More downloads and more active users are certainly requirements for a successful app. The ultimate goal, for most app developers, however, is to make a business out of the app.

The key to getting smart about making a business out of your apps is to do research with your loyal app customers, to determine how you could expand your engagement with them through the creation of other apps they'd be interested in and to get more personalized. Some key questions are:

• What will people pay for in your app? Is it more content, additional levels, greater service or a specific product set?
• If you're utilizing ads, do you know if your ad strategy is annoying people or is welcomed?
• What other associated apps can you build for your most loyal fans and app customers?

The emerging business models for apps are presenting us with new opportunities to build a business, but flying blind and guessing is a dangerous way to uncover the answers to your monetization questions. Instead of copying others or just throwing things against the wall with your customers, take a proactive approach to learning more about how you can succeed. Running targeted surveys to your customers is a great step to get smarter about customer needs.