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BlueThrone | Our very own Pietro Messineo at the plSwift 22 convention

The mobile applications business has not stopped growing, as is confirmed by 

by 2023 profits will exceed 900 million dollars worldwide

MCRO portal acknowledges in its article "How much money can an app make you in 2022?"

ranked in the first 200 places in an app store generates around $82,500 per day

For this reason, you must be aware of the importance of accurately assessing an application’s value.

In this article, we will review and shed light on several of the fundamental factors that you will have to take into account if you want to sell your application and obtain the highest possible profit margin.

 claimed that the 5 factors people took into account when rating a mobile app positively were: an enriching user experience, easy to use and intuitive, user-friendly checkout, personalized experience, and simplicity.

Want to get an immediate, honest valuation on your app? Just choose iOS or Android and type its name below!

These 5 keys must still be present today in your application

 since it will be the user who will determine the real value that this app will bring to his daily life.

Facebook announced the purchase of Whatsapp

Why did Mark Zuckerberg decide to pay so much for an application?

We are going to use this specific fact to contextualize each of the points that we will develop below.

Market demand, trends, and product-market fit (PMF) status

Whatsapp perfectly fulfills these 3 points.

First of all, it is an application with high market demand.

 and belongs to a constantly growing industry.

 thanks to the service it provides and its importance within the ecosystem of the digital world.

Another factor which made Facebook pay so much money for Whatsapp is because of its active users.

Whatsapp has 2 billion monthly active users

This is undoubtedly a very important statistic that increases the value of an application.

At the same time, it is a constantly growing app with a high user retention rate.

How many people do you observe interacting with it during the day?

Despite not being the best example in this regard, the 

 allows Meta (Facebook's parent company), to take full advantage of user information to exploit its ad sales platform.

In another sense, a game app can monetize perfectly well through the 

purchase of accessories or character upgrades

 within the same application (In-App Purchases).

subscription to certain services or memberships

 is also a way to make money with a mobile application.

This aspect is very important when evaluating an app since it includes two key points:

This point refers to the added value of the app.

That is, what different features and benefits can my application offer to differentiate it from the rest in such a competitive market.

We will take as an example the 3 best-ranked apps.

: Helps users to be more mindful and supports restful sleep and lowers stress. Includes guided meditations, sleep stories and breathing programs.

: It was one of the first apps in which through artificial intelligence you could see how you would look as an adult. It has undoubtedly been a before and after in the world of mobile apps. There is a 

 story behind this app: it was said that it stole users' photos and sent them to the Russian government.

: This Korean app has been chosen as the best video editing app by Google Play Store. One of its great features is that it is user-friendly and has tools such as multiple layers, blending modes, voiceovers, speed control, adding subtitles, transitions, or special effects.

The legal considerations represents one of the most important factors when establishing the value of an app.

: guarantees its creator exclusive use and design rights for up to 20 years.

: protects the name, logo, symbol, or any combination of them.

: protects artistic work such as texts, music, software, or videos and gives its owner the right to reproduce copies of his own work.

 blog explains, to calculate the profit of an app we must establish the following formula:

This formula establishes 3 connection points: Revenue Streams, Costs and expenses and Profit calculation.

Let's go with the specific example explained in the same article about a calorie counting app that offers two types of subscriptions:

To calculate Net Revenue: Users x ARPU x (1 - Commission)

How are each of these 3 factors calculated?

: This is the lifetime of the application. In this case, the example has set a 

: It is calculated by dividing the number of people who have purchased the subscription against the total number of users.

Assuming that the app has 20,000 users and 1,700 have subscribed, the formula would be 

: Continuing with the app example, Appbooster sets the scenario that of the total 1,700 users who have purchased the subscription, 1,200 have taken the basic program and 500 the premium.

Now that we have the numbers of the 3 variants, we can apply the formula to calculate ARPU.

The last step is to calculate the commission. For this example, we will say that 

Users x ARPU x (100%-Commission) = Users x ARPU x 70%.

To calculate the costs, we must apply the formula: 

CPU (Cost Per User) = (CPM/1000) / CTR / CTI

Using the same example as above, let's assume that the CPM is $0.008, the CTR is 2.8% and the CTI is 5.6%.

Finally, we have been able to calculate the profit of our app.

In this example, our app has made a loss of $36,200, so we need to adjust the metrics and improve the app in order to be profitable next month.

Let’s delve deep into each valuation method, explaining when to use them, how to execute them, and their benefits and limitations. By understanding these methods, you'll be better equipped to choose the right approach for your app and make informed decisions.

Sign up for our newsletter and learn how to generate maximum profit by selling your app to the best companies in the industry.

Stop Losing Money Trying to Sell Your App

Along the same lines, the MCRO portal acknowledges in its article "How much money can an app make you in 2022?" that an application ranked in the first 200 places in an app store generates around $82,500 per day.

For this reason, you must be aware of the importance of accurately assessing an application’s value.

In this article, we will review and shed light on several of the fundamental factors that you will have to take into account if you want to sell your application and obtain the highest possible profit margin.

Review of the fundamental factors to take into account if you want to sell your application and obtain the highest possible profit margin.

How to Value an  App Without Losing Money 

You have developed a mobile app on your own, but you’ve come to the point where it’s time to move on.


Selling and marketing your app can be a difficult process if your app is not a top-charting app. The ideal situation is a thriving app with solid revenue with an ARPDAU of at least $0.05 and D1 user retention of at least 50% and a growing user base.


Not every app has this luxury, but your app can still be an attractive buy for investors.

Understanding how to sell a mobile app successfully involves more than just developing a great product; it's about strategizing and presenting your app in a way that 

highlights its value and potential to prospective

 buyers. This journey begins with a comprehensive approach to gathering data and crafting a compelling pitch that resonates with companies and investors alike. Let's dive into how you can position your mobile app as an attractive investment.

The first step is gathering data about your app and crafting a pitch that will make the app look attractive to companies and investors.

Before pitching your app, make sure you have data ready to show. Here is some information to keep track of:

Upkeep expenses. How much are you currently paying for API servers, domains, and other upkeep expenses? Prospective buyers want to make a profit, so it is important to let them know how much they will need to keep paying after buying.


Getting funding will be easier if you can get someone interested in your app in a pinch. The goal is to 

hook a listener on the app in 20-30 seconds

. Powerful people say less. If you have the self-worth to believe in your app, investors will too.

 goes beyond having a groundbreaking idea; it's about communicating your app's value in a concise and impactful manner. 

The elevator pitch is your first opportunity to capture the interest of potential buyers or investors. 

By honing this brief presentation, you highlight not only the uniqueness of your app but also your commitment to its success.

Investors like simple pitches that tell a story

, and the pitch should take no longer than 5 minutes. An experienced venture capitalist once stood before a group of app developers at a hackathon and gave them a simple formula for crafting a pitch deck in 3 pages. Here is that formula.

: Describe the world before the app and the problem. For example, if you have an Android app that renews an eyeglass prescription, paint a tedious day renewing a prescription: booking a day off work, driving to the eye doctor, and spending hours taking an eye test. They won’t have time for afternoon karaoke with their children.

: Describe how the world looks after your app fixes the problem. Using the previous example: Now, people can renew eyeglass prescriptions online in half an hour without a trip to the doctor. They’ll save money on gas and have time for their children.

: Describe how your app will make money for you and the investors. Keep this brief. This section is where you can describe everyone on your team and their roles.
Whether you are pitching to someone at a party, or a group of investors, keep the pitch short. Powerful people use fewer words. If you have the self-worth to believe in your app, investors will too.

Want to get an immediate, honest valuation on your app? Just choos iOS or Android and type its name below!

Template of the pitch to sell an app to a company

: Begin by introducing yourself and the app you are selling. Explain what the app does and how it can benefit the company.

: Describe the problem that the app solves for the company. Explain how the app addresses this problem uniquely and effectively.

: Identify the target audience for the app and how it aligns with the company's target audience.

: List the key features of the app and the benefits they provide to the company. Be specific and provide examples of how the app can improve efficiency, increase productivity, or provide some other tangible benefit.

: Provide pricing information for the app. Be transparent and upfront about the cost of the app and any ongoing maintenance or support fees that may be required.

: Offer to provide a demo of the app to the company so they can see it in action and understand how it works.

: End the pitch by outlining the next steps the company can take to purchase the app. Make it clear and easy for them to move forward with the purchase.

: Include your contact information so the company can reach out to you with any questions or to move forward with the purchase.

Once you have a pitch prepared, you’re ready to look for places to sell your app.

Navigating how to sell a mobile app through marketplaces is 

 looking to find the right buyer. These platforms offer a unique opportunity to showcase your app to a wide audience of potential investors and companies interested in acquiring new technologies. By understanding the intricacies of listing your app, you're taking a significant step towards making a profitable sale.

Similar to eBay and other online stores, app marketplaces are platforms where you can list your app, and interested buyers can contact you to request more information and submit offers. 

These platforms are a great option for smaller apps

, that have less than $5k per month in revenue, or less than 5k downloads. The two biggest app marketplaces are Flippa ($375 million in sales), and Empire Flippers ($280 million in sales).

Wait for an interested buyer! Negotiate the price, reach an agreement, and receive payment.

- This popular website flipping platform is the most popular option for apps as well. The commission is cheap, and submitting a listing involves fewer steps. Buyers are left to do their to dueto diligence and sellers can be more prone to copycats due to the platform’s hands-off approach.


 - This platform offers more protection in exchange for higher commission rates for smaller apps. The vetting requirements are more stringent, but once your app is accepted, the platform claims that 84% of listings have successfully sold.


While exploring how to sell an app, consider that app marketplaces offer a unique platform where your app can be listed for potential buyers.

App aggregators such as Bluethrone are a new option for sellers. Instead of acting as an intermediary between sellers and buyers, Bluethrone directly buys apps.


Bluethrone requires all prospective apps to pass the 5K rule

. Potential apps must be making at least $5k in monthly revenue, and have at least 5,000 downloads.
To sell your app on Bluethrone:

Contact Bluethrone, and apply for an App Exit.

Connect your app’s analytics platform so that Bluethrone can look up marketing data such as downloads, revenues, and sales.

Bluethrone has developed data-driven technology that projects your app’s growth. After applying for an Exit, Bluethrone’s team of experts will 

Once Bluethrone sends you a proposal, negotiate a price for the app. This doesn’t lock you into selling! You can get a quote and sell in the future.

Sign a contract with Bluethrone. Celebrate your finished sale!

Big companies have many submissions every day. Many companies such as Apple and Google have 

 that discourage unsolicited ideas. Everyone wants to be acquired by a larger company, making it much harder to be seen. It will be easier to get companies to listen if you know someone at the company.


Being in the community is an excellent way of getting to know people in the industry. Hackathons and business development 

such as TechCrunch, HackZurich, and hackNY

Here are some other events for app promotion events:

. Attendees here can expect to network and trade secrets in app growth.

. Focused on marketing and inclusivity, this event is a great place to find creative and modern ways to sell your app.

. A networking event focused on the future of the mobile industry. Themes include Augmented Reality, Fintech, and 5G.

In addition to selling your app to large companies, understanding how to effectively sell your app online is crucial for maximizing its reach and profitability. Explore effective strategies for online app sales in our detailed article: 

How to sell mobile apps to small businesses

Big businesses can afford to invest in apps that may not fulfill an immediate monetary need. Some smaller businesses, however, can only afford to invest in things that will immediately grow their business. 

Bluethrone is a simple and straightforward option

. As the first online app aggregator, Bluethrone purchases apps directly. If your app has at least 5k in monthly revenue and over 5k downloads, consider selling your app via 

.
If you are having trouble selling your app, consider a different tactic.


Consider repurposing your app for an adjacent company’s niche. Small businesses are often looking for apps built specifically for them.


For example, if you have built an app like Yelp, it is unlikely to beat Yelp. However, perhaps there is a local restaurant with a few locations in their chain looking to expand.


A mobile application could help their brand grow

. With a few modifications, it could be 10x or even 100x their revenues. A button to share dishes on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram might double or triple their social media presence. The app could notify customers about new deals and promotions.


A digital stamp card feature could offer to repeat customers a free dish for every 10th purchase. Here customers can write a Yelp review and get a discount on purchases. The app becomes a home where people who love the business can show their loyalty to the brand in exchange for perks and benefits.

Your app could help them grow their business and create a loyal customer base that could multiply their revenue

If you are attached to your application, there is the option of partnering with Bluethrone instead. Bluethrone has added a route for developers to form a partnership and streamline the process of selling their apps. You will gain access to Bluethrone’s unlimited resources and team of experts while maintaining ownership of your app.

Learning how to sell a mobile app effectively can be greatly aided by examining case studies of successful sales. These stories provide 

valuable insights into the strategies and tactics used by developers

 to attract and secure deals with major companies. As we explore these examples, pay attention to the key factors that contributed to their success.

: This popular mobile game was developed by OMGPop, a small startup based in New York City. In 2012, Draw Something became a sensation, with millions of daily users and strong revenue from in-app purchases. According to reports, 

OMGPop's CEO Dan Porter prepared a detailed pitch deck that demonstrated the game's potential for growth and monetization

. Porter also made sure to highlight the app's strong user engagement and retention metrics, which were key selling points for potential buyers. In March 2012, the game was acquired by Zynga for $180 million, a huge payday for the small team behind the app.


A strong pitch deck and focus on key metrics, such as user engagement and retention, can help to persuade potential buyers.

Timing can be crucial in in-app sales – Draw Something was acquired just as it was gaining significant traction, which likely increased its value.

It's important to be prepared for potential buyers and have a clear idea of what you want to achieve from the sale.

: This popular navigation app was developed by a small team in Israel and launched in 2009. Waze quickly gained a loyal user base thanks to its unique features, such as real-time traffic updates and the ability to report incidents on the road. In 2013, Google acquired Waze for $1.1 billion, recognizing the app's potential to disrupt the traditional mapping and navigation industry. According to reports, 

the Waze team prepared a detailed pitch deck that demonstrated the app's growth potential and unique value proposition

. They also emphasized the app's strong user engagement and the potential for monetization through advertising.
What can we learn from this example?


A unique value proposition and strong user engagement can make an app more attractive to potential buyers.

It's important to have a clear growth strategy and be able to demonstrate the potential for monetization.

Being able to negotiate favorable terms, such as allowing the team to continue operating independently, can be key to a successful sale.

: This Finnish mobile game developer has had several successful app sales, including the popular games Clash of Clans and Clash Royale. In 2016, Supercell was acquired by Tencent, a Chinese tech giant, for $8.6 billion, making it one of the most successful app sales in history. 

Supercell's success can be attributed to its focus on creating high-quality games with strong replay value and monetization potential

. The company also invested heavily in marketing and user acquisition to build a large and loyal user base.
What can we learn from this example?


A focus on creating high-quality, replayable games with strong monetization potential can be key to success in the mobile game industry.

Investing in marketing and user acquisition can help to build a large and loyal user base.

Being able to negotiate favorable terms, such as a large upfront payment and a share of future revenues, can be crucial in in-app sales.

: This messaging app was developed by a small team in 2009 and quickly gained a large and loyal user base thanks to its simple interface and focus on privacy. In 2014, Facebook acquired WhatsApp for $19 billion, recognizing the app's potential to disrupt the traditional messaging industry. According to reports, 

the WhatsApp team prepared a detailed pitch deck that demonstrated the app's strong user growth, engagement, and retention

. They also emphasized the potential for monetization through advertising and business messaging.
What can we learn from this example?


A focus on user growth, engagement, and retention can make an app more attractive to potential buyers.

The potential for monetization through advertising or business messaging can be a strong selling point.

Being able to negotiate favorable terms, such as allowing the team to continue operating independently and retaining a share of future revenues, can be crucial to in-app sales.

Overall, these examples demonstrate that it is possible to sell a successful app to a larger company, even if you are a small team or an independent developer. With the right pitch, value proposition, and marketing efforts, you can attract the attention of potential buyers and negotiate a successful sale. It's important to be prepared and have a clear idea of what you want to achieve from the sale, as well as to be flexible and adaptable.


Before attempting to sell your app to a company, it is important to thoroughly research the market for your app. This includes understanding the 

, identifying potential customers or target markets, and determining the price point and revenue potential for your app.


Some key factors to consider when conducting market research include:


: Who are the main competitors in your space, and what features and functionality do they offer? How does your app compare in terms of value proposition, pricing, and user experience?


: Who is the target audience for your app, and how does this align with the company you are hoping to sell to? It is important to have a clear understanding of the needs and preferences of your target market to tailor your pitch and customize your app as needed.


Sign up to learn all the secrets on how you can make money selling your application to the market leaders.

Sell Your App to a Big Company and Get the Maximum Profit

You have developed a mobile app on your own, but you’ve come to the point where it’s time to move on.

Selling and marketing your app can be a difficult process if your app is not a top-charting app. The ideal situation is a thriving app with solid revenue with an ARPDAU of at least $0.05 and D1 user retention of at least 50% and a growing user base.

Not every app has this luxury, but your app can still be an attractive buy for investors.

Learn different ways to sell your precious app to a company, including all the tips you need to know in every step.