Lexiconer is a program that's free of cost, and a new version of it is soon to be released that will even support Linux. However, the question remains, how can we monetize it while still keeping the software completely free for its users? The software has already been downloaded 5000 times in just a month, so it would be great to start earning at least a little bit of money (even $1 per day) to buy a regular domain, improve site design and pay for hosting.

The website revenue is dwindling with less than 100 visitors per day. However, the application can connect to the internet if necessary for the suggested approach. Perhaps donations aren't the solution, but there are other options to explore.

I want to keep everything free, but donations aren't providing enough funding. Monetization is necessary. Have you decided between checkers or go?

Although everything is free, there's nothing wrong with accepting donations. In fact, I've given $20 more than once.

Are you planning to donate? Or are you interested in the extended version? Interestingly, many apps combine both options into one, like Titanium Backup for android. It offers a free version with basic features, but also has an advanced donate version available for $5.

It's a clever approach as it allows users to make a donation while getting access to additional features. This method can work well for some applications and help generate income without entirely relying on donations or charging users for the software.

As it's challenging to sell paid apps and games, more developers are turning towards advertising as the main method to monetize their applications. This is becoming one of the best (if not the only) ways to earn money. Additionally, data.ai predicts that mobile advertising will spend $362 billion in 2023. Advertisements will come in several forms like banners, native ads, full-screen ads, video ads, interactive, and in-game ads.

One of the key metrics of advertising monetization is the application revenue per 1000 impressions (RPM). To earn money from advertisements, developers must have a large audience, which means having high retention rates. Retention rate measures the percentage of users who return to the app after the first time.

In-app purchases are another popular way to monetize Android and iOS apps. Usually used in games, users buy virtual currency for real money and then spend them on anything in the application. It's a low-risk marketing tactic that most users are familiar with.

Finally, there's Freemium – this app-specific method of monetization offers basic functions for free but has advanced features available only for a fee, similar to Shareware software from computer programs.

Each monetization model has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Developers need to choose the right monetization strategy based on the app they developed and users' needs.

First off, forget about donations - they're a fool's errand. What you need is a freemium model. Keep the basic version free, but add premium features that users will pay for. Think about what functionality power users might crave and lock it behind a paywall. You could also considder adding in-app advertizements, but be carefull not to annoy your userbase too much.

Another option is to leverage your user data. With 5000 users, you've got a goldmine of information. You could sell anonymized usage data to interested parties or use it to target users with relevant offers from partners. Just be sure to burry this in your terms of service so users don't get too uppity about privacy concerns.

If you're dead-set on keeping the software entirely free, why not explore affiliate marketing? You could recomend related products or services within the app and earn a commision on any resulting sales. It's a win-win - users get helpful suggestions, and you get a cut of the profits.
Don't underestimate the power of upselling related services. Offer payed support packages, custom integrations, or even consulting services based on your expertise. Users who rely on your software for important tasks might be willing to pay for peace of mind.