How to Create an App for Free and Make Money

Everyone knows that having an app can be pretty profitable, but how do you get started? We’ll show you how to create an app for free and make money!

Many aspiring app creators think that app development requires a significant upfront investment, and in many cases it does. But this doesn’t mean that creating an app for free is impossible.

In this article, we’ll explore how to create an app without spending a fortune, using automatic code-generation services like AppSheet. We’ll also discuss practical ways to monetize your app.

At a glance

How to create an app with no money

Automatic code generation with AppSheet
Other free app development platforms
Branding your app

How to monetize your free app

How do free apps make money?
How much do apps make from ads?

How to create an app for free and make money in a nutshell

how to create an app for free an make money

💡 Can you create an app for free?

Yes, you can create an app for free using specific platforms and services. Thanks to pre-built templates, drag-and-drop interfaces, and automatic code generation, these platforms can help you build an app without any coding knowledge. Let’s have a more in-depth look at some of them and how to create an app for free and make money.

One thing worth knowing before you start: both the App Store and Google Play require every app to include a valid privacy policy before going live. If you don’t have one yet, you can use an app privacy policy generator to create a compliant document in minutes.

📌 How to create an app with no money

Generate your code with AppSheet

One way to create an app for free is through Google AppSheet. AppSheet is a Google-owned platform that uses AI to generate code automatically, making app development accessible to non-programmers. With AppSheet, you can create custom apps for your business without writing a single line of code.

Here’s how it works:

Connect your data source: AppSheet works with various data sources, such as Google Sheets, Excel, or SQL databases. Once you connect your data source, AppSheet automatically generates an app based on the structure of your data.
Customize your app: Using AppSheet’s drag-and-drop interface, you can customize the appearance and functionality of your app to suit your needs.
Deploy your app: Once you’re satisfied with your app, you can deploy it on iOS, Android, or as a web app. AppSheet handles the deployment process, so you don’t need to worry about app store approvals or managing multiple platforms.

A few alternatives to AppSheet

If you don’t want to use Google AppSheet, there are other platforms that can help you achieve the same:

Appy Pie: Appy Pie is a no-code app development platform that allows users to create mobile apps without any coding skills. It offers a drag-and-drop app builder that makes it easy to build an app.
Thunkable: Thunkable is a drag-and-drop app builder that allows users to create mobile apps for Android and iOS. It offers a visual interface that helps you design your app and add features like GPS, camera, and push notifications.
Glide: Glide is a web app builder that allows users to create mobile apps using Google Sheets as a database.
Bubble: Bubble is a no-code web app builder that allows you to create complex web applications with its drag-and-drop interface. It can easily be integrated into other apps using platforms like Zapier or similar alternatives.

Branding your app

Adding branding to your app is essential for creating a strong and memorable identity and can help you market your app to increase revenue opportunities.

This can range from designing a logo to choosing a color scheme that reflects your brand’s personality and values. Consistency is key, so make sure to use your branding elements across all aspects of your app, from the user interface to the marketing materials. You should consider creating a branding kit to use across your sales, marketing, and customer service efforts.

By paying attention to these details and staying true to your brand, you can effectively differentiate your app and leave a lasting impression on users.

📌 How to monetize your free app

How do free apps make money?

Now that you know how to create an app for free, you may be wondering: how do I make the money?

There are different ways to monetize a free app, but the most popular are advertising, in-app purchases, and affiliate marketing.

Advertising: Free apps often display ads within the app, either as banners, interstitials, or native ads. App developers earn revenue based on the number of ad impressions, clicks, or installs generated by the ads. Curious to learn more about showing ads within your app? Check our Advertising 101.
In-app purchases: Many free apps offer additional features, content, or virtual goods for purchase within the app. This could include unlocking premium features, buying virtual currency, or purchasing extra lives in a game.
Affiliate marketing: Free apps can also generate income by promoting other apps, products, or services within the app. App developers earn a commission for every sale or installation generated through their affiliate links. An example is iubenda’s affiliate program, which allows you to earn a 30% commission through each purchase made with your link.

How much do apps make from ads?

It depends on different factors, such as the number of active users, the type of ads displayed, and the app’s target audience. Of course, apps with a large and engaged user base can generate higher ad revenue. Anyway, the average revenue per thousand views (RPM) for mobile ads can range from $1 to $5, depending on the ad format and app.