Building a no-code app is simple, but making money from it requires planning and a bit of work. That’s what separates the great app developers from the vibe coders! With mobile apps projected to generate over $613 billion by 2025, the opportunities are huge. However, since 92% of Apple App Store apps and 96% of Google Play Store apps are free, most developers rely on strategies like in-app purchases, subscriptions, or ads. Here’s how you can monetize your app effectively:
- Understand Your Users and App Category: Align your monetization strategy with user behavior and app type. Gaming apps thrive on in-app purchases, while productivity apps often succeed with subscriptions or paid downloads.
- Choose a Monetization Model: Options include freemium, in-app purchases, subscriptions, and ads. Many apps combine these for maximum revenue.
- Integrate Payments and Ads: Use tools like Adalo’s Stripe integration for payments and Google AdMob for ads. Test features thoroughly before launch.
- Set Pricing Strategically: Research competitors, offer free trials, and make purchasing easy. Balance affordability with perceived value.
- Track and Optimize Performance: Monitor metrics like ARPU, LTV, and retention rates. Test different strategies and refine based on results.
With platforms like Adalo, you can implement these strategies without coding. Whether you’re launching your first app or scaling an existing one, these steps can help turn user engagement into income.
5-Step Process to Monetize Your No-Code Mobile App
How To Build a "1 PAGE" App That ACTUALLY Makes Money
sbb-itb-d4116c7
Step 1: Know Your App and Users
Before diving into integrating payments or ads, it's essential to understand your app's audience and their expectations. A poorly aligned monetization strategy can lead to user frustration and increased uninstall rates. What works for a mobile game might fail miserably for a productivity tool or a marketplace app.
Review Your App Category
Different app categories naturally align with specific revenue models. For instance, in-app purchases dominate gaming apps, with nearly 79% of them relying on this model for revenue. In fact, mobile games made up 66% of the Apple App Store's total revenue share in 2020. Gamers often expect free downloads, supported by optional purchases for things like speed-ups, extra lives, or cosmetic upgrades.
On the other hand, productivity apps often thrive with paid downloads or subscription models. Users in this category are usually willing to pay for tools that save time or provide measurable benefits. Marketplace apps, like Uber or Airbnb, typically succeed by charging transaction fees, while utility apps often lean toward one-time purchases to unlock premium features. The key is to align your revenue strategy with what users in your app category already expect when you build a mobile app.
Study User Behavior
Once you've identified your app's category, the next step is to analyze how users interact with it. This insight helps you fine-tune both the timing and methods of monetization. For example, casual users might be more tolerant of ads, while dedicated, "power users" are often willing to pay for advanced features or better performance.
For apps that deliver one-time outcomes - like a photo editing filter - a single payment model works best. But if your app offers ongoing or compounding value, such as a fitness tracker or project management tool, subscriptions tend to perform better.
"Monetization is not just about adding payments... Users pay when the app clearly saves time, reduces cost, or solves a painful problem they already care about."
- Jesus Vargas, Founder, LowCode Agency
The scale of the problem your app solves - and the number of users it impacts - plays a big role in its earning potential. For example, a B2B app that delivers high value can justify charging earlier and more aggressively than a consumer app, which might need to focus on building a large user base first. Before introducing payment features, ensure your app addresses a real, pressing problem. Otherwise, you risk creating friction in an experience users may not value enough to pay for.
Step 2: Pick Your Monetization Model
Once you've identified your user base and app category, it's time to decide how your app will generate revenue. Interestingly, over 35% of apps now rely on hybrid monetization strategies.
There are several monetization models to consider: freemium, in-app purchases, subscriptions, and advertising. Each has its strengths, depending on your app type, user habits, and engagement levels. Let’s break them down.
Freemium Model
The freemium model offers users access to your app’s basic features for free, while charging for premium upgrades, advanced tools, or exclusive content. This strategy is great for building a large user base quickly by letting people experience your app before committing to pay. A well-known example is LinkedIn, which provides a free version alongside paid premium features.
The key to success here is balance. Your free version should deliver enough value to attract users, while your paid tier must offer clear, worthwhile benefits. If the free version feels too limited, users may lose interest before upgrading. Conversely, if it’s too generous, they might not see a reason to pay.
This approach works especially well for productivity apps, social platforms, and no-code SaaS products where users appreciate a "try-before-you-buy" experience.
In-App Purchases and Subscriptions
In-app purchases (IAP) allow users to buy specific features or items directly within your app. These purchases generally fall into two categories:
- Consumables: Items that can be used once, like extra game lives or credits.
- Non-consumables: Permanent unlocks, such as removing ads or accessing advanced tools.
IAPs are particularly effective for gaming apps. Take Pokémon Go, for instance, which lets users purchase items like Pokéballs or exclusive features.
Subscriptions, on the other hand, create a recurring revenue stream - typically monthly or yearly - by granting ongoing access to content or services. This model is ideal for apps that provide continuous value, such as fitness trackers, meditation tools, news platforms, or project management apps. For apps that users interact with frequently, subscriptions tend to be a strong option.
Platforms like Adalo make it simple to test both methods. For example, you could offer a one-time purchase for casual users while providing a subscription tier for those who want unlimited access or advanced features.
In-App Advertising
In-app advertising generates income by displaying ads like banners, interstitials, or rewarded videos. While this model can be profitable with a high user volume, the revenue per user is relatively low. For instance, 1,000 users viewing ads might only bring in a few dollars per month. In contrast, 1,000 subscribers paying $1 monthly would generate $12,000 annually.
Globally, 38% of mobile apps include some form of advertising, though this figure drops to 24% in the U.S.. Ads tend to work best for casual games or high-traffic utility apps where users engage in short, repeated sessions and are less likely to pay upfront.
However, overloading your app with ads can harm the user experience. As Ariel Gonzalez from Thunkable points out:
"If you start with the goal of putting in as many ads as possible, you'll inevitably create a poor user experience. The best way to monetize your app is to create a great app."
If you choose to include ads, consider offering a premium subscription to remove them. This hybrid approach allows you to earn from both casual users and those willing to pay for an ad-free experience.
| Model | Best For | Revenue Type | User Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Productivity, social, and SaaS apps | One-time/Recurring | Low friction; encourages trial |
| In-App Purchases | Games, niche utilities, e-commerce | One-time | Optional; enhances specific tasks |
| Subscriptions | Content, fitness, news, daily-use tools | Recurring | High; requires ongoing value |
| In-App Advertising | Casual games, high-traffic utilities | Passive | High; can be intrusive if overused |
Many apps now combine these models. For example, hybrid strategies are used by 61.7% of gaming apps and 39.4% of social apps. A typical approach might include a free version with ads, a mid-tier subscription to remove ads, and optional in-app purchases for users who want extra features or perks.
The best monetization model depends on your app’s purpose, the behavior of your users, and the problem you’re solving. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different strategies to find the right fit. Tools like Adalo can help you test and refine your approach as you optimize your app’s revenue potential.
Step 3: Build Monetization Into Your App
Now that you've chosen your monetization model in Step 2, it's time to bring it to life by integrating these features into your app using Adalo's tools. Setting up these components correctly from the start is key to ensuring everything runs smoothly. With Adalo's specialized components, you can easily add payment options and ads directly into your app.
Connect Payment Gateways
Adalo provides several tools to help you set up in-app payments. For one-time purchases, like unlocking premium features or buying in-game items, you can use the Digital Purchase component. For subscriptions or marketplace payments, the Stripe component is your go-to option.
Here's how to get started:
- Create a "Products" collection in your Adalo database. Each product needs a unique Product ID that matches the configurations in both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
- Drag the Digital Purchase component from Adalo's Marketplace onto your app screen. Use Magic Text to link the Product ID field to your database.
-
Configure three essential actions:
- Successful: Update user records when a payment is completed.
- Error: Log any issues that arise during transactions.
- Canceled: Handle events where users cancel their purchases.
Both Apple and Google require a "Restore Purchases" button in your app. Add this feature by including an IAP button labeled "Restore." This button checks the user's purchase history and updates their access as needed. These steps help ensure users have a reliable way to complete transactions.
Pro Tip: Add payment features near the end of your development process. Apps with payment systems often face stricter reviews, which can slow down testing for other parts of your app.
Add Ad Networks
If you're planning to include in-app advertising, Adalo offers an integration with Google AdMob through a dedicated component. You'll need to create separate app entries in your AdMob account for iOS and Android, as each platform requires its own unique App ID. Then, set up Ad Units (like Banner or Interstitial ads) in AdMob to generate the necessary Ad IDs. Keep in mind that processing times for new accounts and Ad Units can vary.
During development, always use the test ad IDs provided by Google instead of real ones. This helps you avoid account issues and ensures your testing environment mirrors the live experience. By integrating ads, you create a passive revenue stream that can complement your other monetization methods, such as building and selling white-label apps.
Test Payment and Ad Features
Once you've integrated payments and ads, it's crucial to test everything thoroughly. For Stripe payments, use Test Mode with test API keys (e.g., pk_test and sk_test) to simulate transactions. Stripe also provides test card numbers for common scenarios:
- 4242 4242 4242 4242: Successful transaction.
- 4000 0000 0000 0002: Declined card.
- 4000 0027 6000 3184: 3D Secure authentication.
For iOS, use Apple TestFlight to test purchases (which are free in this environment). On Android, add Gmail addresses as "Licensed Testers" in the Google Play Console to avoid real charges. To streamline troubleshooting, create an "Error Log" collection in your database and use the "Error" action on payment components to capture issues.
Don't forget to test edge cases like expired cards, insufficient funds, and duplicate transactions. Make sure your app provides clear error messages, such as "Card Declined" or "Insufficient Funds", so users understand what went wrong. For ads, check that they don't interfere with navigation or disrupt the user experience. Use visibility rules to show ads only to specific user groups, like free-tier users, while hiding them for paying subscribers.
| Testing Phase | Tool | What to Verify |
|---|---|---|
| Payment Setup | Stripe Test Mode | API connectivity and success/failure scenarios |
| Ad Placement | AdMob Test IDs | Proper positioning, visibility, and UI compatibility |
| iOS Testing | Apple TestFlight | Purchase flow, restore functionality, error handling |
| Android Testing | Google Play Licensed Testers | Purchase flow and platform-specific behavior |
When you're ready to go live, update your API keys and Ad IDs to their production versions. Double-check that transaction fees (such as 2.9% + $0.30) are calculated correctly and that user balances update accurately after each payment. By testing rigorously, you can ensure your monetization features work seamlessly, laying the groundwork for sustainable revenue.
Step 4: Set Prices and Improve User Experience
When it comes to pricing, the key is understanding how much users are willing to pay while keeping them engaged. The challenge is to find that sweet spot where your app generates revenue without pushing users away.
Research and Set Your Prices
Start by checking out what similar apps are charging. Browse the App Store and Google Play Store to see which features competitors offer for free and which ones they hide behind a paywall. This gives you a sense of what users in your market are already used to paying.
Your pricing should align with user behavior and market norms. For example, B2B apps can often charge earlier because they solve expensive productivity issues. On the other hand, consumer apps usually need to attract a large user base first with low-friction options like free trials. As Jesus Vargas, Founder of LowCode Agency, explains:
"The fastest way to break adoption is to charge in the wrong place or at the wrong time".
Think about who uses your app and how often. Casual users may prefer ad-supported features or occasional purchases, while regular users might appreciate subscription options for premium features. It's important not to introduce paywalls too soon - users should experience your app's "aha!" moment first, so they feel the value before being asked to pay.
A mix of pricing models can also work well. For instance, you could offer ads for free users and provide a subscription option to remove them, letting users choose how they want to interact with your app.
Here’s a breakdown of common pricing models:
| Pricing Approach | Best For | Example Structure |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Subscription | Apps with ongoing value (e.g., SaaS, content) | $4.99/month with a 7-day free trial |
| Annual Subscription | Securing loyal customers upfront | $49.99/year (save about 17%) |
| One-Time Purchase | Apps offering one-time value (e.g., utilities) | $2.99 for permanent access |
| Tiered Plans | Meeting diverse user needs | Basic (free), Pro ($9.99/mo), Business ($29.99/mo) |
Most apps are free to download, so users expect to try before they buy. Don’t forget to factor in platform fees - Apple and Google typically take 30% of revenue, though this may drop to 15% for small businesses earning under $1 million annually or for subscriptions after the first year. Additionally, account for processing fees, like Stripe’s 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction.
Once you’ve set your prices, focus on making the purchasing process seamless.
Make Buying Easy
After nailing down competitive pricing, the next step is to simplify the purchase process. A complicated or lengthy checkout flow can derail conversions. Use trusted payment gateways like Stripe, and for digital goods or subscriptions, rely on the in-app purchase systems from the App Store and Google Play for a smooth and familiar experience.
Timing matters. When users hit a gated feature, offer them a free trial instead of outright blocking access. During onboarding, showcase the app’s most valuable features early, so users see the benefits of upgrading right away.
Test and tweak your paywall designs regularly. For example, over 35% of apps now combine subscriptions with one-time purchases or consumables, giving users more options. You might find that offering both a monthly plan (e.g., $9.99) and an annual plan (e.g., $99.99, which breaks down to $8.33/month) can appeal to different user preferences and boost revenue.
Even small details can make a big difference. Adding a simple loading indicator during the payment process reassures users that their transaction is being processed. Also, clear error messages like "Card Declined" or "Insufficient Funds" (instead of a vague "Payment Failed") can help reduce abandoned purchases.
Ultimately, users are willing to pay when your app demonstrates real value - whether it saves time, cuts costs, or solves a problem they care about. By combining a smart pricing strategy with an easy, user-friendly purchase experience, you can keep users engaged while building a more profitable app.
Step 5: Measure and Improve Revenue
Once your monetization and pricing strategies are in place, the next step is to measure how they’re performing. By keeping a close eye on key metrics, you can spot issues, make adjustments, and fine-tune your approach to boost revenue.
Track Revenue Metrics
To truly understand your app's financial health, focus on metrics that impact your earnings:
- Average Revenue Per User (ARPU): This tells you how much revenue each user generates on average. Top-performing apps typically see monthly ARPU between $0.20 and $0.50, while subscription-based models often exceed $1.00.
- Average Revenue Per Daily Active User (ARPDAU): This offers a more detailed view of revenue from active users. Mobile games hitting an ARPDAU above $0.07 are often in the global top 10% for revenue performance.
- Lifetime Value (LTV): Calculated as ARPU × (1 / Churn Rate), LTV shows the total revenue a user is expected to generate before leaving your app. A healthy LTV-to-Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) ratio is at least 3:1 - anything lower means you’re overspending on user acquisition.
Retention metrics are equally important. Apps typically lose 70–80% of new users within the first three months. If your Day 1 retention drops below 40%, it’s time to revisit your onboarding process. Even a 5% improvement in Day 1 retention can increase total revenue per install by 7%. Additionally, keep an eye on your Stickiness Ratio (DAU/MAU), which reflects user engagement. Aim for over 20% for utility apps and 35% for social tools to encourage regular use.
For ad-supported apps, effective Cost Per Mille (eCPM) and ad fill rates are critical. In 2024, the average eCPM for rewarded video ads on Android was $1.40 in the U.S. and $0.25 globally. Low eCPM or fill rates can signal revenue leaks that need immediate attention.
Once you’ve gathered these insights, it’s time to test and refine your strategies.
Test Different Approaches
Experimentation is key to finding what works best. Use tools like Firebase Remote Config to A/B test pricing tiers, ad placements, and subscription options without needing to release new app versions.
Try different ad formats - banners, interstitials, rewarded videos, or native ads - and see which ones perform well without annoying users. For instance, placing ads in high-intent areas of your app can minimize disruptions. If you’re targeting free users, consider showing fewer ads initially and focusing on those who are already highly engaged.
You can also test feature gating - determining which features should remain free to attract users and which ones to place behind a paywall to encourage upgrades. A great example of this is CookApps, a Seoul-based studio. In June 2022, they implemented AppLovin's MAX in-app bidding solution, leading to an 800% increase in revenue.
Once you’ve identified the winning strategies, focus on scaling them effectively.
Expand What Works
When you find strategies that consistently drive revenue, double down on them. For example, if a particular pricing tier or ad placement is performing well, expand its use. You might also consider adding premium features or introducing new subscription tiers based on user behavior and feedback.
Reducing churn is another way to maximize LTV. If your first-month churn rate exceeds 40%, look for friction points in your app’s core flows. Often, improving retention is more cost-effective than acquiring new users.
Use cohort analysis to identify user groups with high LTV and low churn. Set up alerts for key metrics like ARPU, LTV, and churn so you can act quickly if something goes off track. If your Return on Ad Spend (ROAS) is strong - profitable apps in North America often achieve 125%+ ROAS by Day 7 - you can confidently invest more in user acquisition. Just ensure your CAC stays well below your LTV to maintain profitability.
Conclusion
You don’t need a computer science degree or a hefty budget to turn your no-code app into a revenue-generating product. By following five key steps - understanding your users, selecting the right monetization model, integrating payment features, fine-tuning pricing and user experience, and consistently tracking performance - you can transform app engagement into a reliable income stream. These steps address common challenges, from choosing an effective monetization approach to ensuring long-term profitability.
Here's a staggering fact: around 92% of apps on the Apple App Store and 96% on the Google Play Store are free to download, yet nearly 47% of non-gaming apps rely on in-app purchases to make money. This shows the immense potential of the app market, but success is all about execution.
Adalo equips you with the tools to implement these strategies - no coding required. With features like Stripe integration for payments, IAPHUB for in-app purchases, and access to over 5,000 services via Zapier, you can start monetizing your app right away. Adalo’s track record speaks for itself: over 1 million apps have been built on the platform, and published apps process 20 million daily data requests. It’s clear that Adalo can handle business at scale.
"The best way to monetize your app is to create a great app. If you build it right, your users will come. And stay." - Ariel Gonzalez
Adalo’s free version makes it easy to test your monetization ideas. When you’re ready to publish, you can upgrade to a paid plan for $36/month. Need extra help? Take advantage of 70+ courses through the Adalo App Academy or hire an Adalo Expert for more complex features. With this five-step approach and Adalo’s robust tools, you have everything you need to turn your app’s potential into profit. Start building your success story with Adalo today.
FAQs
What’s the best way to monetize my no-code mobile app?
Choosing how to monetize your no-code mobile app means finding the right balance between delivering a great user experience, meeting your revenue targets, and staying true to your app’s purpose. Start by identifying what your app offers - whether it’s essential services, entertainment, or premium features - and align it with a monetization model like subscriptions, in-app purchases, or ads. For instance, subscription models are ideal for apps that provide consistent value over time, while ads are better suited for free apps with high user traffic.
It’s also important to think about your audience’s habits and how much they’re willing to spend. In the U.S., users generally accept ads in free apps but are also open to paying anywhere from $4.99 to $19.99 per month for apps that deliver significant value. Use tools like beta testing or surveys to understand whether your users prefer one-time purchases or recurring payments. Once you’ve picked a strategy, keep an eye on key metrics like average revenue per user (ARPU) and be ready to tweak your approach to keep both your users happy and your app profitable.
How can I add payments and ads to my no-code app?
Adalo makes adding payments and ads to your no-code mobile app straightforward with its built-in tools. Want to accept payments? The Payment component integrates directly with Stripe, making it easy to process one-time purchases or manage recurring subscriptions. For ad monetization, the Ad component lets you display banner or interstitial ads through Google AdMob - all without touching a single line of code.
Both features can be set up right in the Adalo builder, providing a hassle-free way for developers to start monetizing their apps efficiently.
What’s the best way to track and improve my app’s revenue performance?
To get a clear picture of your app's revenue performance, start by leveraging analytics tools to track essential metrics such as revenue per user, retention rates, and in-app purchase trends. These numbers can reveal patterns and pinpoint areas that might need tweaking to improve your monetization efforts.
You should also experiment with A/B testing for elements like subscription pricing or ad placements. This method helps you understand what resonates most with your users, allowing you to fine-tune your approach. Regularly analyzing your app's performance and making data-based adjustments is key to boosting profitability.
Related Blog Posts
