meijer.works

DM.app

DM.App was a Silicon Valley startup aiming to revolutionize community communication. The platform allowed communities to connect via SMS without needing an app or subscriptions. Despite its eventual closure, DM.App provided valuable lessons in building innovative communication tools.

dmapp

Challenge

The core challenge was to enable seamless communication between community members using SMS, catering to regions where SMS remains popular. Specific problems included:

  • Allowing members to send and receive messages without knowing each other’s phone numbers.
  • Ensuring notifications reached members without requiring them to check a portal or download an app.
  • Building the product under "stealth mode," limiting public discussions and visibility.

The project also had to bridge cultural and technological differences, as SMS adoption in the US remains higher than in other regions like the Netherlands.

Solution

We built DM.App using Next.js for the marketing site and community portal, with a backend powered by Postgres for reliable data management. Key features included:

  • SMS-Based Community Messaging: Members could send SMS messages to DM.App, which were then routed to the appropriate community. Notifications to other members were also sent via SMS, ensuring timely updates.
  • SMS Account Creation: Users could create accounts and interact with the platform solely via SMS, eliminating the need for apps.
  • Dynamic Community Portal: A web portal allowed communities to manage their members and communication settings.

Despite working under stealth mode, we shipped a fully functional product that supported its first live community. The engineering team met all deadlines, delivering a robust solution.

Results

While DM.App ultimately ran out of funding before it could be marketed, the product achieved:

  • A fully operational platform enabling seamless community communication.
  • A successful launch for its first community.
  • Optimized performance, including an upgrade from Next.js 10 to 12 and significant Postgres tuning.

The project demonstrated that SMS-based communication can work effectively when designed thoughtfully, even if the market for such a product was geographically limited.

Lessons Learned

  1. Embrace Cultural Differences: SMS, though less popular in the Netherlands, was a strong foundation for the US market, highlighting the importance of trusting local expertise.
  2. Stealth Mode Challenges: Working in stealth mode made collaboration harder, emphasizing the importance of clear internal communication.
  3. Execution Matters: Despite the product's failure, the team delivered a functional solution, meeting deadlines and proving the engineering team's capability.

Conclusion

DM.App showcased how simple communication tools, when built with care, can empower communities. While the startup’s journey ended prematurely, the experience highlighted the value of cultural awareness, collaboration, and technical excellence.