get a free month or unlock a feature. Referrals are the cheapest and most effective growth channel when done right.

Basic monetization roadmap (first 12 months)

1. Months 0–3: Validate demand, release MVP, collect feedback.
2. Months 3–6: Improve retention (push notifications, onboarding), add basic monetization (ads or low-tier subscription).
3. Months 6–12: Optimize pricing, introduce premium features, A/B test conversion flows.

Track metrics: Daily Active Users (DAU), retention (day1/day7), conversion rate (free->paid), average revenue per user (ARPU), and churn. These metrics tell you whether your app can scale.

My real-life checklist before I start coding

• Problem & one-sentence solution validated with real users
• Chosen monetization model
• Rough wireframes of key screens
• Selected tech stack (no-code / cross-platform / native)
• List of backend services needed
• Launch plan with 3 acquisition channels

If you complete the checklist, you’re ready to start building with confidence. The rest is execution and constant learning.

Quick tips from my early app launches

• Ship fast — a usable app in front of users beats a perfect product never released.
• Talk to your first 100 users — their feedback will guide product decisions better than analytics alone.
• Keep a small scope — it’s easier to add than to remove features later.
• Automate routine tasks like user support and analytics to save time.

When you’re ready, I’ll continue with the next stage — designing features, writing the first screens, and exact monetization templates that worked for my apps. Ready to build? Let’s go step-by-step and get your idea to market.

Designing Your App with Purpose (User-First Approach)

Most new app creators get it wrong here — they design for themselves instead of their users. When I started my first app, I spent weeks perfecting colors and icons, but users only cared if it solved their problem fast. That taught me a big lesson: design for clarity, not decoration.

Before you even open your design tool, ask yourself: “What is the main emotion I want the user to feel when they open this app?” It could be relief, control, excitement, or confidence. Every button, color, and feature should reflect that emotion.

Step-by-step design process I personally use

1. Sketch the flow on paper first: Don’t start in Figma yet. Use pen and paper to map the journey from signup → first use → success moment.
2. Create wireframes: Use Figma or Canva to draw clean black-and-white layouts — no colors yet, just structure.
3. Add color and branding later: Stick to two main colors. Use shades of one for consistency.
4. Test your wireframe: Show it to 3–5 people who might use your app. Ask them what they think the app does without explaining it. If they can tell, your design works.

I learned that the simpler your design, the faster users understand your value. It’s not about fancy gradients — it’s about clear purpose.

Building Your MVP Step-by-Step

When it’s time to build, don’t overcomplicate it. I used to think I needed an entire dev team — but you can create a simple MVP using tools that require zero coding knowledge.

No-code options I’ve personally tried

• Adalo: Great for basic mobile apps with user login and database.
• Glide: Perfect for spreadsheet-based apps like directories, budget trackers, or listings.
• Bubble: For more advanced logic-based apps — e.g., booking systems or marketplaces.
• Thunkable or Kodular: Ideal for beginners who want drag-and-drop mobile app creation.

I created one of my first apps with Adalo — a simple budget tracker. In less than two weeks, it was live. The key is to focus on the core function first, then slowly add polish after launch.

Testing Before Launch — Avoid Costly Mistakes

Testing is your best friend. Don’t skip it. You don’t need 1,000 users to test — five people can show you 90% of what’s wrong.

How I personally test before launch:

1. Ask 5–10 users to use your app while you watch silently.
2. Note where they get stuck or confused.
3. Fix the 3 biggest usability problems.
4. Repeat the process until users can use the app without asking questions.

I usually record user sessions (with their permission) using a screen recorder to analyze user actions later. It’s amazing how small tweaks can change the whole experience.

Monetization — Turning Downloads into Dollars

Once your app works smoothly, the next question is: how do you make real income from it?

1. Ad-based revenue

If your app has frequent daily use, ads are great. Integrate Google AdMob — they pay per click and impression. The key is to balance user experience; don’t spam ads. Show one ad after key actions or use banner ads in non-intrusive places.

2. Subscription model

Offer free features, but charge for premium tools or unlimited access. For example, your app could offer a free budget tracker but premium users get reports and cloud sync. This model gives steady monthly income if users love the product.

3. In-app purchases

For gaming or creative apps, sell extra features like skins, credits, or templates. I used this in a note-taking app — users could buy new themes or templates for $1–$3. It worked better than I expected.

4. Selling data insights ethically

Not personal data — aggregated insights. If you build a budgeting app, anonymized statistics about spending trends can be sold to research firms. But make sure your privacy policy is transparent and user consent is obtained.

5. Affiliate or referral income

If your app connects users to other services, include referral links. Example: an app that tracks crypto portfolios could earn a small commission when users sign up to an exchange via your link.

The secret is not to chase all income sources — focus on one that fits your audience’s behavior and app purpose. When you find what works, scale it.

Pre-Launch Marketing Plan

You don’t need to wait until your app is built to start marketing. I usually build interest 2–3 weeks before launch. This gives me a list of ready users.

Here’s how I do it:

• Create a landing page (use Carrd.co or Notion) describing what the app will do.
• Start posting short videos on TikTok or Instagram showing development progress — people love behind-the-scenes builds.
• Offer early access to testers who subscribe to your mailing list.
• Join Reddit and Facebook groups related to your niche, but focus on sharing value, not spamming links.

By the time you launch, you’ll already have an audience waiting — this saves money and gives your app the best start possible.

From Launch to First 1,000 Users

Don’t worry about going viral — your goal is to get the first 1,000 users who love your app. That’s where feedback and improvement come from.

Here’s how I grew my first app’s user base:

1. Referrals: Add an invite-a-friend feature — reward users with premium features or points for sharing.
2. Influencer shoutouts: Pay small micro-influencers in your niche. A $20 review can bring 500+ downloads.
3. ASO (App Store Optimization): Use clear keywords in your title and description. Screenshots should show benefits, not just UI.
4. Consistency: Keep updating. Users love active developers.

Once you have loyal users, reviews and word-of-mouth will drive organic growth. And that’s when your app starts turning into a real business.

How to Make Money from Your App Long-Term

Many beginners think the moment their app hits the store, money will start flowing in — but that’s rarely how it works. The real money comes from long-term consistency and smart monetization strategies. You need to treat your app like a business, not a one-time project.

1. Focus on Retention Before Revenue

If users download your app today and delete it tomorrow, your income won’t grow. Your first mission is to make people stay. The more time they spend on your app, the more you can earn from ads, subscriptions, or referrals.

Retention formula I use:

• Make onboarding easy — 3 steps max.
• Send friendly reminders via push notifications.
• Reward users for consistent use (daily points, badges, streaks).
• Always collect feedback and apply updates quickly.

When people feel your app helps them daily, they won’t just stay — they’ll share it with friends. That’s how you grow without big marketing costs.

2. Grow a Community Around Your App

Users love to belong to something. Create a Telegram group, Discord server, or Facebook page where they can share experiences or tips. For example, if your app helps with budgeting, create a group where users talk about saving challenges or money goals.

This turns your app into a movement, not just a tool. People stay loyal to communities — not just features.

3. Use Feedback to Improve Monetization

Your first monetization strategy might not work well, and that’s okay. I learned that by launching three different payment models before finding the right one for my users. The key is to listen and adjust fast.

Here’s how I test and optimize:

1. Release one monetization model (like ads only).
2. After two weeks, analyze user behavior — did usage drop after showing ads?
3. If yes, reduce ad frequency and add premium options.
4. Run small A/B tests — e.g., $3.99/month vs. $5.99/month — and check what performs best.

Monetization is never “set and forget.” Keep experimenting until you find the sweet spot between user comfort and profit.

Building Multiple Income Streams from One App

Once your app grows, there are multiple ways to multiply your income without creating new apps. Here are some strategies I’ve personally seen work:

1. Offer White Label or Licensing Deals

If your app solves a niche problem (like appointment booking or task tracking), small businesses might want their own version. You can license your app to them under their name for a one-time or monthly fee.

I once helped a local gym turn my tracking app into their “Fitness Journal.” They paid $300 upfront, and it took me only two hours to rebrand it for them. That’s passive income from existing work.

2. Add an Affiliate Marketplace Inside Your App

Let’s say your app tracks finances — add a tab that suggests financial tools (banks, investment platforms, or courses) using your affiliate links. You’ll earn a commission for every signup through your app.

This approach is non-intrusive and builds trust if done carefully — only recommend genuine products you’d personally use.

3. Create a Paid Course or eBook Related to Your App

Users who love your app might also want to learn how to do what you did. You can create a course like “How I Built This App Without Coding” and sell it through Gumroad or Payhip. Link it inside your app and earn even more.

4. Collect Emails and Build a List

Never rely only on app installs. Encourage users to sign up with their email during registration. This allows you to build a list and promote other digital products or new apps later.

Email marketing is one of the most powerful income tools. When you release a new feature or product, you already have a ready audience to market to.

Scaling Your App Like a Business

When you’ve built a user base, it’s time to treat your app like a real company. That means analytics, marketing, and customer service.

Key areas to focus on:

• Analytics: Use Firebase or Mixpanel to track user behavior and retention rates.
• Customer Support: Add a chat or help form to handle user issues quickly.
• Marketing: Run small ad campaigns ($5–$20) on TikTok or Meta Ads to boost installs.
• Branding: Build a clean, professional image for your app — it helps when pitching investors later.

Automate What You Can

As you grow, you can’t manually handle everything. Automate push notifications, user emails, and analytics reports. Tools like Zapier or Make (formerly Integromat) can connect your app to your email list, CRM, or even Google Sheets for automatic updates.

Final Words from My Experience

Creating an app and turning it into a money-making business is a process. It requires patience, creativity, and learning from real users. My first two apps didn’t make money at all — but they gave me the skills to build one that did.

Start small, learn fast, and keep improving. Every download teaches you something valuable. And remember — the best apps don’t just make money; they make users’ lives easier. If you focus on value first, income will follow naturally.

Written by Charles Ezekiels — sharing real experience from the digital world, helping young creators build income-generating apps from scratch.