How to Create a Service Delivery App Like Airtasker: Costs, Features, and Essential Steps

On-demand apps are gaining popularity as they offer unbeatable ease of use and seamless user experience. People want instant gratification, and these apps offer it by offering an extensive range of services accessible via smartphones.

When you use these apps, everything from transportation and food delivery to handyman and cleaning solutions is two taps away. This blend of control, convenience, and numerous service options has driven the massive demand for on-demand apps worldwide.

By connecting each party to one system, the business model of a handyman on demand has bridged the gap between customers who require home services and home service providers. Many home services are available with a single touch from your phone, including cleaning services such as home care services, installations, pest control services, or repair services.

In this blog we will be talking about the factors affecting the cost of developing an app like Airtasker and other crucial aspects to successfully launching your app. Let’s get deep into the details!

Looking at Success Story or Airtasker

Airtasker is an Australian application that has become hugely popular among the general population. How did this app take shape?

Let’s look back to 2012 when Tim Fung and Jonathan Lui devised a solution to assist people in completing their duties using ‘ready to assist Taskers. ‘

In a blog post by Jungleworks, the co-founders of Airtasker describe their journey from their initial days to the robust Airtasker App that we have today. The most important takeaways from the blog post are:

• Airtasker can create a unique employee base and a group of passionate individuals who can fulfill its mission, i.e., creating a robust local market for local services.
• The initial thought process was about Jonathan Lui and Tim Fung in 2011, when Tim had difficulty moving her stuff around and furniture—all of this and lots more. This led to the revolutionary app solution “Airtasker.”
• They were able to see the potential of small local economies across Australia and those within the general population looking for work to earn extra cash.
• After some months of mastery and a few months of mastery thinking, they launched Airtasker, and since then, the community has grown to over 400,000 members and has been able to complete millions of tasks each year.

The app is in its 8th year of success and is considered the best-rated simple marketplace application. Businesses, common people, and small companies use the app to accomplish tasks efficiently.

What is Airtasker?

Airtasker is a web-based and mobile marketplace that connects businesses and individuals with service companies in the local area to share their tasks and locate local services. Users can post tasks or jobs they require assistance with, like gardening, cleaning, handyman services, and moving. They can also post virtual tasks such as graphic design or web development. Task posters determine the cost they’re willing to pay, and those who are interested (service providers) take up the task and offer the services for a fixed cost.

The specifics of the task, including the definition of the job and its budget, are posted on the site by those who wish to outsource their regular jobs (the posters). The Tasker will then place its request for bids on those in the team who want to take on the task. If they are selected, they start the project right away.

Complex tasks that require specializations like graphic design, illustration, and web design can be as basic as house cleaning, gardening furniture installation, home demolition tasks, and handyman work.

Steps to Build an App Like Airtasker

Developing an app like Airtasker requires a thorough methodology, extensive analysis, and other vital elements that help businesses develop captivating and effective applications. Let’s explore what goes into the Airtasker app development process!

Define Goals and Features

Start by clearly defining the objectives of creating an app similar to Airtasker. Find the essential functions and features that will distinguish the app in the marketplace and benefit users. This includes doing market research, analyzing users’ needs, and defining the features that align with the app’s goals.

Build a Team

Hire a competent and committed app development company like Techugo to take on your project of developing an app like Airtasker efficiently. This means hiring designers, developers, project managers, and other experts with previous experience in developing mobile apps and platforms for service delivery. Work closely with team members to encourage communication, innovation, and synergy throughout development.

Design and Develop

Create a simple and user-friendly interface that improves your users’ experience. Work with designers to develop wireframes, prototypes, and mockups that reflect the application’s branding and functions. Next, move on to the development process, using agile methods to continuously create and refine features based on feedback from users and tests.

Prioritize Regulations and Compliance

Prioritize compliance with regulatory requirements and regulations, ensuring the app complies with legal specifications and industry standards. This requires researching and analyzing relevant regulations, such as privacy laws, data protection, and consumer protection rights.

To increase trust among users and minimize legal risks, steps should be taken to protect users’ data privacy and ensure transparent transactions. Businesses can create an app like Airtasker in compliance with regulations and other requirements.

Secure Data and Communication

Use strict security measures to guard the user’s data and secure communications within the application. This requires encryption protocols, safe authentication methods, and regular security audits that identify weaknesses and rectify them. Prioritize privacy and data security to establish trust and confidence with users.

Test and Refine

Conduct thorough tests at every phase of development to determine and address issues before launching. This includes usability, functional, and performance tests to ensure that the app works seamlessly across platforms and devices. Get feedback from beta testers and refine features to improve usability and performance.

App Deployment

Get ready for your app’s launch by enhancing the app store listing, designing promotional materials, and establishing monitoring and analysis tools. Follow the guidelines for submission to Google Play Store and the App Store for a smooth acceptance and launch. Review app performance after launch and take action if there are any issues to ensure users are satisfied.

Ongoing Maintenance

Always monitor and update the app to respond to users’ feedback, address bugs, and introduce new features. This requires regular software updates, security patches, and performance enhancements, ensuring the application is always up-to-date and adapts to users’ changing requirements. Keep open communication channels with users, allowing them to provide feedback and prioritize improvements that improve users’ engagement and maintain their loyalty.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Airtasker Like App Development

The cost of developing a mobile application like Airtasker will vary widely. Many factors influence the costs, all of which significantly impact the overall cost. We must examine these aspects in depth to comprehend their impact on the cost of developing an app like Airtasker.

App Complexity

The app’s complexity level is determined by the quantity and quality of features needed to create an app like Airtasker. A service delivery application typically has features such as user profiles, tasks, messaging systems, task posting, geolocation services, payment gateways, reviews, ratings, and much more. In addition, adding more sophisticated features directly increases the total cost of building an app for service delivery like Airtasker.

There are three app versions:

• Task Poster App Features

#1. Sign Up

The primary and most essential step of every app is registration. Users can join using an email address or another social media account using an account password.

Customers fill in their details, click ‘I’d like to do things, ‘ and complete the Sign-up procedure.

#2. Profile management

An app like Airtasker has a user-friendly profile for both Taskers and Posters. For Posters, you can also add your abilities and earn badges from your Taskers, edit your profile on the public, and much more.

Posters can upload photos or create Avatars and even provide Taglines themselves. They can alter their information at any time.

#3. Task Category

Like other apps, Airtasker offers easy navigation for users. Task posters can browse through a variety of Task categories. Users just need to tap the task they must complete within the timeframe.

Task posters can have various parameters, including the distance between posters and the taskers, altering the suburb, choosing the task price, and many more. If you do not customize them, you can access more than 100 categories and over 300 subcategories of tasks.

#4. Browse Tasks

When posters are granted an account, they are registered and can view their jobs and costs. Posters control their addresses so that Taskers can effortlessly reach them. The app has advanced filters that display tasks based on previously given tasks.

#5. Suggested For Your Tasks

The two filters unique to Airtasker for job advertisements include ‘Suggested for You’ and ‘available tasks’ only. The first is a dedicated feature that displays the tasks you have completed based on your posting timeline. The latter will automatically hide the tasks already assigned. This feature is what makes an app like Airtasker very helpful.

• Tasker App Features

#1. Registration

Taskers provide their credentials and then select one of the options to make money. The tasker can then access their account, where they can receive a variety of tasks.

#2. Add Skills & Portfolio

A professional profile makes taskers appear more credible to posters. One can include their area of expertise, previous experience in the field, and even their language skills. A well-written profile and skills list aid in gaining trust and credibility in managing the tasks.

A portfolio is a document that showcases your past work and experiences. You can upload up to 30 items in JPG, PDF, or TXT format. It is recommended that you do not include personal information or links from third parties in the portfolio’s content.

#3. Map-Based Homepage

The Airtasker app efficiently finds task locations. A homepage that includes localized and precise places can help highlight the task’s location, making it easy for taskers to find it.

It is easy to access the task board using the map visible on the homepage itself. Further efforts to search for maps are limited to places listed on the homepage itself.

#4. Personal Dashboard

Taskers can browse tasks from a variety of posters. You can select the most suitable deals and record their experience with the chosen task.

In addition to deciding on tasks, each task master can experiment with new strategies and techniques that work without difficulty through feedback.

#5. Browse Tasks

Taskers constantly search for new opportunities and news. Depending on the location, cost, and duration of the task, task masters can choose from a variety of categories.

Advanced browsing options comprise “Suggested for you” and “Available Tasks.” The former sorts tasks based on their preceding task history, while the latter conceals previously given Tasks.

• Admin Panel features

#1. Admin Dashboard

The Admin Dashboard helps manage the functions of Taskers and Posters. Administrators can also manage everything from the app, including in-app messaging features.

#2. Poster Management

Administrators are accountable for the application’s performance, and posters can submit their jobs, receive offers, and complete their tasks quickly. As the audience is targeted for engagement, their interaction and inquiries are also supervised by admins.

#3. Tasker Management

Taskers receive updates on thousands of tasks each day. It is vital to confirm their apps’ activities and how they perform in completing tasks. A special module run by the administrator tracks each part of the tasker’s performance.

#4. Task Management

Airtasker’s primary function is organizing diverse tasks on the app, both for Taskers and Posters. It is crucial that tasks are accurately updated, and each task has to be checked by the administrator to ensure its authenticity and accessibility. Untrue information can result in less customer retention.

#5. Category & Subcategory Management

Airtasker is easy to understand and offers a variety of real-time tasks. Administrators manage posters and taskers to stay informed about the newest tasks and improve their skills in relation to them.

It also helps posters discover what tasks they are required to complete by organizing subcategories and categories. A single task category can contain many subcategories that are well organized within the app.

Administrators often check the current tasks available, their nature, and any concerns about the category in general.

• Additional Features

The primary function of a marketplace such as Airtasker, connecting people who require tasks to those who want to earn money from doing the work, is centered on the following key elements:

1. Matching Mechanism:

   The core function of an app like Airtasker is to match task posters to people who possess the knowledge and capacity to finish the task. This complex process comprehends the demands of the job and the skills of the individuals assigned to do the work.

2. Communication Tools:

   Effective communication channels within the system are vital. These include messaging systems that permit transparent, clear communication between the task’s poster and the tasker to discuss details about the task, discuss prices, and arrange to complete the project.

3. Pay System:

   A secure payment system is crucial. The system must handle transactions easily, ensure workers are paid after task completion, and provide recourse for both parties in case of disagreements or dissatisfaction.

4. Trust and Safety:

   Features that help build trust and guarantee the security of both parties are essential. This includes an identification, verification, reviews and rating system with a clear resolution procedure. Ensuring that users trust each other and the platform is crucial to the success of the marketplace.

5. UI/UX:

   A user-friendly interface that makes it simple for users to create tasks and tasks, search for tasks, communicate, and make transactions essential. The platform should be easy to use, responsive, and available across various devices.

6. Optional Search and Filtering:

   To effectively link task posters and taskers, the platform must offer extensive search and filter options, enabling users to quickly locate tasks or taskers that meet certain criteria, such as geographical location, required skills, price, and ratings.

7. Alerts and Notifications:

   Timely notifications and alerts, as well as alerts regarding task updates, new task opportunities, and other pertinent information, keep users interested and up-to-date, which is vital to the smooth functioning of the market.

Development Team Location

The location of the mobile app development company you will hire is a crucial factor in determining the total cost of constructing an app for service delivery like Airtasker. Hourly development rates differ significantly across various regions around the world. If we compare, the US and the UK generally have higher hourly rates. However, the cost to hire a mobile app development company in Toronto and Asia is quite less.

A great way to maximize the development budget is to outsource the development process to Asian regions like India. In these areas, highly trained development teams provide solutions of similar quality but at a fraction of the price. Using the experience and resources available within Asian countries can dramatically increase project efficiency while efficiently managing the overall cost.

Third-Party Integrations

Apps for service delivery often require integration with third-party applications like payment gateways, communication tools, mapping APIs, and social networks. Integrating these services enhances the app’s capabilities, but it also increases its complexity and, consequently, the overall Airtasker-like application development costs.

App Platform

The choice of the best platform(s) for application deployment for app deployment, like iOS, Android, or the web, can impact the cost of development and timelines. The development process for multiple platforms adds to the cost and complexity of the project when compared to first using a single platform.

Quality Assurance

Quality assurance and thorough testing procedures are essential to finding and correcting bugs, guaranteeing application functionality across platforms and devices, and ensuring a good user experience. Investing in QA tools and resources is essential to delivering a high-quality app; however, it has a major impact on the overall cost.

Design Requirements

A well-thought-out UI/UX design can improve the user experience and offer a seamless experience. The extensive requirements for design include user-friendly interfaces, easy navigation, visually appealing layouts, and uniform branding elements.

Development Team Size

The size and experience of the mobile app developers significantly affect the cost of building an app  like Airtasker. A team of highly trained experts composed of experienced experts adept in developing service apps can seamlessly integrate advanced features to ensure that the app is developed efficiently and produces high-quality results. While the expense of the size of a team like this could be greater, it reflects the importance of their experience and their promise to deliver efficient and reliable service delivery solutions.

Compliance and Security Standards

Compliance with security and regulations is essential for safeguarding users’ data and ensuring your app’s compliance. Based on the app’s intended market and industry, adherence to regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI-DSS might be essential, but they could burden the Airtasker-like application development costs.

Tech Stack

Choosing technologies and programming languages for app development affects its performance, scalability, and maintenance. Selecting the right technology stack, supported by technology like AI and ML and the expertise of the team developing it, is vital to ensure sustainable development and long-term sustainability. Additionally, the use of appropriate technologies has a significant impact on the overall cost of developing a mobile app like Airtasker.

• Mobile Platform: Android, iOS
• Web Development: ExpressJS, Rails
• Language: JavaScript, Objective-C, NodeJS, CoffeeScript, Ruby
• Servers: NGINX, Linode, Unicorn
• Web Performance: Cloudflare
• Database: PostgreSQL, Redis
• Cloud Storage: Linode, Google Drive, Dropbox
• Delivery: Amazon CloudFront, Heroku
• Business Tools: GSuite, Slack, ZenDesk, Skype, Balsamiq
• DevOps: GitHub, CircleC1, New Relic, Crashlytics, BrowserStack
• Real-time Analytics: Google Analytics
• Push Notifications: Twilio, Sendgrid
• Payments: PayPal

Maintenance

If you want a service-delivery app like Airtasker to perform at its best, regular maintenance is important. This allows the app to stay up-to-date, secure, and compatible with ever-changing technology and operating systems. Setting aside funds for ongoing updates and maintenance is crucial to ensure the app’s longevity; however, it can also impact the overall cost of mobile app development.

Considering these factors, the estimated cost of creating a custom service provider app like Airtasker generally ranges between $40,000 and $300,000. However, costs could differ depending on particular project requirements and the method of development.

Monetization Methods for Service Delivery apps like Airtasker

Creating an app like Airtasker improves user experience and opens up numerous potential financial benefits. It involves integrating a variety of revenue streams, such as model subscriptions, task commissions, featured task listings, and advertising partnerships. Let’s explore the possibilities!

Transaction Fees

In the case of apps such as Airtasker, using transaction fees to earn money will ensure a steady stream of revenue. These fees cover the costs associated with the platform, such as maintenance, development, and customer service, and ensure ongoing financial viability.

Featured Listings

Utilizing featured listings as a way to monetize can generate additional revenue streams and provide service providers with increased recognition and visibility. The platform can earn revenues by charging a fee for featured listings while also helping companies stand out and draw more customers.

Advertising

Incorporating targeted advertising into the platform can lead to an additional source of revenue without directly impacting the user experience. By partnering with relevant companies and strategically monetizing its users, it is possible to offer value to advertisers and users.

Referral Programs

Referral programs can boost user growth and engagement while reducing acquisition costs. When users are rewarded for referring others to join the app, the application will encourage organic growth and expand its base of users, leading to more monetization opportunities over the long term.

Subscription Plans

Subscription plans that offer exclusive features create an easily profitable, scalable revenue model. As the platform expands, the subscription plans offer an ongoing source of income by enticing users to upgrade to gain access to exclusive benefits and more capabilities.

Commission on Task Value

A commission-based system linked to a task’s value will ensure that the revenue grows in line with the platform’s performance. As the number and value of tasks grow, so does the platform’s revenue. This makes it an adaptable and flexible method of monetization that will last for a long time.

Premium Accounts

Premium accounts that include advanced features and benefits can generate recurring revenue while increasing users’ satisfaction and engagement. They cater to those willing to pay extra value, which helps differentiate the platform and boost overall profits.

Transaction Insurance

Offering transaction insurance as an option service benefits users and creates an extra revenue stream for the application. By charging a cost for transaction insurance, the application can offer peace of mind for customers while earning income from those who sign up with it.

The Key Takeaway

The expense of creating an app like Airtasker requires an extensive planning process and investment. Factors such as the complexity of the app, its design, team location, and features impact costs. However, with a strategic approach and a dedicated mobile app development company like Techugo, you can build a platform that is more than users expect, with an easy and effective solution for delegating tasks and services.

With careful planning, businesses can develop a high-quality application that meets market requirements and offers an unbeatable user experience. This investment will not only aid in creating a solid market presence but also pave the path for growth and expansion in the future, which will ultimately lead to an income-generating business in the ever-changing market for service delivery. Since the gig economy continues growing, a well-designed application will position your business to sustain success.

Get in touch with Techugo’s team to build your own service delivery app like Airtasker.