How can a Non-Technical Entrepreneur Build a Tech Startup?

Software-driven billion-dollar companies have been around for a while and when we think about who their founders might be we think of tech gurus who hold Computer Science from an Ivy League college. But this is not an absolute rule, some people have broken the cliche and become proud owners of a successful software company. Even if you are a non-technical person but have a great idea you can still build a successful tech startup. So, let us take a look at the key elements that have been a driving factor of success for the top 1% of startups.

Strategies for Creating A Successful App

When ensuring a successful mobile app startup entrepreneurs must be aware of some well-known success strategies. And, after deploying more than 600 apps, we have worked with an ample number of startups to compile the top strategies for a successful mobile app startup.

Validate the problem before diving into the implementation

“Forbes has reported that about 42% of startups fail from building products or services with no market needs.”

Therefore, it is not the technology itself that is more important but the problem you will solve with it. Even if you work with machine learning, blockchain, or artificial intelligence, don’t depend on the tools by thinking that they solve the problem. The tools are there only just to help you accomplish the solution, but they are not the force that drives that solution

If you are not sure, first try using the first concierge services. This service is to allow you to perform something that you can iterate later manually. For example, if you want to build a social media application you can go with Facebook because it’s the best example to start with. You can create a group on Facebook and target people you want to get involved with to find out their feedback.

This will lead you to the path to finding the understanding of the problem, whether the problem exists & whether the folks need the solution to that particular problem. Understanding the problems will give you more scope to find the solution and there should be an understanding about the cost of extra software defects fixation.

When you identify the problem, it is best to plan an MVP development of your product to increase the success chances exponentially.

A study says the fixing cost of software becomes 10 times higher in its implementation phase than the fixation costs in its designing phase. So, if you are a Non-Technical founder you must have an acknowledgment of the software issue in its early stage i.e., designing, because later on it will be like a hard nut to crack or if you will be able then it will cost you a high amount.

Discussing your idea with the CTO

A trustworthy Chief Technical Officer is no less than good for a non-technical founder’s business. Your CTO will look over the technical part of your business and that will be a guide to the whole process. A CTO puts technical insights into your business process that is majorly a root part of the person who is launching a tech startup without having a technical background.

Hiring a techie as your CTO of the business led you to the technical path and possesses a strong acumen for business. So, hire an insight-technical CTO and let your business the power of technical buzz while being a non-technical founder.

Technical roadmap

The technical roadmap must align with your business strategy. You also need good resources that can help you with your tech startup Don’t approach anyone randomly for technical solutions or application development consultations. Because you may have a business directory, but you may not fully understand how it should be implemented technically.

So when you approach people randomly; this will take your money and work on many different assumptions without actually prioritizing what’s important for your business.

Explore why other similar startups have failed

Many entrepreneurs emphasize how they underestimate what they can learn from looking at other failures. This is the cheapest way to avoid mistakes, as it is essential to focus on failure stories and success stories.

This is because it allows us to learn what we should avoid and increases our chances of success in the future. There are also online platforms such as fuckupnights.com that share global business failures for entrepreneurs working on their ideas or anyone interested in having a business.

Additionally, knowing mistakes to avoid when you pitch to investors can lead you to a better fundraising campaign.

Build a reliable network through tech startup programs

You don’t want to underestimate the kind of support that you can get from an entrepreneurial ecosystem. How hard you may try, you cannot be good at everything. Therefore, you need to understand many business aspects, such as accounting, law, technology, and any other subject matter expertise.

However, you must be aware that the ecosystem won’t solve your problem or help you start your business. It is more about building a reliable network that can help you when you are stuck.

Similarly, there are also accelerator programs that would take your idea to the best app developers for startups. This is important because even if you don’t get any capital or financial help from the program, you can still go with building your product.

It is also helpful to find future investors showing that you have been successful with an incubator or accelerator program. It proves that you have gone through a validation process with your business idea.

Find your place in the business

If you are a non-technical person when you are creating a tech startup; it is essential to find your company’s place. Find out what you are good at make your position very plain and clear, and never let the team forget that you are the heart and soul of this tech startup.

Make sure that you lead your technical team even though you are not a technical person. To do so, you have to speak the language, which again brings us to under the situation, and learn the basics of the work. This way you will achieve smooth communication and your job as a leader will be much easier.

Look for a team of dedicated app developers

With the mission to make your mobile app startup successful, it is crucial to find the right team of developers. While you hire dedicated app developers, ensure that you research the following elements of the development team:

• Head to the website of the team and look for the presentation of their services.
• Explore if they have a dedicated service page for your business industry and a service page if you are shortlisting a technology.
• Research the existing products built by the team by installing their products on your devices to learn about the customer experience they are deploying.
• Look for the testimonials of the clients to learn how satisfied they are with the services of the specific development team you shortlist.
• Explore the social media handles of the team, where they share about their company’s culture, accomplishments, and events.
• Finally, try to explore the professional experience of the individuals who are working for that agency.

Start marketing the app before you launch

Sometimes entrepreneurs ignore the role of marketing strategy in new product development. It is essential to plan your go-to-market strategy even before your product is complete. Take the example of this post from Microsoft.

Notice how Microsoft marketed a new product before its actual release. It creates an interest in consumers who are willing to look for this kind of solution that is going to be built by Adobe and Microsoft. You can also plan a marketing strategy like this and create anticipation among your targeted audience.

Also, when you share the minute details about your yet-to-launch product, it creates an ecosystem of transparency within your startup. So, plan a marketing strategy before your product is developed and after it is deployed to the app store markets.

Ending Note

It is said that so many startups initiate their idea but only some of them reach the top 1%. However, with the above strategies, you can at least multiply the chances of success rate for your mobile app startup. Also, when you are working on a business, you are growing. It is very sensual to search for the right app development partners to work with. So, stand strong on the ground and don’t lose your passion, and you are more likely to succeed even if you lack technical skills.