Which Business Model Brings In More Revenue? 13 Ways To Monetize Your Mobile Games:

I will be the first to say that I am a Words with Friends addict. It's not healthy: I'll gaze at my phone's gaming board for hours, attempting to come up with the best word out of my seven letters to pound my opponent to dust.

An ad usually plays after I've inevitably crafted the ideal word to truly stick it to my opponent. It's usually for a cell phone game, with different advertisements each time.

We've all heard of monetization by now. Monetization is increasingly becoming a critical aspect of technology, especially in 2021 and beyond, whether it be through the demonetization of YouTube content or other means.

Monetization

But, exactly, what is monetization? What's the big deal? Monetization is a broad phrase that refers to a variety of methods for converting something into money. Views on YouTube, for example, can bring in money for the video's creator. That is why the monetization and demonetization debates on YouTube have become such a hot topic; they have an impact on people's lives.

It may have an impact on your life as well. You can obtain valuable consumer engagements, or people clicking, viewing, and playing your game, if you have something you can deliver to the world and monetise through adverts.

This is an extremely important topic. Not to be pessimistic, but consider how much time people spend on their phones. It's completely insane. Every morning on the subway, all I see are people staring at their mobile screens. There is a lot of potential for engagement and revenue.

You've decided to build a game. You have it! You've had the concept for a while, or it's already out there but you're not sure how to make money with it. It's nice to have a free game in the app store, but you want to see a return on your investment. That is your child, and you must look after it! This is accomplished by obtaining the highest CPI (cost per impression).

That is how much money something brings in every time it is posted on the internet. The adverts on the page count as one cost per impression when a page is seen.

You can also see how many engagements or impressions your post has received on platforms like Twitter.You've decided to build a game. You have it! You've had the concept for a while, or it's already out there but you're not sure how to make money with it. It's nice to have a free game in the app store, but you want to see a return on your investment. That is your child, and you must look after it! This is accomplished by obtaining the highest CPI (cost per impression).

That is how much money something brings in every time it is posted on the internet. The adverts on the page count as one cost per impression when a page is seen.

You can also see how many engagements or impressions your post has received on platforms like Twitter.

Pre-Rolls & In-App Advertising

 I earn a daily gift of beautiful gold coins every time I check into Words with Friends. These can be used to purchase power-ups, giving me an even greater advantage over my peers. You are given 3 gold coins at first, but you are then asked to watch an optional film in order to gain more cash. Just for a video, 3 extra coins?

That's not awful; I'll take it.

That is precisely what the game's creator, Zynga, has designed it to achieve. They can easily monetise their game while also benefiting the gamer by incentivizing the player to earn more of that sweet, sweet in-game currency. This is unquestionably a win-win scenario.

Skippable pre-roll is another effective advertising tactic. The player gets presented a video commercial in these types of encounters. The ad normally lasts 10 to 15 seconds, making it easier for the audience to digest.

However, some advertisers have made mistakes, such as when I was bombarded with 30-second pre-roll commercials. It was really quicker to close the app and reopen it than to sit through the commercial.

Aside from these personal examples, I'd have to say that pre-rolls are among the most effective forms of current advertising. The goal is to pique the user's interest (and definitely NOT have them get frustrated with the app). Pre-rolls have a strong track record in terms of success.

When they play before videos, users don't see them as an interruption as much as they do with other types of video ads. Not only that, but if the ads are pre-rolls, people are more likely to remember them. When it comes to brand identification, recall, and overall user experience, pre-rolls have outrageously high stats on their side. What's not to appreciate about that?

Additionally, you have the option of making your pre-rolls skippable. No, no, don't worry: even in the user's mind, the ad will be counted as an engagement. This struck me as a game-changer: “An extra pre-roll advertising statistic was revealed by a Nielsen investigation commissioned by Facebook.

They discovered that brands using video ads that were only watched for a fraction of a second had a boost in ad recall, brand recognition, and purchase intent...”

Mid-rolls, as the name implies, are advertisements that appear in the middle of videos. While mid-rolls are more frequently played, they are not as well received. Users, to my surprise, thought skippable pre-rolls were a good idea. The importance of how short they must be while still being quality-driven is undoubtedly a factor in their success.

In-app advertising employs algorithms to pull up an ad (remember when I stated there was an ad after every move in Words with Friends?) and show it to the user, in addition to simple incentives.

While monetizing the game, game and app makers have prioritised keeping the gamer's experience as seamless as possible. They accomplish this through the use of mobile ad networks.

Networks of Mobile Ads

Mobile Ad networks give you the best options for including adverts in your game without interfering with the player's experience. This is critical; I've played several games when an irritating advertisement interrupts my attention. However, with these companies, you may easily avoid this.

Rewarded Surveys Offerwall 

Why should you use remunerated surveys as part of your game monetisation strategy?

Rewarded Surveys are becoming more popular as a way to monetize mobile games, but there is relatively little information and statistics available about them.

This article is a primer on everything you need to know as an app developer or publisher. It will give you some history on the market research sector as well as performance data and other critical elements to keep you updated about Rewarded Surveys.

Rewarded Surveys provide game producers with a significant cash possibility. The economics are based on a cost-per-action (CPA) model, in which developers get compensated for each completed survey (CPA). Developers determine how much virtual currency to reward based on their economy, and payouts range from $1 to $10+ every completed task.

RapidoReach is a mobile app SDK that delivers the market research sector to your app. With a platform that understands game dynamics and in-game virtual economies, We make it simple for traditional Research Buyers to distribute mobile surveys in F2P games - we call these Rewarded Surveys.

Unity Ads

 Unity Ads is a feature of the Unity Engine, a popular game engine used by both indie and commercial game creators.

“Any other internet advertising type is more engaging than rewarded video. Unity reaches players at scale without significantly influencing player retention, since approximately 70% of users have positive attitudes toward rewarded video.”

I immediately put my trust in the Unity staff. Okay, I'll admit that I'm a little biassed. Shadow Tactics: Blade of the Shogun, perhaps one of my favourite games of 2016, was created with Unity. Okay, I'll admit it: I'm biassed.

But, truly, Unity is an excellent choice. They're not only excellent as a game engine, but they also have a lot of promise for assisting you with game ads. To get started, all you'll need is a Unity account. They guarantee a high level of scalability, with ad money generated from every medium your product is in.

Unity is used exclusively by Zynga. Folks, that should tell you a lot. The king of mobile apps has gone exclusive. This translates to ad revenue from over 1 billion Zynga app users throughout the world. This is a significant win for Unity Ads, and it's a terrific endorsement.

AdMob

AdMob was founded in 2006, and in 2009, it was purchased by none other than Google. Since then, they've become increasingly important in game apps. The fact that this ad network is owned by Google is what sets it apart from the competition. It has access to a plethora of Google advertiser databases.

This, combined with the fact that they're all over the app store: AdMob's signature touch can be found in over 1 million apps and games, assisting their creators. AdMob, out of all the ad networks, should be one of the first ones you look at.

WebEye

WebEye takes pride in its ability to deal with advertisements and games. They serve billions of individuals across hundreds of nations to eliminate financial risks and increase ad retention. If you choose them as your ad network, you'll be in good hands because of their extensive reach.

Take a look at this. Intercepted (yep, that's how it's spelt) is dedicated to protecting your data at all costs, not just adverts. It allows you to keep track of your data, choose the best CPI options, and safeguard your projects against viruses and fraudulent data. I admire the dedication that these individuals have shown to potential customers.

We're all aware of the tremendous dangers that our data, particularly our prospective ad revenue, might pose if it falls into the wrong hands. The inventor, Emre Fadıllıoğlu, has pledged to have no conflicts of interest; it is a wholly private auditor.

These are just a few of the many excellent mobile ad networks available. We are in the midst of advertising's Golden Age.

Paid Apps and ‘Freemium’

You could always make your pet project a paid app if you're launching it. Obviously, this is a much simpler way to start seeing increased revenue right away. If you have a significant fan base, this will be much easier. People who play Words with Friends, for example, are more inclined to pay for the ‘full' version of the game (i.e. no advertisements, etc.) than those who aren't.

If you have a nephrotic syndrome, this means you have a nephrotic syndrome.

You could always make your pet project a paid app if you're launching it. Obviously, this is a much simpler way to start seeing increased revenue right away. If you have a significant fan base, this will be much easier. People who play Words with Friends, for example, are more inclined to pay for the ‘full' version of the game (i.e. no advertisements, etc.) than those who aren't.

If you have a newer, indie game, this converts to. People who wouldn't wager on a lesser game over a Zynga powerhouse are unlikely to bet on a smaller game. No disrespect, but my mother would rather put hundreds of dollars into FarmVille than a great little platformer you just created.

It didn't hurt that they were also in charge of a beloved franchise beloved by the entire world.

These microtransactions can now be found in a wide range of games. This is known as a "freemium" model (premium + free). This is when a product is given away for free but then charges for additional features. Despite the fact that some gamers despise them, they nonetheless bring in a lot of money for game creators and advertisers.

Certain people think of it as pay to play because it can provide some players an unfair advantage over others, and others think of it as cheating themselves out of money.le to game the system while those who aren’t so fortunate are forced to grind it out.

What's the point of spending money on that cool new clothing that you usually get towards the conclusion of the game? These disputes rage on, but for game creators, microtransactions are a fantastic business strategy. “The top 0.19 percent of users in freemium mobile games generate 48 percent of total revenue.” This is incredible.

The most dedicated gamers, those who play their games for hours on end every day, provide the game with the most consistent cash stream. If you want to adopt the freemium model, it is undoubtedly a realistic option. If you have a highly competitive game, such as a multiplayer game, freemium can be a reliable source of money.

This is where having your game completely free can be the best option. It all depends on who you're aiming to reach, how popular your game is, what your goals are, and what kind of business and monetization strategy you'll be using in the future.

Subscriptions

Subscriptions, which have been tried and proven in the past, are also a possible choice. You may enhance your revenue by adding subscription services to your apps and games. Consider how well-known games such as World of Warcraft, EverQuest, and Dark Age of Camelot have used effective subscription structures. People, subscriptions work!

You will stand out from the crowd if you provide exceptional features and rewards to people who subscribe.

They also give the player the impression of being a part of something extraordinary. “The ARPU curves for subscribers are steeper than those for non-subscribers due to the retention associated with monthly subscriptions, resulting in substantially higher overall LTVs for these players.” — Scopely ” This should be music to the ears of game creators, since it might be a simple way for devoted customers to express their gratitude for your game. Subscription features could combine components of the freemium and pay-to-play models into a single model.

Crowdfunding

This is possibly my favourite style. This is really unusual in that it establishes a strong and lasting relationship between the artist and the buyer from the very beginning. It is a unique opportunity for investors to spend their money up front in exchange for a fantastic promised product.

We've seen some fantastic Kickstarter campaigns, such as Exploding Kittens, and Kickstarter has invested in over $1 billion in companies in its existence.

People enjoy investing in startups because it creates a personal connection. You'll most likely be able to speak directly with the creator, asking questions, raising concerns, and receiving comments. For the developers, i.e. YOU, users and backers may provide you with vital information that can help you improve your product so that it is the best it can be when it is released.

While this is fantastic, “unfortunately, non-tangible things are not well welcomed...

Film budgets, for example, are unavoidable, and tangible objects necessitate moulds, manufacturing, and high minimums. Neither is conceivable without a large amount of money to get started. Apps and software, on the other hand, are the polar opposite.

All that is required is time and skill; inventory costs are nil, and funding is plentiful for those prepared to put their money where their mouth is.”

Although the world of crowdfunding can be scary at first, I believe that in time we will have some fantastic apps and games.

E-mail marketing and e-mail blasts are two types of email marketing.

E-mail has been linking us for decades and is a foundation of the internet. It also serves as a critical means of transmitting digital data. This is very useful for your app or game. To get the word out about your project, you may do some major e-mail marketing.

Technically, you could email everyone you know and say, "Hey, check out this awesome game I built," and it would be considered e-mail marketing, but I'm talking about something more substantial. There are a variety of services and firms that may assist you in spreading the word about your app. People have been attempting to master email marketing for years.

You can also hire these companies to send out an email blast on your behalf. Email blasts are emails that are sent to a huge group of individuals (apart from having a catchy name). If you were crowdfunding your app, you could send an email blast to your (hopefully) thousands of followers, updating and promoting it.

Advertisers and marketers all around the world use this technique to get more bang for their budget. Constant Contact, for example, has a 97 percent user approval rating and is the top-rated email marketing platform. That's a lot of excellent praise!

Text Message Marketing

SMS marketing, or simply text message marketing, is a very popular way to spread the news about the newest software. People have become more reliant on their phones for information such as the weather and the time, in addition to social media.

This is an excellent approach for you or your company to distribute promotional information, messages, and coupons to potential customers.

If you're attempting to make money with your game or app, this little portal into everyone's palm is a great resource. For example, I joined a group, and every month they send me advertising materials and surveys to complete. It's not even bothersome because I support the firm.

Consider the Kickstarter examples: you might ideally contact a large number of users at once, delivering promotions and information that they are eager to receive.

The customer has provided approval to be messaged by you or your organisation, which is a key component of this strategy. SMS marketing helps you to see in real time if the ideas and actions you've implemented have been successful. Here are some juicy numbers for you:

Within the first five minutes, 95% of text messages are read.

70% of Americans want offers from their favourite companies sent directly to their cellphones.

The average American checks their phone 150 times each day, and 22% of valuable text messages are shared to friends and family.

A mobile voucher has a 20% redemption rate on average (SlickText)

Affiliate Marketing and Lead Generation

Affiliate marketing is a type of marketing in which the affiliate is compensated for bringing in new customers. Typically, there is a price each visit, etc. Your 'affiliates' set to work creating links that people can click on to acquire views or downloads. This could be just what you're looking for in terms of an app or a game.

Affiliates are professionals at advertising and position relevant links on sites where visitors are almost certain to click. It's like a skilled ninja sneaking in and finishing the job. The commission is split between you and the ninja—err—affiliate. If you're having difficulties obtaining traffic to your project, the services of these affiliates can be a huge help.

The viability of affiliate marketing has been able to spread from Fortune 500 organisations to individuals who may require expert services. Determining whether or not this is the best model for you is a key aspect of this model. Are you willing to pay the affiliate commission fee?

Then their services could be just what you're looking for in your project. It, too, is dependent on networking, as are many other choices. Remember to take advantage of this opportunity to network and meet new firms and people who can assist you in your quest!

Sponsorships

Sponsorships are another method to get the most out of your app. Companies are increasingly connecting sponsorships to applications and games. I went to Whole Foods the other day, and if you're an Amazon Prime member, you receive a discount on the Whole Foods app. As you can see, it's getting ingrained in our culture.

In terms of brand recognition, this is fantastic. Everyone is familiar with Subway or Marriott. On particular apps, people have been proven to respond positively to these ads.

Companies can also utilise the app to promote unique incentives at launch: “For example, The Marriott Rewards Chase card is marketing its rewards perks to on-the-go business travellers with an exclusive sponsorship of the new Gayot.com mobile application, which offers professional restaurant ratings.

Only use this for your app or game. Having a major corporation advertise on your app would be a lifesaver, as the increased brand familiarity and favorability would only increase income and views.

While all of this seems like sunshine and roses, you need to tread carefully, as too much heavy-handed ad inclusion could alienate users, making your app seem a little too corporate. Again, it is always about a great give and takes between developer and user.

Monetization Strategy

You should have a good understanding of monetization tactics by now. It may appear daunting, but there are numerous guidelines (such as this one) available to assist you. How you monetise your game is entirely up to you. However, knowing your brand thoroughly and out and having a good working connection with ad networks and customers are the most critical parts.

Knowing your demographic is essential information to know before deciding on your chosen method of monetization. Looking for a simple way to make money from ads with a little game? Most likely, you'll select the free app.

What if you knew that people would pay money to play your fantastic game?

Make the app available for purchase in an app store. To maximise your earnings, carefully assess the benefits and drawbacks. You'll be sailing on sweet, sweet ad money in 2021 if you look at all the information, consider your options, and make a plan! Best of luck! 

Final Thoughts on Monetization Trends in Mobile Games

Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of how to monetise your mobile game successfully in 2022.

We'd like to hear from you now.

In 2022, what do you believe the largest mobile game monetization trend will be? Is there anything we missed?

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Since 2019 until today, RapidoReach has reached 10 million+ users for mobile apps & games. We’re recognized as a leading rewarded survey monetization solution by major market research firms. We helped many mobile apps & game developers reach the top charts. Want to know how we make it look so effortless? Contact us to find out!