Top Mobile App Monetisation Strategies for Startups

Have you ever had a brilliant app idea and thought, “This could really take off”? You’re not alone! With mobile apps becoming an essential part of our everyday lives, the app economy is thriving more than ever.  

But here’s the catch: building a great app is only half the journey. Figuring out how to actually make money from it is just as important. 

In this blog, we’ll share the top mobile app monetisation strategies for startups—easy-to-understand, practical options that help you turn downloads into revenue, without compromising the user experience. 

Top 5 Mobile App Monetisation Strategies 

Here are the top 5 mobile app monetisation strategies that are helping startups turn downloads into sustainable income: 

In-App Advertising: Leveraging the Best Ad Network for Mobile Apps 

In-app advertising is one of the most common ways to generate income, especially for free apps. It involves displaying ads within your app—consider banner ads, interstitials (those full-screen pop-ups), native ads that blend into content, and rewarded videos that offer users something in return. 

Pros: It’s quick to implement and allows users to access your app for free. 
Cons: Poorly placed ads can ruin the user experience. 

Startups should focus on choosing the best ad network for mobile apps such as Google AdMob, Facebook Audience Network, or Unity Ads to maximise returns without annoying users. This method can be particularly effective when integrated seamlessly into the app design, supporting mobile app monetisation without disrupting the experience. 

Freemium Model: Offering Value with Optional Premium Features 

The freemium model gives users access to the basic version of your app while offering premium features at a cost. It’s a proven winner for startups, especially for apps in productivity, fitness, and wellness. 

This approach is flexible and allows mobile app development to experiment with feature sets. But converting free users to paying ones requires smart prompts, value-driven upgrades, and an intuitive user journey. 

If you’re wondering how to monetise a mobile app using this method, focus on solving a problem so well in the free version that users are happy to pay for more. 

In-App Purchases (IAPs): Driving Revenue through Microtransactions 

In-app purchases (IAPs) let users buy virtual goods, premium content, or features directly inside the app. These could be consumables (like coins in a game), non-consumables (one-time unlocks), or subscriptions. 

They’re perfect for games, shopping apps, and lifestyle platforms. With both Android and iOS offering robust support, IAPs are a solid route for mobile app monetisation.  

Subscription Model: Recurring Revenue for Long-Term Growth 

The subscription model has become a favourite in the app world, offering weekly, monthly, or annual plans for ongoing access. It’s particularly suited to content-based, SaaS, and utility apps. 

Creating tiered pricing plans serves different user needs. It’s one of the smartest answers to how to monetise a mobile app sustainably. 

Affiliate Marketing and Partnerships: Monetising Through Collaborations 

Affiliate marketing involves integrating third-party offers and earning a commission for successful referrals or purchases. It’s ideal for ecommerce, deal aggregator, and content apps. 

By adding affiliate links that blend into content and tracking them through platforms like Impact or Amazon Associates, you can turn traffic into profit. 

Bonus Tip: Combine Strategies for Better Results 

Why choose just one strategy? Some of the most successful apps combine in-app ads with freemium models, or pair subscriptions with affiliate links. Tools like Firebase, Mixpanel, and RevenueCat can help you measure what’s working. 

Experiment, test, and adapt because a hybrid model often delivers the most consistent returns. 

Contact Kava Digital for Mobile App Development in Delhi 

At the end of the day, app monetisation for startups comes down to strategy. Don’t wait until after launch, integrate monetisation into your mobile app development right from the start. 

At Kava Digital, we help startups build digital products with mobile app monetisation in mind—smart, scalable, and built for real results. If you’re ready to take your idea from concept to a revenue-generating app, let’s talk. 

Ready to grow your app business the right way? Let Kava Digital guide your mobile app development journey across Delhi, Pune, and beyond.