A very simple and easy business model to earn money online is to create an Android app.

Mobile applications are relatively simple to make compared to PC software and their distribution is what’s more very easy thanks to the existence of mobile application stores that allow people to easily search, download and buy their software.

Android, in particular, makes the process even simpler, thanks to the much simpler approval process for new apps compared to Apple and the lower cost to become a developer.

Getting started: the conventional route

When you first start out, you’ll most likely take the conventional route of using Android Studio. This is the main ‘IDE’ (Integrated Development Environment) that can give you all the necessary tools in one place and speed up the process with helpful tips, easy tests and the like.

This can be downloaded from the Android Developers website and should come with the Android SDK included. That SDK is one of the key tools you’ll need: it’s a set of instructions that you can access that relate specifically to Android capabilities. You will also need the Java Development Kit (JDK).

From here, you’ll be programming in Java and writing code that references the Android SDK. Unfortunately, you’ll probably find all of this a bit complex not only to use but also to configure.

Therefore, many people will decide to take other routes…

Other options

There are several other options when it comes to creating Android apps. One is to use ‘app builder’ software that will allow you to create apps without knowing any code. However, these are very limited in terms of what you can build and take away a lot of your freedom.

A ‘compromise’ position would be to use something like Basic4Android. Basic4Android is a tool that makes coding for Android much simpler and easier and even speeds up the testing process. If it’s a game you’re after, then a similar option is to use Unity, which will make it much easier.

Then, of course, you can always outsource the creation of your app, though it’s often harder than you might expect to find a capable coder.

The best option for a marketing interested in making money then? that would be just to buy an app and then promote it! Find a good app that doesn’t sell much, email the creator, and customize it!