Hooking
Newbie
- May 12, 2026
- 1
- 1
Hi everyone,
I sell a Windows desktop software (downloaded .exe). I sell it as a one-time purchase, and I want to keep it that way. Not planning to switch to subscription.
But I'm thinking about things like:
Showing in-app ads or banners (like ad networks for desktop apps)
Promoting affiliate offers inside the app
Driving traffic to a website or landing page where I can earn from ads or referrals
Any kind of "traffic monetization" - maybe redirecting users to a search engine that shares revenue, or bundling something in the installer (but that feels sketchy and I don't want to lose trust)
Basically I want to use the eyeballs I already have, but keep the software paid as it is. Not freeware with ads, just adding an extra income stream on top.
Is any of this actually doable with a Windows desktop app in 2026? Are there ad networks that work for desktop software? What's the earning potential like? And what methods won't make my users hate me or trigger antivirus warnings?
If you've tried something like this, I'd love to hear what worked (or what failed badly). I'm a solo dev, not a marketing expert, so simple ideas are best.
Thanks!
I sell a Windows desktop software (downloaded .exe). I sell it as a one-time purchase, and I want to keep it that way. Not planning to switch to subscription.
But I'm thinking about things like:
Showing in-app ads or banners (like ad networks for desktop apps)
Promoting affiliate offers inside the app
Driving traffic to a website or landing page where I can earn from ads or referrals
Any kind of "traffic monetization" - maybe redirecting users to a search engine that shares revenue, or bundling something in the installer (but that feels sketchy and I don't want to lose trust)
Basically I want to use the eyeballs I already have, but keep the software paid as it is. Not freeware with ads, just adding an extra income stream on top.
Is any of this actually doable with a Windows desktop app in 2026? Are there ad networks that work for desktop software? What's the earning potential like? And what methods won't make my users hate me or trigger antivirus warnings?
If you've tried something like this, I'd love to hear what worked (or what failed badly). I'm a solo dev, not a marketing expert, so simple ideas are best.
Thanks!
