5 Steps to Get Your App Idea to Launch Without Code | Inc.com
Written By Aliya Amershi
Originally Published on Inc.com
You have an awesome app idea. Now what? Should you learn how to code, find a technical cofounder or spend anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000 on app developers?
What if I told you that you didn’t have to do any of that? Yes, it’s possible to make an app from scratch without code or coders. Welcome to the code-free app revolution.
Code-free and low-code app builders are starting to trend in the mobile app development market and will grow even more in 2020, especially with the rise of consumer demand and spend on apps. According to Statista, mobile apps are projected to generate global revenues of $581.9 billion in 2020.
So, whether you’re an aspiring startup entrepreneur or a small business owner, now is as good a time as any to build an app. I’m going to share five steps, which I call “the 5 C’s,” that you can use today to take your app from an idea to a successful launch -- with no need to learn how to code or pay for costly app developers.
Step 1: Clarity I have found that many people can’t really articulate what their app idea is all about. That’s why I start with this step. You need to get clear on your app idea by defining the problem you’re trying to solve, your business goal and your “why.” Realize also that this is just your starting point. It will evolve as you go through the process.
Step 2: Contact Whenever I recommend to my clients that they start talking to potential customers, the thought alone can produce great fear. We’re not even selling anything at this point. This should just be an informative conversation to help you identify who your ideal customers could be and the real problem that needs to be solved. You would be surprised; it’s often not what you originally thought. That’s why this is such a critical step that cannot be skipped when getting your app idea to launch.
Step 3: Customers Many people think they need to actually have an app to start selling to customers. Here’s a little secret: You can start preselling, or even selling, your app idea without an actual app. Realize that your ideal customers are not buying your app; they are buying the solution to their problem that your app provides. It’s best to figure out a way to offer your idea, product or service without an app to see if customers would be willing to pay for it. Why wait on doing this when you can start the process of validating your solution? That will only increase your chances for a successful launch by not building something that nobody wants.
Step 4: Code-Free Launch Only at this point does the tech come in, but without the code. Thanks to code-free app builders, such as Bubble, Appy Pie and GoodBarber, you now have the power to build and launch your own app -- emphasis on the word “launch.” Remember, you don't need to build the perfect app to get paying customers; you just need to launch a product of value that solves their problem. The goal here is to make something that requires the least amount of effort, but provides the most amount of validated learning about your customers. This is known as your minimum viable product (MVP), as described by Eric Ries, author of “The Lean Startup.”
Step 5: Commit It’s important to realize that your first launch will not be your final launch. Many people mistakenly think that an app launch is a one-and-done event. After every launch, make a consistent effort to rinse and repeat until you get it right. How can you tell that you have it right? When your paying customers become your sales force. Once you have a number of fans raving about and referring your product, you are on your way to the ultimate goal of product-market fit. This takes some time, and it can be tough, which is why it’s important to develop the proper mindset to commit to the process. Of course, there may come a point when you will need to decide whether to continue or to pivot -- but don’t quit.
There you have it: the five steps to get your awesome app idea to launch without code. With the surge of code-free app builders making their way to the mainstream, there is no excuse not to get started. Let 2020 be the year to make your app dreams a reality.