What is neat about this article is I put the call transcription through ChatGPT and it wrote 95% - so the content is all original just crafted by AI - I have Isaac's permission.
When it comes to developing a new product, the process can often feel overwhelming - where do you start spending your time and money?
Recently, I had the opportunity to chat with Isaac, a budding entrepreneur based in Australia, who is exploring the world of no-code development. Our conversation, which spanned everything from initial ideas to the nitty-gritty of implementing a solution, highlighted both the challenges and the excitement that comes with bringing a new product to life.
The Early Morning Call: Setting the Stage
Our conversation kicked off early in the morning, with Isaac joining from the Gold Coast in Australia, while I enjoyed my morning espresso in Italy (I'm on holiday). The relaxed start was a perfect setup for what turned into a deep dive into product development. Isaac, like many entrepreneurs, was eager to get his product off the ground.
A genuine concern was grappling with the age-old question: “How do I get from idea to implementation and what is a reasonable cost?”
The Power of No-Code Platforms
Isaac’s goal was straightforward: he wanted to create a product that would deliver a unique C-suite analysis report, possibly with a membership component and valuable content. However, he was concerned about the complexities of development and the potential costs. This is where no-code platforms like Bubble came into the picture.
“No-code platforms have changed the cost maths of product development,” I explained. “You can create complex solutions without needing to write a single line of code - meaning DIY and or limited requirement for developers.
Isaac was already familiar with the basics of no-code and had done some research. "I've been getting quotes from developers - I don't know if they are reasonable or not". “I’ve looked into a few templates that could do at least 50% of the work,” he noted. “My plan was to find a freelancer to help with the rest.” I said "that sound smart- lets dig into that."
The Reality of Using Templates
Using templates can be both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, they offer a quick start, but on the other, they often require significant customization to meet specific needs. “The templates might get you halfway there, but you’ll likely need to spend time tweaking them,” I cautioned. “Especially with no-code platforms, where templates can sometimes be poorly constructed under the hood.” Often new developers, especially those from a design background, create templates to showcase their skills and work - it's an unfortunate truth that these templates, though very pretty are often naively constructed. For the first iteration of the product this may be completely fine. You often make a few false starts with templates till you find the best of the bunch.
Isaac seemed to resonate with this. “I’ve done a bit of Python before, so I think I can handle some of the customization,” he said. This DIY approach can be empowering, but as we discussed, it’s also important to recognize when to bring in outside help—particularly for more complex features like database design or implementing intricate privacy rules.
Outside help can be a good idea when you building the app is not the biggest problem - figuring out the sales & marketing may be a better use of the Entrepreneurs time.
The Balance Between Development and Marketing
One of the critical takeaways from our conversation was the importance of balancing product development with marketing efforts. “Building the Bubble app is the easy part,” I told Isaac. “The real challenge is getting it into the hands of people who will actually use it.
You don’t want to spend all your time building something that ends up being a hobby rather than a viable business.”
Isaac agreed, acknowledging that his previous consulting work had already shown him there was a market for his idea. “I know there’s a need,” he said. “But testing the medium—using an online solution—is a new challenge.”
The Importance of Starting Small
Towards the end of our chat, we focused on the value of starting small and iterating. “Don’t get too caught up in adding every feature right away,” I advised. “Focus for Month 1 on getting a minimal viable product (MVP) out there, even if it’s just a basic version with a landing page and a simple functionality. You can always refine and add more later.”
Isaac seemed encouraged by this. “I think I’ve been overestimating how much time it will take,” he reflected. “Maybe I just need to lock myself in a room for a few weekends and get it done.”
Final Thoughts
Our conversation ended on a hopeful note, with Isaac feeling more confident about moving forward with his product. The takeaway was clear: while no-code platforms offer incredible opportunities for rapid development, success ultimately depends on finding the right balance between building the product and getting it to market.
For anyone in a similar situation, Isaac’s journey serves as a reminder that with the right tools and a strategic approach, bringing a new product to life doesn’t have to be daunting. It’s about starting small, learning along the way, and staying focused on the end goal: creating something that truly adds value for your customers.
