User experience (UX) is often seen as just a “visual polish.” However, in the mobile app market, it drives revenue. The right UX design can increase user engagement, ad interaction, in-app purchases, and even retention.
Google AdMob says that apps with easy-to-use designs earn up to 30% more money. This shows that UX is not just about looks; it’s also about how well the app works.
In this post, we will explain how to do UX design for making money. We will discuss common mistakes to avoid. We will also show you how to improve each screen for both ease of use and profit.
When users struggle to navigate your app or get annoyed by disruptive ads, they churn. But when monetization is seamlessly woven into the experience, they’re more likely to stay, engage, and pay.
- Session time – Smooth navigation increases time spent in-app.
- Ad engagement – Better placement and timing lead to more interactions.
- IAP conversions – Clear and simple upgrade paths improve purchase rates.
Unity Ads found that reward-based ad units perform 2x better when integrated into the app’s core flow rather than forced.
The foundation of monetization-focused UX lies in these components:
- Rewarded ads offered after a task completion
- Interstitials shown during pauses (not mid-action)
- Banners placed non-intrusively, ideally near navigation bars
- Clear value props (“Unlock all workouts”, “Go ad-free”)
- Multiple entry points (from profile, rewards tab, settings)
- Tap targets and CTA buttons that are easy to find and press
- Timely prompts that don’t interrupt core tasks
- Context-aware messaging: e.g., “Watch an ad to double this reward”
Despite good intentions, many apps create friction that reduces revenue:
- Ads interrupting gameplay or flows
- Tiny or confusing purchase buttons
- No visual consistency between free and premium UX
- Overwhelming paywall popups
Follow these best practices when designing with monetization in mind:
Ensure that monetization elements (ads, IAP buttons) visually align with your brand and UI style.
Don’t hide paywalls. Be transparent about the value users get in exchange for watching an ad or making a purchase.
Give users the ability to opt-in to monetization events, like ads for rewards.
Every action should provide feedback. “You earned 50 coins” after watching an ad reinforces value.
Avoid overlays that interrupt natural usage or UI patterns.
To validate your design choices, track the following metrics:
- Time to conversion (from install to IAP)
- Reward ad engagement rates
- Retention (D1, D7, D30)
- Ad click-through rate (CTR)
- Time on screen (for paywalls or reward videos)
Use tools like Firebase UX Events and ironSource Creative Optimization to collect this data.
A productivity app partnered with Aigencee to optimize its monetization experience:
Before
- Ads placed mid-task
- Tiny “Upgrade” buttons
- Cluttered IAP page
After
- Rewarded ads post-task only
- CTA buttons at the end of each session
- Clean, visual-focused paywall redesign
Results:
- +22% IAP conversion
- +34% Rewarded ad engagement
- 15% boost in D7 retention
Great UX doesn’t just look good—it earns. When you design for conversion, comfort, and continuity, you reduce churn, increase ARPU, and build an app users want to return to.
A monetization-first UX strategy ensures that ads and purchases become a natural part of the user journey, not an obstacle.
Want expert help redesigning your monetization flow? 👉 Get a free UX Audit with Aigencee
