How to monetize your app

1. 01

   Find out people want it first

   Before you think about charging, share the link and watch whether people come back to it. An app that a handful of people use unprompted is a much safer thing to charge for than one nobody has tried.

2. 02

   Pick a simple model

   Start with the simplest one that fits: free with a paid upgrade, a one-time purchase, a monthly subscription, or a tip jar. Charge for something specific that saves time or unlocks more of what people already like, not for access to the whole app.

3. 03

   Use a payment provider, not your own checkout

   Don't build card handling yourself. A hosted payment provider such as Stripe, with a payment link or checkout page, takes the payment and the sensitive details, and your app just sends people there and checks the result.

4. 04

   Keep keys and secrets out of the page

   Anything a visitor's browser can see, a visitor can copy. Keep secret keys on the app's backend and store them as environment variables (available on the Pro plan) instead of writing them into the app's code or prompts.

5. 05

   Show what's paid, and why

   Say clearly what's free and what costs money, with a plain price and a single button. Ask Freeform to add a simple pricing section, a lock on the paid parts, and a thank-you screen after checkout.

6. 06

   Handle the basics before you launch

   Charging real money comes with responsibilities: refund and contact details, a short terms and privacy note, and any sales tax or income reporting where you live. Check the rules that apply to you before taking your first payment.