I Finished Creating My Software, Now What?

Software Monetization Tips – Built Useful Software? Learn How to Monetize It.

Software marketing experts from Linkury share some useful monetization tips

You identified a need, were inspired, used your talent, and actually got off your backside (at least figuratively) and did something about it – you created a piece of software that will make the life of other people better in some way, shape, or form.

Now, unless you are an altruistic soul, chances are that you will want to be rewarded for your efforts; and why not, that’s what capitalism is all about – build a better mousetrap and the world will beat a path to your door; at least in theory. And this is what we want to address – how to turn that theory into reality so that you get to monetize your software and receive your just reward for your vision, talent, and hard work.

The Early Bird Catches the Money

You must start your marketing efforts almost as soon as you start creating your software, as proper marketing of your software is the key to monetizing it. These days it is easier, and cheaper, than ever to make a name for yourself (and your software) thanks to social media.

At the earliest possible opportunity you must find a community relevant to your software and start to not only frequent it but use it as your community to make yourself known as an expert in your field. In conjunction with this, you must have your own blog to which to refer community members.

Write articles for different blogs and communities and show the world that you are an expert in your field. Consequently, when it comes to marketing your software, you will have an audience ready and waiting to buy it.

Plan from the Start

Different versions of your software are a key and proven monetizing technique. You can give away the basic version to whet the public’s appetite or give a free trial of the enterprise version so that power users can see all the functionality of your software. Obviously you must plan what each version of your software will comprise from the start.

Another nice touch is to incorporate a dynamic installer in your software. These can be found for free and, assuming the installer is cloud based, facilitates quicker and more secure downloads as well as ease of updates and potentially other monetization opportunities due to advertising that you may not have previously considered.

Partner Up

Sometimes you have to realize what your limitations are. You may be a great programmer but not such a great marketing and sales person.

This is nothing to be ashamed of; it is actually a very important part of business to know your limitations. If this is the case there are companies that specialize in monetizing software and can help you maximize the monetary potential of your software.

By partnering with someone you will have to give away part of your sales revenue but you will also be free to create other software as the marketing will be left to others.

Also, given that these parties specialize in software monetization, you may even earn more by not receiving 100% of the sales proceeds due to higher overall sales. This option is definitely worth considering if you don’t fancy yourself as the next Bill Gates or Steve Jobs.

Monetizing your software is important business. Consider how you want to go about it almost as soon as you have thought up the idea for your software.

By Guest Author Joe Elton

Joe Elton is a software marketing expert writing on behalf of Linkury, in his free time he enjoys exploring social media strategies and is working on his own blog, stay tuned!