I am coming to the conclusion that unless you come up with an amazing idea for an app and spend A LOT of time developing it it is really quite difficult to make real money from the AppStore. The only other way I can think of is to have A LOT of apps in the AppStore all bringing in a few dollars a day. So following the advice of some seasoned BT veterans I think the best way to make money from the skills and experience that BT has let me develop is to make apps for clients. I now feel confident enough to do this and I was wondering if anyone else has any experiences they would like to share. What would be helpful is any pointers on how to go about finding clients, how and how much to charge them and what the pros and cons of freelancing like this are. I wouldn't be doing this full time (yet!) but I know that many BT users do this and I, and I am sure other BTers, would love to get some advice. Thanks!

I work at a dev company and a couple of my co-workers are making between $100-200 per day just on advertising on their games. And this is on the side. I didn't believe them until they showed me their iad and admob accounts (they rotate both in their games). I released my first game on the side a week ago, I didn't put in ads. Now I'm thinking maybe its the way to go. I've made sales, but nothing insane, like those two blocs :) But back on the topic; who do you want to target? It also depends what your capabilities are, keep that in mind:) Good luck on your ventures, keep on coding :)

These are some good questions, and ones I plan to cover in my website soon. I disagree with your conclusion about not being able to make money on your own apps. And if you're gearing up to pitch clients, don't let them ever think that either! I haven't had a client who isn't profitable, yet. And some are making darn good money. But as far as tips on freelancing - here are a few quick ones. 1. Decide what your time is worth. Even if it is extra money on the side, your time is still worth something. And it real hard to raise your prices down the road once you've supplied a client with a "cheap" solution. 2. If a client is scared off by your quote/pricing, they were probably not the type client you want to work with anyhow. 3. Sometimes, you only need one good client - and some great word-of-mouth. If you think one of your clients is tied in well with other potential clients, give them the "red carpet" (and some extra business cards). I've got more tips, but am running out of time right now. Good luck, I'll check back later.

Great- thanks guys! Excellent advice. One avenue I am thinking of exploring is this- I have developed a Real Estate app for my own business and I am thinking of approaching small agents and using my app as an example of what I can do for them. That way they an see what I can do, and I can make sure that I am not getting over my head and trying to make apps that are beyond my capabilities. I am thinking of charging an up front fee, a similar fee when the app is accepted into the app store, then a smaller monthly fee to 'maintain' it. I would then charge a fee for any updates they wanted. Does that sound like a reasonable structure?

Interesting coderx and sound advice Stobe. Dead right about pricing, been there. It might be ok to do a one-off freeby for a high quality client if this leads to exposure for you, but you do have to choose the right client. The biggest one you can go get. One that everyone has heard off. However most clients will says thanks, this is great and bye. Have your credits everywhere possible in the app. Big huge splash screen with "Made by me !" Think this is going to be a real interesting thread.

I did an internal app for my company that included a send email function for app troubles addressed to me. What I am finding is that co workers are showing the app to clients who are then using that email function to request apps of their own. So, in addition to a splash screen, you may want to include a plugin so that you can be contacted.

What you want to do is have an app that targets the biggest audiences with contents they are going to keep on coming back to. Look in the media or around the internet on whats hot, and innovate it. Isnt that what Apple does and look how successful they are? :)

I have been developing apps for a while now and the best thing i can tell you is make apps for clients!

Great advice everyone. Thank you! Very interesting to hear about everyone's experiences. So perhaps a bit of both- do some developing for clients but don't stop learing and creating and keep striving to create that killer app!

Definitely the way to go Sepala. When I suggested that Freelancing was the way to go, that's just what I'VE found easier. There is definitely potential in both methods! // J

Very true. The main thing to remember is that the development of the app itself is only worth about 10% of the potential success of the app. After that, it's mostly marketing, with a sprinkle of luck. If you'd rather have the burden of marketing be on someone else, then working for a client is the way to go (you get paid the same no matter what). If you think you want to try your hand at marketing, then give it a go. Or there's always the revenue share approach. It keeps both parties interested in the success, but it gets much more complicated (payment, etc) versus the other 2 approaches.

I'm interested in partnering with a developer(s) to produce a social geo networking type jobs App. Potential market of a few hundred thousand users.

I'm interested in partnering with a developer(s) to produce a social geo networking type jobs App. Potential market of a few hundred thousand users.

Sorry that got posted 2X, Safari sometimes gets forms cached up.