Want to Monetise Your Bubble.io App? Here’s How

Stackless Newsletter Week #17

Hey,

You’ve built an app in Bubble.io—but how do you turn it into a profitable business? Many founders struggle with monetisation, but the truth is, there are multiple ways to make money from your Bubble.io app.

This week, I’m breaking down the most effective monetisation models for Bubble.io apps and how to implement them step-by-step.

1. Subscription Model (SaaS)

Best for: Membership sites, AI tools, productivity apps, and online communities.

The subscription model allows users to pay a monthly or yearly fee to access your app’s premium features.

How to Implement It in Bubble.io:

  • Use Stripe Subscription Payments to handle recurring billing.

  • Offer tiered pricing plans (Free, Basic, Premium) to cater to different audiences.

  • Provide a free trial to attract users and convert them into paying customers.

Example: A no-code AI resume builder that charges $10 per month for unlimited job applications.

Pro Tip: Use Bubble’s Stripe Plugin to automate subscription handling inside your app.

2. One-Time Payments (Pay-Per-Use Model)

Best for: Digital products, one-time AI tool access, job boards, or downloadable content.

Instead of subscriptions, you can charge users a one-time fee to access a feature or product.

How to Implement It in Bubble.io:

  • Use Stripe Checkout to process single payments.

  • Sell premium templates, reports, or AI-generated content inside your app.

  • Provide lifetime access to a premium feature.

Example: A “Generate AI Blog Posts” tool that charges $5 per 10 blog posts instead of a monthly fee.

Pro Tip: If you have high-value features, offering a lifetime deal can convert users quickly.

3. Marketplace Fees (Commission-Based Model)

Best for: Marketplaces, service platforms, freelancer hubs.

If your app connects buyers and sellers, you can take a commission on every transaction.

How to Implement It in Bubble.io:

  • Use Stripe Connect to split payments between buyers, sellers, and your platform.

  • Charge a fixed fee or percentage per transaction (e.g., 10 percent per booking).

  • Automate payouts to vendors while keeping your commission.

Example: A no-code Airbnb-style marketplace that takes 15 percent per booking.

Pro Tip: Offer a free version to attract users, then take a cut from successful transactions.

4. Lead Generation (Charge for Access to Leads)

Best for: Directories, job boards, business listing sites.

If your app generates leads for businesses, you can charge companies to access them.

How to Implement It in Bubble.io:

  • Allow users to list their services for free but charge businesses to view premium leads.

  • Use Stripe or PayPal to set up a paywall for access.

  • Offer a monthly membership for unlimited leads.

Example: A real estate lead-generation app that charges agents $20 per lead.

Pro Tip: You can offer limited free access, then upsell a premium package.

5. Ads & Sponsorships

Best for: High-traffic apps, niche communities, and content-based apps.

If your app has consistent traffic, you can sell ad space or get sponsored by brands.

How to Implement It in Bubble.io:

  • Use Google AdSense to display automatic ads.

  • Sell sponsored posts or premium ad placements.

  • Partner with brands for exclusive deals inside your app.

Example: A no-code fitness tracking app that partners with supplement brands to display their products.

Pro Tip: Start with direct sponsorships before using AdSense—brands pay more than automated ads.

Which Model is Right for You?

Here’s a quick guide:

  • SaaS (Subscriptions) → Best for tools, AI-powered apps, and membership communities.

  • One-Time Payments → Best for selling digital goods, templates, and AI-generated content.

  • Marketplace Fees → Best for platforms connecting buyers and sellers.

  • Lead Generation → Best for B2B models where businesses pay for valuable leads.

  • Ads & Sponsorships → Best for apps with high engagement and traffic.

That’s a Wrap!

Monetising your Bubble.io app isn’t just about picking a model—it’s about testing what works best for your audience. If you’re not sure where to start, try a hybrid model (e.g., offering both subscriptions and one-time purchases).

What monetisation strategy are you planning to try? Hit reply and let me know—I’d love to hear about your journey!

Until next week,
Stackless