I am a non-technical person with an app idea. Where do I start?

Question

Hello everyone, I know that I have to start with making wireframes (right?), but I don't know how to do this and even after trying to go it alone on sites like Bubble, I failed. It's freaking confusing and there is a steep learning curve. Can you recommend an even dummier site for me, or is it better to just give 50% of my company/idea to a coder who will partner with me? I'm already the founder of Timberdog (another startup, which is launching soon on PH), which is taking up my time, so I do need all the help I can get.

Any recommendations?

Mujadad Naeem · Accepted Answer

You need to find a CTO and stop trying to do everything yourself. Instead of putting in efforts to do this yourself, put in a lot more effort to see if you find an individual that is ideal to take your vision forward.

This is years of learning and education, and you will find it tough to learn everything immediately. Even if you're able to get to a basic level, to have a functional product you'll probably need extensive knowledge of how to create stuff.

Good Luck!

Hitesh Suthar · Answer

I think all you need is a no-code platform and nothing else, at least to validate your idea. and when you are clear about your idea practically, then you can start hiring and developing. and speaking of No-Code, me and my team are developing a No-code platform and would love to give you to test your idea and more.

Daniel Burns · Answer

Arm yourself with knowledge, but it's definitely better to partner up with someone who likes your idea. That's how I founded Testifi, even though  I come from a tech background, my partner is the CTO, as I couldn't have done everything by myself.

Mujadad Naeem · Answer

@chitterz Percentage would also depend on the complexity of the product.

Let's say I have a b2b product, and the minimum deal size is around $10,000. See what's at stake here? I would need full on tech support here, and hence pay a good amount to the CTO to keep him/her motivated enough. In contrast, it could be basic support for a B2C product, where much could lie on the communication and the overall service.

Again, generalised because I don't know the product. But the bottomline is that you do need to have someone who understands tech and can communicate effectively. All technical stuff cannot also go through you, or a marketer. Some of them has to be communicated to the customer/client from tech side.

Answer

FYI, an interesting Youtube video & channel to keep in mind! ... Watch "How To Take Your App Idea and Build it Quickly? | Tips for Developers That Want to Try Out Low Code" on YouTube https://youtu.be/H5L17IFgDQ8?si=...

Myles Connor · Answer

Develop a comprehensive business plan outlining your app's strategy, revenue model, marketing approach, and financial projections. This will serve as a roadmap https://blacktiedetailing.com/ for your app's development.

Adam Lui · Answer

@chitterz for example I've been building https://github.com/kudoai/chatgp... since March (with free help from others because it's open source not for-profit) but look how many commits have been made since then:

So creating code isn't just a one-time hit it and quit it. I even also do what you view as the "heavy lifting" by executing all the marketing and user growth. But if someone were to take that over, or oppositely, make the continuous commits to grow/maintain the software code base, then I would do the other half, and we would be 50/50. But since I do both with great ease and speed I don't seek partners. However you can only do half, so you need a half partner. Programmers will not settle for any less than 50% for doing what they actually consider more than half (due to they overvalue their own skills) unless you're paying them lusciously for why they chose to learn code (get rich for using a typically high paid skill)

Leena Chitnis · Answer

@hiteshsuthar If you can grandfather me in to use it free for life, then I'll beta test away. I've done this for other platforms that have gone on to be sold, such as a B2B version of Slack.

André J · Answer

I would validate to make sure its an asymmetric opportunity. Chasing commodity ideas is a waste of time. If it is an asymmetric idea. Then you won't have a problem attracting a technical co-founder. Just reach out to 10 of them and one of them will join for sure.

Adam Lui · Answer

@chitterz if you end up convincing someone technical your idea is good (either thru past experience or truly epic idea) that means they couldn't come up with a similarly epic idea, so you are providing stronger value (in business context) as visionary, which is why CEO gets paid more than CTO. But it's still not extra value, so both founders should get same equity, just you draw higher salary for driving company's business growth

Answer

A organised strategy is necessary when developing an app idea as a non-technical individual. Establish your app's primary objective and target market first. Then, think about using a wireframing tool to design the structure and functionalities of your app. To produce a visually appealing prototype, work with a freelance designer or use design software. Then, get in touch with a software development company or a freelance developer to turn your app prototype into a finished product. Throughout this phase, collaboration and communication are essential to ensuring that your vision is accurately turned into a usable app.

Leena Chitnis · Answer

@mujadad_naeem Awesome answer. If the CTO does all the tech side (I'll also do some heavy lifting with helping with UI/UX, copywriting, marketing, etc.), what percentage of the company do I give him? I want it to be a motivating amount, but at the same time want to be judicious as I want to be majority owner of the company. I feel that's only fair because I have the idea, the connections, and will be helping with the work on the creative side and front end.

Leena Chitnis · Answer

@testifi Where do I find this unicorn of a partner?

Leena Chitnis · Answer

@adamlui But you just said they aren't willing to work for equity as they'd build it themselves...so which way should I go? A lot of people don't give up half the company to someone who is going to build it. After all, I'll be doing most of the heavy lifting after it's made and even during...

Adam Lui · Answer

@chitterz what I meant about jump in bed is if you have connections that will invest once built, then that satisfies their motive for learning code (get rich) so will make them agree to partner w/ you (but still for 50%, since they view building/maintaining it as at least half the heavy lifting)

I am a non-technical person with an app idea. Where do I start?

Replies