Should I Build It Should I Build It
05 Jun 2025
Productivity Messaging

A platform to set reminders - that sends reminder notifications on ...

...whatsapp

Confidence
Engagement
Net use signal
Net buy signal

Idea type: Swamp

The market has seen several mediocre solutions that nobody loves. Unless you can offer something fundamentally different, you’ll likely struggle to stand out or make money.

Should You Build It?

Don't build it.

Your are here

Your idea for a reminder platform that sends notifications via WhatsApp falls into a crowded space. We found 7 similar products, indicating high competition. The 'Swamp' category is fitting because many reminder apps exist, but few are truly loved. The average number of comments on similar products is low (1), suggesting low engagement. There's no clear positive or negative use/buy signal. Given this landscape, building yet another generic reminder app without a strong differentiator is risky. You'll likely struggle to stand out.

Recommendations

  1. Before proceeding, thoroughly research why existing reminder solutions haven't achieved widespread success. What are their limitations, and what unmet needs exist? Read through the comments and criticism of similar products and see what specific issues users have with those. Understanding these failures will inform your strategy.
  2. If you're determined to pursue this, identify a specific niche or group of users who are currently underserved by existing reminder apps. For example, consider reminders tailored to specific professions, hobbies, or routines. Specialization can help you stand out.
  3. Instead of building a standalone app, explore the possibility of creating tools or integrations for existing platforms and services. Could you develop a WhatsApp reminder bot that enhances the functionality of a popular task management app, for instance?
  4. Consider exploring adjacent problems that might be more promising. Instead of reminders, perhaps focus on task management or habit tracking with a strong integration with communication channels. This could lead to a more compelling value proposition.
  5. Given the competitive landscape and lack of clear demand, it might be wise to re-evaluate your idea and save your energy for a better opportunity. Look for areas where you can leverage your skills and passion to solve a more pressing problem with less competition.
  6. Monaguillo.pe users reported that the reminder function did not work as expected. Focus on nailing reliability, test relentlessly, and address bugs quickly to ensure you avoid that fate.
  7. Consider how you might monetize. Since the use/buy signals are neutral, you will have to get creative. Think about freemium models, value-added features, affiliate commissions, etc.

Questions

  1. What unique value proposition can your reminder app offer that differentiates it from the dozens of other similar apps already available?
  2. Given the low engagement observed in similar products, how will you drive user acquisition and retention for your app?
  3. How will you ensure the reliability and accuracy of your WhatsApp reminder notifications, especially considering potential issues with API changes or platform limitations?

Your are here

Your idea for a reminder platform that sends notifications via WhatsApp falls into a crowded space. We found 7 similar products, indicating high competition. The 'Swamp' category is fitting because many reminder apps exist, but few are truly loved. The average number of comments on similar products is low (1), suggesting low engagement. There's no clear positive or negative use/buy signal. Given this landscape, building yet another generic reminder app without a strong differentiator is risky. You'll likely struggle to stand out.

Recommendations

  1. Before proceeding, thoroughly research why existing reminder solutions haven't achieved widespread success. What are their limitations, and what unmet needs exist? Read through the comments and criticism of similar products and see what specific issues users have with those. Understanding these failures will inform your strategy.
  2. If you're determined to pursue this, identify a specific niche or group of users who are currently underserved by existing reminder apps. For example, consider reminders tailored to specific professions, hobbies, or routines. Specialization can help you stand out.
  3. Instead of building a standalone app, explore the possibility of creating tools or integrations for existing platforms and services. Could you develop a WhatsApp reminder bot that enhances the functionality of a popular task management app, for instance?
  4. Consider exploring adjacent problems that might be more promising. Instead of reminders, perhaps focus on task management or habit tracking with a strong integration with communication channels. This could lead to a more compelling value proposition.
  5. Given the competitive landscape and lack of clear demand, it might be wise to re-evaluate your idea and save your energy for a better opportunity. Look for areas where you can leverage your skills and passion to solve a more pressing problem with less competition.
  6. Monaguillo.pe users reported that the reminder function did not work as expected. Focus on nailing reliability, test relentlessly, and address bugs quickly to ensure you avoid that fate.
  7. Consider how you might monetize. Since the use/buy signals are neutral, you will have to get creative. Think about freemium models, value-added features, affiliate commissions, etc.

Questions

  1. What unique value proposition can your reminder app offer that differentiates it from the dozens of other similar apps already available?
  2. Given the low engagement observed in similar products, how will you drive user acquisition and retention for your app?
  3. How will you ensure the reliability and accuracy of your WhatsApp reminder notifications, especially considering potential issues with API changes or platform limitations?

  • Confidence: High
    • Number of similar products: 7
  • Engagement: Low
    • Average number of comments: 1
  • Net use signal: 20.0%
    • Positive use signal: 20.0%
    • Negative use signal: 0.0%
  • Net buy signal: 0.0%
    • Positive buy signal: 0.0%
    • Negative buy signal: 0.0%

This chart summarizes all the similar products we found for your idea in a single plot.

The x-axis represents the overall feedback each product received. This is calculated from the net use and buy signals that were expressed in the comments. The maximum is +1, which means all comments (across all similar products) were positive, expressed a willingness to use & buy said product. The minimum is -1 and it means the exact opposite.

The y-axis captures the strength of the signal, i.e. how many people commented and how does this rank against other products in this category. The maximum is +1, which means these products were the most liked, upvoted and talked about launches recently. The minimum is 0, meaning zero engagement or feedback was received.

The sizes of the product dots are determined by the relevance to your idea, where 10 is the maximum.

Your idea is the big blueish dot, which should lie somewhere in the polygon defined by these products. It can be off-center because we use custom weighting to summarize these metrics.

Similar products

Relevance

Monaguillo.pe - Reminders on WhatsApp

29 Apr 2023 Productivity Messaging Bots

Reminders on WhatsApp / Recordatorios por WhatsApp. Disponible solo en español por ahora 🙌.

The launch is receiving positive feedback, with users congratulating the team and reporting that the app is working well. One user mentioned that the launch reminder didn't function as expected. Another user congratulated the team on the launch and took the opportunity to promote their own project and Twitter account.

Users reported issues with the reminder function, stating that it did not work at the set time.

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Relevance

I created an application to schedule messages on WhatsApp

08 Aug 2024 Messaging

Hey HN,I need a feature to schedule messages on WhatsApp in a delivery service I have, so I came up with the idea of transforming this feature into a micro-SAAS. With WhatsApp, you connect your cell phone to the application and import your contacts. You can easily schedule recurring messages for as many contacts as you want. It currently only accepts text messages, but in the near future it will also accept sending files.I believe this application can help you, and I would appreciate any feedback.

Avatar
4
4
Relevance

I created an application to schedule messages on WhatsApp

19 Aug 2024 Messaging

Hey HN, I need a feature to schedule messages on WhatsApp in a delivery service I have, so I came up with the idea of transforming this feature into a micro-SAAS. With WhatsApp, you connect your cell phone to the application and import your contacts. You can easily schedule recurring messages for as many contacts as you want. It currently only accepts text messages, but in the near future it will also accept sending files.I believe this application can help you, and I would appreciate any feedback.

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I built an app to text myself and get reminders, notes, journal, etc.

02 Aug 2024 Productivity

I started this around 2 years ago to explore my love for using apps like Signal for notetaking and its potential to extend this to so much more.tetr lets you create checklists, reminders, notes & more through one familiar interface: chats (also known as Spaces). No fancy AI or internet needed, just an instant & easy way to get your thoughts in. When you want it, you can also access your data in traditional views like your average todo app.Currently available on iOS, iPadOS, MacOS as a universal app; end-to-end encrypted sync beta will be available soon.Features:* Offline-first: all on your device, with E2EE sync coming soon.* Routines: set reoccurring texts to be sent to your Spaces and use them to build habits, get affirmations, and more.* Calendar integration: text reminders & see them in your device calendar right away.* Share content & links like you would to any other messaging app.* Journal view & mood tracking.* Basic markdown support.There's still a lot to come, starting with sync and ending with a better desktop experience & greater customization and extension options. Would love to hear what you think and feel free to ask about it!Built with Flutter and Realm / Atlas Device Sync (note I work on the sync SDKs at MongoDB but this is purely my personal project)

More graphics on Mac in hidden changelog link.

Changelog is a bit hidden away.

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