This is not a social messenger app. I have 2 types of users, users that use it for free and PAYG and monthly subscribers. Who do i target first? Free users cannot use it without subscribers, vice versa.
Niche down!
Find a way to appeal to a certain demographic. You can't compete with Messenger or Whatsapp when it comes to their reach.
But you can compete on features or how you position your product.
Add features to your product that the bigger products don't have. it could be something like better tools for managing a group chat, or tighter integration with a software product that your target demographic would use.
The choice of the platform, as well the launch strategy would then hinge on the user demographic you are targeting.
Something similar to LinkedIn but for a specific business Would be amazing so you have everyone on it from the same business so all reading from the same page. Could maybe link it to Facebook messenger
The value of a messenger app is in its adoption by heavy users who grow to depend on it, and then invite more people. You need to find a niche, and then aggressively get some adopters. Then, find out what value-added features would make them happy. By aggressively recruiting, I mean that just making a free version is not good enough. There is so much noise and competition. You need to contact users in this niche and, if need be, "bribe" them to use it. I know one app in the truck driver space that went to truck stops and gave out free t-shirts and food to get truckers to download and try their apps.
