How to Sell Your Mobile App to a Publisher: A Step-by-Step Guide

Gabo Oliva
Air Apps
Published in
3 min readMay 16, 2024

Congratulations on creating a remarkable mobile app! If you’re considering selling it to a publisher, this guide will help you navigate the process successfully. Selling to a publisher involves unique considerations. Here’s how you can maximize the potential of your app:

1. Research Potential Publishers:

- Alignment with Your App: Before approaching publishers, conduct thorough research to identify publishers whose portfolios align with your app’s genre, target audience, and vision. This ensures a better fit and increases the likelihood of a successful partnership.

2. Prepare a Comprehensive App Overview:

  • Showcasing the Highlights: Create a detailed overview of your app, emphasizing its unique features, benefits, and market potential. Highlight any existing user base, positive reviews, or notable achievements. Publishers look for apps that bring value to their audience.

3. Understand Publisher Requirements:

- Tailor Your Pitch: Different publishers have distinct requirements. Tailor your pitch to align with their expectations by researching their past partnerships and understanding the types of apps they typically work with.

4. Negotiate Terms and Conditions:

- Be Clear and Transparent: Once there’s interest from a publisher, engage in open discussions about terms and conditions. Clearly outline your expectations, including revenue sharing, marketing efforts, and any ongoing involvement you’d like to maintain.

5. Demonstrate Market Potential:

- Quantifiable Metrics: Publishers are interested in apps with strong market potential. Provide data on current user engagement, market trends, and any unique selling points that make your app a valuable addition to their portfolio.

6. Highlight Monetization Strategies:

- Showcase Revenue Opportunities: Present your app’s monetization strategies clearly. Whether through in-app purchases, ads, or other models, publishers need to understand how your app can contribute to their revenue stream.

7. Negotiate Exclusive or Non-Exclusive Deals:

- Define Your Terms: Decide whether you’re open to an exclusive or non-exclusive agreement. An exclusive deal may offer higher visibility and support but comes with exclusivity constraints. Evaluate the trade-offs based on your app’s goals.

8. Protect Your Intellectual Property:

- Legal Safeguards: Ensure you have legal protections in place. Draft a clear agreement outlining intellectual property rights, usage rights, and other pertinent legal considerations. Seek legal advice if necessary.

9. Build a Relationship:

- Long-Term Collaboration: Selling your app to a publisher often involves a long-term collaboration. Focus on building a positive relationship from the beginning. Clear communication and mutual understanding contribute to a successful partnership.

10. Stay Involved in the Transition:

- Transition Support: If you’re open to it, offer support during the transition phase. This can include assisting with the handover process, providing guidance on app functionality, or addressing any technical considerations.

At Air Apps, we recognize the importance of strategic partnerships in the mobile app industry. By considering these steps, you can approach the process of selling your app to a publisher with confidence and achieve a successful collaboration.

Have you sold an app to a publisher before? Share your experiences and insights with our community, helping fellow developers navigate this exciting aspect of mobile app publishing!

Discover the next steps in your mobile app journey! Visit Air Apps’ website and explore our suite of tools designed to elevate your app development experience.

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