Scrums.com logomark
SovTech is now Scrums.com! Same company, new name.
Read more here

How much does it cost to build an app like

How Much Does It Cost to Build An App Like Textra?

Scrums.com is revolutionizing the way growth companies scale their engineering teams. Our platform offers access to top-notch remote software engineering teams at an affordable subscription price.

Get started
Tick box
World-class development teams
Cube icon
Flexible subscriptions
How Much Does It Cost to Build An App Like Textra?
SovTech UK software development
SovTech UK icon clock
statistics

Don't take our word for it

The stats are in our favour. Scrums.com doesn't just help you with your software development teams, we get you results that last.
95%
Sprint completion
82
Net promoter Score
1,200+
Projects delivered
13
Years of software specialistion
SovTech UK software development
SovTech-UK-Leading-Software-Development
SovTech graphic leaf
pricing

How much does it cost to build an app?

How Much Does It Cost to Build An App Like Textra?

App Feature 01
App Feature 02
App Feature 03
App Feature 04
App Feature 05
App Feature 06
Get in touch
Arrow
App development

Develop Credibility and Trust

World-class app development that allows you to start, run and grow your business.

Building a custom app can boost your brand's trust and credibility, ultimately benefiting your business in the long run. We will discuss the following topics:

1. Reputation Management
2. Customer Support and Engagement
3. Data-Driven Decision Making
4. Demonstrating Social Responsibility

A well-made custom app can dramatically improve your brand's marketability and reputation. A trustworthy app will show that you are dedicated to providing top-notch goods and services. As a result of knowing they can rely on you, your clients and business partners will have more faith in you.

A custom app also strengthens your brand identification by demonstrating your professionalism and attention to detail.

Customer Support and Engagement
Blue plus sign

A custom app enables you to offer personalized customer support and engagement, helping you address the unique needs and pain points of your African target market. 

By incorporating in-app support features, such as chatbots, help centres, or direct communication channels, you can provide timely assistance to your users, leading to increased satisfaction and loyalty. 

This level of support also encourages users to share their positive experiences with others, further boosting your brand's credibility.

Data-Driven Decision Making
Blue plus sign

You may get useful user data through custom app creation, giving you insights into user behavior and preferences. You may improve your app and broader business strategy by studying this data and making wise decisions.

Delivering a more individualized experience for your users is made possible by a data-driven strategy. This helps to increase their faith in your brand and ultimately ensures that they will stay visiting.

Demonstrating Social Responsibility
Blue plus sign

Putting money into a customized app that caters to your target market's needs demonstrates your commitment to social responsibility.

You can showcase your brand's dedication to having a beneficial influence by developing an app that takes into account regional difficulties, environmental issues, or social issues that are pertinent to your audience.

This thoughtful approach to app creation not only strengthens the integrity of your brand, but it also appeals to customers who value companies with a clear sense of mission.

Custom App development

Benefits of Custom App Development

World-class app development that allows you to start, run and grow your business.

Imagine custom app development as an expert chef crafting a personalised menu for their restaurant. Just as a meticulously planned and executed meal can leave diners with a memorable culinary experience, a custom app is specifically designed to cater to your business's distinct needs and objectives, leaving a lasting impression on your users. 

Investing in custom app development offers several advantages, including:

  1. Improved user experience
  2. Increased efficiency
  3. Competitive advantage
  4. Higher profitability
  5. Seamless Integration with Existing Systems
  6. Enhanced Flexibility and Adaptability
Improved user experience
Blue plus sign

A custom app allows you to create an interface that is tailored to your target audience, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience. By focusing on the preferences and expectations of your users, you can craft an app that not only meets their needs but also delights them with personalized features and intuitive navigation.The best part? If you develop an app that your users love, you ensure that they keep coming back for more and turn them into lifelong customers.

Custom apps can be designed to streamline business processes and boost productivity. By automating repetitive tasks, integrating with existing systems, and providing real-time data access, custom apps empower your team to work more efficiently and make informed decisions quickly, just like a well-tailored suit that enables effortless movement and comfort.

A unique app helps you stand out from the competition and attract more customers. In a world where off-the-shelf solutions are abundant, a custom mobile app acts as a distinctive and exclusive suit that sets you apart in the crowd, showcasing your brand's personality and commitment to providing a superior experience.

A well-designed app can generate increased revenue and improve customer retention. By offering a memorable and engaging user experience, your custom app encourages users to continue using your services and make purchases. It's akin to wearing a sharp, tailored suit that not only grabs attention but also instils trust and confidence in your brand, ultimately resulting in increased profitability.

Custom app development enables seamless integration with your existing systems and third-party applications. This ensures a smooth flow of data between various platforms, enhancing communication and collaboration within your organization. The ability to integrate effortlessly is like having a versatile tool that easily connects and works in harmony with other components in your business ecosystem.

As your business evolves, a custom app can be easily modified or expanded to accommodate changing requirements and market trends. This adaptability is like having a dynamic strategy that can be adjusted and fine-tuned to suit your business's changing needs, ensuring continued relevance and success in an ever-changing environment.The benefits don’t just stop there though. If you want to build trust and credibility with your customers, a custom app is a great way to do so.

App development

Pivoting and Iterating

Investing in custom app development can be expensive, but being open to pivoting and iterating based on market feedback is crucial to ensure long-term success. By adapting your app to the ever-changing needs and preferences of your target market, you can stay ahead of the competition, increase user satisfaction, and maximize your return on investment.

Encourage users to provide feedback and reviews, which will help you identify pain points and areas for improvement. By addressing these concerns, you demonstrate your commitment to serving the unique needs of your users, enhancing your app's credibility and increasing user satisfaction. Tools like in-app surveys, app store reviews, or social media can be used to gather feedback and gauge user sentiment.

Iterate Based on User Data
Blue plus sign

Analyze user behaviour and engagement data to understand how your app is being used and identify potential bottlenecks or areas of friction. By making data-driven decisions, you can prioritize improvements and new features that will resonate with your audience, maximizing the impact of your development budget and efforts.

As you adapt your app based on market feedback, be prepared to allocate resources for ongoing updates and improvements. While this may increase your app's overall cost, the benefits include increased user satisfaction, reduced churn, and ultimately, higher long-term profitability. Regular updates also demonstrate your commitment to delivering a high-quality app experience tailored to your users' needs.

Adopt a flexible, agile development methodology that enables prompt iteration and change in response to market feedback.

Your app will stay relevant and helpful to your target market if you are receptive to user needs and can swiftly pivot and make adjustments.

By prioritizing products and enhancements that have the greatest impact, an agile methodology can also assist you in managing development expenses more successfully.

While it's essential to iterate and adapt your app based on user feedback, it's also crucial to balance this with innovation and forward-thinking. Continuously explore new technologies, trends, and market opportunities to ensure your app stays ahead of the curve and caters to the evolving needs of your user base. By striking the right balance between adaptation and innovation, you can maintain a competitive edge and secure long-term success for your app.

App development

The Importance of UX and UI

Creating an outstanding user experience and design is crucial for a successful app. A well-designed app should be visually appealing, intuitive, and user-friendly.

  1. Consistency: Consistent design elements throughout the app, such as typography, colours, and button styles, create a unified look and feel. This consistency reduces the cognitive load on users, helping them navigate your app with ease and understand its functionality more quickly.
  2. Simplicity: A simple and uncluttered interface reduces distractions and makes it easier for users to focus on the tasks at hand. Strive for a minimalistic design by eliminating unnecessary elements, using whitespace effectively, and prioritizing essential features.
  3. Feedback: Providing feedback, such as visual cues and confirmation messages, helps users understand the results of their actions. This can include animations for button clicks, success messages for completed tasks, or error messages when something goes wrong. Clear feedback enhances user satisfaction and encourages continued use of your app.
  1. Understand your target audience: Research your users' demographics, needs, preferences, and behaviours to tailor your app to their expectations. Conduct surveys, interviews, and usability testing to gather insights that help shape your app's features and design.
  2. Use clear navigation: Intuitive navigation is essential for a positive user experience. Implement well-organized menus, easily accessible search functions, and recognizable icons to help users find their way around your app effortlessly.
  3. Optimize for performance: Fast loading times and smooth performance are critical for user engagement. Optimize your app's code, reduce file sizes, and use efficient algorithms to ensure your app runs quickly and seamlessly on various devices.
The Impact of Good Design on App Adoption and Retention
Blue plus sign

Higher app adoption rates and greater client retention result from spending money on excellent design and user experience. A well-designed app has a higher likelihood of being passed along by users and being used again, which leads to better ratings, word-of-mouth advertising, and long-term success.

App development

Security Considerations for App Development

In today's interconnected digital world, app security is paramount. We take a look at some vital security considerations.

The Privacy Act of 1974 is the primary privacy regulation in America that regulates the sharing of data. The Privacy Act governs how federal agencies may gather, utilize, and disclose personal information. Individuals are given specific rights under it, including the ability to access and update their personal information, and federal agencies are required to protect such data from illegal disclosure.

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) for health information, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) for financial information, and the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) for children's online data are just a few federal laws that deal with privacy and data sharing in addition to the Privacy Act. Additionally, each state has its own privacy laws that could offer additional protections.

Keep up with the latest security threats and best practices, such as incorporating multi-factor authentication, securing APIs, and using secure coding practices. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments can help identify potential weaknesses and protect your app from emerging threats.

Working with Trusted Vendors
Blue plus sign

Select a reputable development partner with a proven track record in security best practices, like Scrums. A reliable vendor will prioritize security throughout the development process and help you build a secure app that meets industry standards and best practices.

Scrums.com provides high quality engineering teams to scaling enterprises at lower costs. Scrums.com designs, builds, deploys and maintains custom software that gives scale-ups the opportunity to grow world-class businesses.

Scrums.com provides high quality engineering teams to scaling enterprises at lower costs. Scrums.com designs, builds, deploys and maintains custom software that gives scale-ups the opportunity to grow world-class businesses.

How much does it cost to build an app?
Blue plus sign
testimonials

Don't take our word for it

Hear it from global businesses like yours
Officebox
"Scrums.com is the best solution for any business who does not have the capacity to scale engineering internally."
Fincheck
FinCheck
"I have found the teams to be extremely obliging when taking on projects. Would highly recommend."
Repobot
"My experience with Scrums.com has been a delight. I look forward to the many more projects together."
MACS Software
“The engineering team I worked with was extremely experienced. They knew exactly how to solve my problems, and did so effortlessly.”
Officebox
"Scrums.com is the best solution for any business who does not have the capacity to scale engineering internally."
Fincheck
FinCheck
"I have found the teams to be extremely obliging when taking on projects. Would highly recommend."
Repobot
"My experience with Scrums.com has been a delight. I look forward to the many more projects together."
MACS Software
“The engineering team I worked with was extremely experienced. They knew exactly how to solve my problems, and did so effortlessly.”
Officebox
"Scrums.com is the best solution for any business who does not have the capacity to scale engineering internally."
Fincheck
FinCheck
"I have found the teams to be extremely obliging when taking on projects. Would highly recommend."
Repobot
"My experience with Scrums.com has been a delight. I look forward to the many more projects together."
MACS Software
“The engineering team I worked with was extremely experienced. They knew exactly how to solve my problems, and did so effortlessly.”
Scale Your Development Team
Faster With Scrums.com
Get in touch and let's get started
Book a Demo
Tick
Cost-effective
Tick
Reliable
Tick
Scalable
Scrums.com logomark
SovTech is now Scrums.com! Same company, new name.
Read more here

How Much Does It Cost to Build An App Like Textra?

Learn what affects the cost of developing a U.S. messaging app like Textra, from platforms to compliance.
How Much Does It Cost To Build An App Like... Hero Image
Reliability

95%

Quality user stories into production rate

Happy customers

82

Net Promoter Score (NPS)

Consistent delivery

1,200+

Successful projects delivered

Work with experts

13

Years of software specialisation

Messaging apps like Textra have become essential tools for communication, offering quick, easy, and reliable text messaging experiences. However, developing such an app involves several complexities, from choosing the right platforms to integrating necessary features. Unlike standard apps, messaging apps must handle real-time communication, data privacy, and seamless performance across various devices. With the rise in mobile usage and the shift toward instant messaging as a primary mode of communication, apps like Textra must provide a flawless user experience—integrating features such as multimedia sharing, message encryption, and customizable user interfaces.

Beyond these basic functionalities, creating a successful messaging app requires addressing essential factors specific to the United States market. This includes complying with regulations like COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act) for apps catering to users under 13 and HIPAA when handling sensitive health data in healthcare-related communications. There are also considerations around incorporating regional preferences, such as push notifications tailored for American users and cross-device syncing across smartphones, tablets, and wearable technology—enhancing usability and accessibility.

Moreover, developers involved in custom app development must balance performance with scalability. For a messaging app like Textra, scalability means handling large volumes of messages, multimedia, and files exchanged in real-time without compromising performance. An app must be reliable under high traffic, ensuring smooth delivery across diverse internet speeds and mobile carriers in the United States—a process that can affect the final development budget. Understanding how much it costs to build an app Textra requires insight into technical infrastructure, compliance precautions, and feature complexity, all contributing to the overall expenses of custom software development.

This guide will explore the factors influencing the cost of building a messaging app like Textra in the United States market. We’ll cover everything from platform selection to compliance needs, helping you understand what drives the cost of custom app development and why a messaging app requires unique investments compared to other types of software.

Platform and Device Compatibility

Platform choice is one of the most significant factors in determining the cost of developing a messaging app like Textra. A critical decision is whether to build for iOS, Android, or both. United States users are split between iPhone and Android devices, so adopting a cross-platform approach can significantly widen the app's user base, enhancing engagement and overall usage. However, providing cross-platform functionality comes at a cost—custom app development for both operating systems typically increases the total development time, leading to higher expenses.

Consider web-based versions or desktop applications if your goal is to make Textra available on multiple devices, including PCs or laptops. Although such an expansion enhances user flexibility, it adds another layer of complexity to the development process, further influencing how much it costs to build an app with robust multi-platform support. Additionally, integration with wearable devices like smartwatches offers users the convenience of viewing and responding to messages in real-time directly from their wrist. Still, it will require additional development resources and increased financial investment. For businesses pursuing custom app development, these functionalities should be balanced with the project’s budget and user needs.

Basic Features
Plus icon
Intermediate Features
Plus icon
Advanced Features
Plus icon
Looking for the most value for money app development?
Join over 400+ companies already growing with Scrums.com.

Design and User Experience (UX/UI)

For a messaging app like Textra, user experience is critical. United States consumers expect a clean, intuitive interface that doesn’t overwhelm them with features. Designing simple yet engaging UX/UI requires thoughtful consideration, from how chats are organized to the look and feel of conversation threads. While spending on design can increase development costs, a well-designed app can lead to higher user retention and engagement.

Integrations with Third-Party Services or External Systems

Integrating third-party services can significantly enhance the functionality of a messaging app like Textra, but each integration adds to the development cost. Essential integrations for a messaging app may include:

  • SMS Gateways: To facilitate sending SMS through different network carriers.
  • Cloud Storage: This is used to back up chat histories, media files, and other data.
  • Payment Processors: For apps that offer in-app purchases or premium features.
  • Media and GIF Libraries: Allowing users to search and share GIFs or other content directly within the app.

Specific Integrations for United States Users

In the United States, popular integrations include Google Drive for easy data backup, Apple Pay and Google Wallet for seamless in-app purchases, and Stripe or PayPal for payment processing. Integration with APIs like Twilio can simplify SMS and calling services, while Firebase can offer real-time chat support, analytics, and crash reporting.

Each of these integrations requires developer time and often includes licensing fees. Additionally, integrating third-party services introduces dependencies that must be maintained and updated, affecting the app's long-term cost.

Database & Back-End Infrastructure

The back-end infrastructure is vital for a messaging app, ensuring smooth data handling, user authentication, and real-time message delivery. For a Textra-like app, the backend must be scalable, secure, and capable of managing high volumes of messages with minimal latency.

Real-Time Communication Protocols: Real-time communication is at the heart of any messaging app. Technologies like WebSockets or MQTT are often used to ensure messages are delivered instantly. Developing and maintaining this infrastructure requires skilled backend engineers who can set up scalable server architectures capable of handling large traffic volumes.

U.S.-Based Infrastructure Solutions: For developers targeting United States users, leveraging cloud services from AWS, Google Cloud, or Microsoft Azure is advisable. These services offer reliable uptime, robust security features, and fast performance for United States-based users. They also provide scalability, allowing your app to grow without significant overhauls to the backend architecture. However, cloud hosting and data storage incur ongoing costs that must be factored into the budget.

Ongoing Maintenance and Updates

Developing an app is just the beginning; ongoing maintenance is critical for the app's long-term success. Regular updates ensure compatibility with new OS versions, introduce new features, and fix any bugs or security vulnerabilities that arise.

Why Maintenance Matters: For an app like Textra, which relies on real-time communication, any downtime or lag can frustrate users. Regular maintenance ensures that all integrations, APIs, and systems function optimally. Moreover, in the United States market, where users have high expectations, keeping the app updated with the latest features and security patches is essential for maintaining a competitive edge.

Cost Considerations: Maintenance usually represents a significant portion of the original development budget each year, covering expenses for updates, bug fixes, server hosting, and customer support. Neglecting maintenance can lead to technical debt, making future updates more complex and costly.

Team Expertise and Location

The cost of building a messaging app like Textra can vary based on the expertise and location of your development team. Different skill sets are required for various aspects of development, from front-end design to back-end infrastructure and database management.

Building a messaging app involves:

  • UI/UX Designers: Crafting intuitive and engaging interfaces.
  • Frontend Developers: Creating the app’s visual elements and user interactions.
  • Backend Developers: Managing data processing, storage, and real-time communication.
  • Security Specialists: Ensuring data encryption and compliance with privacy laws.
  • Quality Assurance (QA) Engineers: Testing the app across different scenarios to ensure reliability.

United States-based vs. Offshore Development

United States-based developers are generally more expensive but bring the advantage of familiarity with United States regulations, user preferences, and market trends. On the other hand, offshore teams can be more cost-effective but may need help with communication, time zones, and differences in legal compliance.

A blended approach, where core development happens in the United States with some tasks outsourced to offshore developers, can balance quality and cost-effectiveness. However, the project must be well managed to ensure all team members are aligned and working efficiently.

Hidden Costs & Miscellaneous Factors

Quality Assurance & Testing: Quality assurance is a critical phase that can’t be overlooked. For messaging apps, testing must cover various scenarios, including:

  • Load Testing: To ensure the app can handle large volumes of messages simultaneously.
  • Security Testing: To verify that encryption and other security protocols function correctly.
  • Compatibility Testing: To ensure the app works on multiple devices and OS versions.

Investing in thorough testing will increase the initial cost but can save significant amounts in the long run by preventing post-launch issues.

App Store Fees and Guidelines: Launching on platforms like the Google Play Store and Apple App Store comes with challenges. Each store has specific guidelines that must be followed, and there are costs associated with developer accounts, transaction fees, and listing maintenance. For example, the Apple App Store charges a fee on in-app purchases, which needs to be factored into revenue models.

What Makes This App Category Unique in Terms of Development

Developing a messaging app like Textra involves specific challenges, mainly due to the real-time nature of communication. Unlike static or asynchronous apps, messaging apps must handle constant data exchange, which requires efficient coding and robust server setups. Maintaining user privacy and security is also a top priority, especially in the United States, where consumers are highly aware of data protection issues.

Developers must also ensure that the app is lightweight and fast, as delays in message delivery can lead to user dissatisfaction. Balancing these technical requirements with feature richness and aesthetic design makes building messaging apps challenging and rewarding.

Want to see your app idea brought to life? 

At Scrums.com, our expert team of United States-focused developers can customize your project, advising you on the most efficient ways to build your app. Whether it's a fitness app, social media platform, or fintech tool, we're here to create something exceptional. Reach out for a custom development estimate today, and let's turn your vision into reality!