I’ve been releasing apps for a while now, but the commission fees are eating into my profits.
Considering alternatives like web apps or direct distribution.
Anyone found creative ways to reduce these fees without violating store policies? Curious about experiences with different monetization models too.
Look, here’s what works: freemium model with a twist.
Basic features in-app, premium stuff on your site. Direct users there for upgrades.
Run flash sales through email lists. Gets folks buying direct.
Key is balance. You need app store exposure, so don’t cut them out completely. I’ve seen devs tank their downloads going too far.
Test different price points. Sometimes raising prices actually boosts revenue even with fewer sales.
Bottom line: mix it up, track everything, adjust fast. No magic bullet, just constant optimization.
I sometimes use a free app version and then direct users to my website for paid features. This method works well and avoids some commission fees. Ensure the app remains valuable.
Tried a few things over the years. One that’s worked well is a ‘freemium’ model with IAPs for power users.
Basic features stay free in the app. For advanced stuff, we nudge users to subscribe on our website. It’s a balancing act - you need enough value in-app to keep store ratings high.
Another tactic: we do time-limited promos on our site. Drive traffic there through email or social. Boosts direct sales without breaking store rules.
Remember though, the stores still bring massive exposure. We saw a big dip when we went too aggressive on offloading purchases. There’s a sweet spot to find.
Offer a free tier in-app. Upsell premium stuff on your site. Keep it simple.