And why you shouldn’t choose your monetisation model without a product strategist
Launching an app is only half the equation. Monetising it—from day one—is what makes it a business.
In 2025, with users more discerning, markets more saturated, and AI tools levelling the technical playing field, getting your revenue model right at launch is critical.
The good news? Proven monetisation models still work.
The bad news? Choosing the wrong one too early—or building without it in mind—can kill your momentum fast.
Below, we walk through the most effective app monetisation strategies along with their launch-phase pitfalls, and why you need more than just a developer—you need someone who builds for market traction, not just code delivery.
The Model: Offer a free version, with paid upgrades for extra features or services.
Works well when: You know which features drive conversion, and your premium offer has real, obvious value.
Launch risk:
Our advice:
Before you build a freemium product, map your value ladder and upgrade triggers with a developer who understands behaviour-driven UX and monetisation logic. Book a discovery call with us to understand how we do this with our tekfounders
The Model: Pay monthly or annually to access core app features.
Works well when: You deliver ongoing value—e.g., new content, services, or network benefits.
Launch risk:
Our advice:
You need a developer who collaborates on lifetime value strategy, trial-to-subscription flows, and can iterate fast if early churn data comes in. Take a look at: Why Non-Technical Founders Choose Husssl to Build Their Apps
The Model: Charge a small fee per action, session, or transaction (e.g., bookings, deliveries, access).
Works well when: Your app enables measurable value each time it's used.
Launch risk:
Our advice:
Don’t just focus on building a working feature—work with a product-focused developer who designs for conversion-first interactions and volume scalability.
The Model: Sell virtual goods, unlockables, or premium content inside the app.
Works well when: You have a clear progression system or addictive, repeatable behaviours.
Launch risk:
Our advice:
Before coding a shop, work with a developer who understands gamification mechanics, reward cycles, and product-market fit testing.
The Model: Show ads or integrate brand partnerships for revenue.
Works well when: You have a high user base or niche audience brands want to reach.
Launch risk:
Our advice:
Unless you already have traffic, avoid ad models at launch. Talk to a developer who’ll push back on vanity features and guide you to user-first monetisation.
The Model: Promote external products and earn on clicks, leads, or purchases.
Works well when: Users trust your app as a guide or discovery tool.
Launch risk:
Our advice:
Don’t build affiliate features into your MVP unless they support the core user journey. Build with someone who’ll help you prioritise trust, UX, and relevance over flashy monetisation widgets.
The Model: Pay once to download or access the full app.
Works well when: You’re selling a clear utility, tool, or professional solution.
Launch risk:
Our advice:
Don’t build affiliate features into your MVP unless they support the core user journey. Build with someone who’ll help you prioritise trust, UX, and relevance over flashy monetisation widgets.
Yes, some of the most successful apps use hybrid models:
But too many monetisation models at launch confuse users and delay focus.
Build lean. Launch fast. Monetise smart. Talk to us about how, by booking in a Discovery call
At Husssl, we help founders build apps with the business model in mind. We don’t just code—we:
And when you're ready, we support version 2 and beyond through TekX, our long-term product evolution program.
Book a free monetisation planning call to validate your idea—and your business model.
