Want to sell apps for money online? Don't believe the hype. Read this checklist for beginners and learn to do it right

We all have that million dollar app idea...or so we think. Selling apps can be a lucrative business, but before you put that down payment down on a yacht, keep reading. We got you covered with a checklist on how to sell apps for money online. 

Step One To Sell Apps: Have An Idea

This might be obvious, but it's incredibly important. You need to figure out as soon as possible if your idea is solid or not. This includes making sure it doesn't already exist. 

Be clear about who will use your app (and it can't just be you). Ask people if they would find your app useful. Typically successful apps are either really fun (think Angry Birds) or solve a problem like this best free online twitter headers maker app.

If your app isn't really fun or doesn't solve a problem, you're probably not going to make any money from it.

Step Two: The Spec

Now that you have your million dollar app idea, talk to someone who has successfully developed an app and or gets the process. Find out how easy it is to make your app. If your app needs something like complex 3D-augmented reality, you're going to have to spend a ton of money to make this app a reality.

You'll want to make sure your app is simple. If it is, keep going.

Step Three: The Money

Typically start-offs launch with some friends and family funding, which is a small amount of cash that is raised with small equity in return. Or if you can put together a sleek video, a Kickstarter campaign can help raise this funding.

You might think getting a developer involved will solve your funding. It might, but keep in mind that ten percent of something that doesn't exist yet, isn't worth anything. Also, know it's almost unheard of for venture capitalists or angel investors to give you money before seeing a proof of concept.

Step Four: Build It

Here's where it gets expensive, especially since app developers are in high demand and can charge upwards of a thousand dollars for one day of work. You need a specific type of developer to make your app. Or you could make the app yourself by learning how to code online.

Step Five: Market It

Now that you have your app, it's time to market it. Find your target demo or users, and spread the word. Use social media, blogs, whatever you can do. You might want to hire a publicist to help you with this.

But at the end of the day, what's going to make your app successful is what we mentioned earlier. Is it fun, and does it solve a problem?

Develop Your App Today

Now that you know what to do to make and sell apps, get on it! Remember, it all starts with a great idea for an app that's either fun or solves a problem. Once you got that, fund it, build it, sell it.