How can I monetize something thing that people expect for free?

Question

I've created a lot of small tools, Chrome extensions and such. However it seems many people are not willing to pay for these. So I added a donation button into the extensions and offered them for free. I spent many months finessing and refining them and feel a little deflated that it seems i wont get any ROI of time.

For example this: https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/tab-wrangler/ibjhngfdgokfjmknokdahjhihdmhgiho?hl=en-GB&authuser=0

Gurkaran Singh · Accepted Answer

Monetizing free tools can be tricky, but adding a donation button is a great start! Have you considered offering premium features or a subscription model for advanced users? It takes time to see returns, so hang in there - your hard work will pay off!

Viola Schoell · Answer

You have to show users why it is worthwhile and why they have to pay for it.

Neel · Answer

Monetization ≠ ONLY Subscription fee

There are many ways you can monetize: ads, partnership with businesses, etc.

There could be SaaS companies interested in your extension - have you explored that option? They could be interested in buying the tech to integrate in their product to improve user experience and retention.

David Edwards · Answer

@nmitra Thanks for the suggestions, its a possibility. Will continue to think on that one.

David Edwards · Answer

@thestarkster In this existing extensions, i instinctively don't feel people would pay for the tools. They are useful, but it takes a lot for someone to consider paying even 1-2$ for a useful tool these days.

How can I monetize something thing that people expect for free?

Replies