In this article, we’re going to look at some of the most common reasons mobile apps fail to make money and provide some tips on how to address these issues.

First, you heard about this new thing called the app store. Then you get excited about how much money you can make from having an app. Next, you spent months developing your app, only to launch it to a room full of crickets. The truth is, even great apps can fail to make any money, but that’s no reason to quit. The mobile market is still growing at breakneck speeds, and now is the time more than ever before to build a successful app business. 

There are some key reasons why your app isn’t making money, along with ways you can fix them.

13 Reasons why apps don’t make money (and how to fix it)

• Not enough people know about your app

The first step in fixing this is getting the word out. You need to start by marketing your app like crazy. Marketing an app would include:

• Creating a great website and landing page.
• Writing compelling copy.
• Building an audience on social media.
• Reaching out to relevant bloggers and publications.

Getting your app to the top of the app store rankings is like winning one big game – with thousands of people playing. You can win this game by using innovative strategies, like giving your app a human side, leveraging influencers, and tapping into virality.

• The app isn’t solving a big enough problem

If your app doesn’t solve a real problem, people will not use it. Make sure you do your research and identify a need your app can fill. Then, focus on creating an insanely great experience that will make people want to keep using your app.

• Your pricing model doesn’t work

This issue is common, especially when you’re an indie developer who isn’t used to selling anything. Pricing is everything in the app store, and you only have two choices: free or paid. If your app has a lot of competition or people can get similar products for less money, they won’t want to buy it. In that case, you can try offering in-app purchases. If your app is truly unique, then it could work.

• Targeting the wrong audience

Targeting the wrong audience is another common reason for apps failing to generate money for their makers. Just because you have a great app doesn’t mean everyone will want it. You need to target your marketing and messaging to the right people and make sure your app appeals to them.

• Your app isn’t differentiated enough

You’re in trouble if you’re not doing anything different from the competition. It would help if you found a way to make your app stand out and be unique. It could mean having the best design, the best features, or the best price.

Think about what makes your app unique and how it fits within its genre. Then, compare that to other apps in your price range. If you can see where they fall short, create a marketing plan that will show people why your app is the better choice.

• Your app isn’t user friendly

If people can’t figure out how to use your app, they will not keep using it. This is especially true for mobile apps because people are used to quick and easy interfaces. Make sure you test your app on different devices and platforms to ensure it’s working correctly. Also, pay attention to the little things, like button placement and how long it takes to load a page.

• Wrong monetization strategy

Choosing the right monetization strategy is essential to making money with your app. You need to find a way to make money without alienating users or making them feel like they’re being forced to pay. There are a few different ways to do this, including in-app purchases, advertising, and subscriptions. Unfortunately, there’s no magic bullet for monetization. You’ll need to do some testing and determine which method is best for your app. Experienced developers can also offer their advice, which can come in handy.

• Poor app design

If your app looks ugly or dated, people aren’t going to want to use it. Without users, you won’t make any money. This reason is why it’s so important to focus on the design of your app and make sure it’s appealing to users. You can also use design trends to your advantage and ensure your app uses the latest features.

• Not enough features

Adding new features is a great way to keep users interested in your app. If they’re using your app all the time, they’re more likely to be willing to pay for it. It is vital to keep track of user feedback and figure out what new features they want. You can also add features that are unique to your app.

• Poor customer service

If people are having problems with your app, they’re going to let you know. You can’t afford to ignore them or make it difficult to get help. Make sure you have a system to address customer complaints and make it easy for users to contact you. 

If people are leaving negative reviews, you need to take notice. It is your chance to find out what’s wrong with your app and make changes. You can also use this feedback to give yourself a competitive edge by implementing the features people ask to see in your app.

You’ll also want to offer quick fixes and updates as soon as possible. This way, people will stay happy and continue using your app.

• Underpar app development

If app developers did not develop your app to meet and exceed industry standards, you’re going to have many problems. To find success with your app, you need to make sure it’s well-made and works correctly. Proper app development means using suitable programming languages, developing for different devices, and testing everything. You also need to make sure your code is clean and easy to read.

There are no two ways about it – you need to spend time developing an app properly. You might also want to consider hiring a professional developer, especially if you’re not experienced in app development yourself. 

• Timing is wrong

Launching your app at the wrong time can doom it to failure. Make sure you do your research and figure out when the best time to release your app. This way, you’ll avoid competition and won’t lose out on potential customers. It would be best to consider how apps are affected by seasons and other events. If you’re not sure, talk to others in your industry and see what they have to say.

Conclusion

There’s no denying it – apps are a big deal. They’re taking over the world and can be pretty lucrative if you do things right. Don’t be fooled by all the hype in the mobile app industry – there is no “get rich quick” scheme to follow. It really is hard work. If you want to make money with your app, you need to focus on the right things. Make sure your app is fit for purpose, up to date, and looks good. You also need to make sure your monetization strategy is sound and that you’re providing a valuable service. If you can do all of this, you’ll be on the right track to success. Good luck, and we hope this is helpful!