The Windows Store provides a number of ways to make money with your apps, whether your app is offered for free or must be purchased. Consider what options will make the most sense for your app.
Free trial versions of paid apps
Even if you're going to sell your Windows Store app, consider letting customers try it for free. They'll be able to upgrade from a trial version to the full version by purchasing it, either from within the app or through the Windows Store.
You can limit the functionality available in your trial version so that only certain features are available unless the customer purchases the app. Determine which features should be limited, then make sure that your app only allows them to work when a full license has been purchased.
You can also choose to offer a trial version (with either limited or full functionality) for a set amount of time. If the customer doesn't buy the app, it will stop working after the time period expires.
For more about trial versions, see:
In-app purchases
You can sell content, other apps, or new app functionality (such as unlocking the next level of a game) from right within the app. Options to make in-app purchases can be included anywhere in your app so that it's convenient for your customers. Features enabled through in-app purchases can work for as long as the customer has a valid license for their app, or they can have a time limit.
For more about how to plan and design sales from within your app, see:
In-app advertising
Including ads in your app is another way to make money. Be careful in designing where you place the ads so that your user experience remains strong. Also, make sure the ads provided by the ad service comply with the Windows 8 app certification requirements before you include them in your app.
For more about designing your app to include advertising, see Advertising guidelines.
Third-party transactions
There are additional ways for apps to make money outside of the options provided by the Windows Store. You can use a third-party transaction provider, or benefit from ties to other lines of business, as long as the transactions comply with the App Developer Agreement. For example, if you have a transaction platform that integrates into a CRM system, you can use that in your app to keep track of your subscribers.
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Build date: 3/12/2013
