How to pre-sell app subscriptions on the web before launch

Pre-selling subscriptions for mobile apps on the web before releasing them on platforms like Apple's App Store or Google Play can offer significant advantages, including avoiding the 15-30% fees these platforms charge and converting users more efficiently by reducing app installation friction. This approach allows developers to validate market demand and secure funding during the app's development phase by turning speculative ideas into tangible revenue. Successful examples include Arnold Schwarzenegger's fitness app, The Pump, and the Marvel Move app, which both secured substantial pre-launch sales. Apple and Google have specific guidelines that developers must navigate, such as using RevenueCat redemption links or custom solutions like Stripe or Paddle, to manage pre-sales while complying with platform rules. By starting with web-based sales, developers can cultivate a paying customer base, ensuring a smoother transition when the app eventually launches in stores, thus complementing rather than replacing traditional app distribution methods.