Some people mistakenly believe that founders need to have coding skills to create high-quality software. What they don't realize is that the key to development is inspiration.
As a non-tech founder, you may not know how to code. But if you've got an idea and resources, you can jumpstart the development process, and eventually create a top-notch app.
Where do you start? Let's look at a few steps non-tech entrepreneurs may want to consider to bring their ideas to life.
1. Know Your Subject
Your key advantage as a non-tech founder is expertise in a certain area. For example, as a marketing expert, you know which processes are in dire need of automation. You understand which problem needs to be solved.
Once you start working with software developers, you need to have a clear understanding of what the software should do. It's up to you to show your expertise.
2. Take Advantage of Visuals
Your goal as a non-technical founder is to tell your story in the most understandable way possible. Allow engineers to see your idea the same way you do. Visuals can help.
Even if you aren't designing the app, you know what it should look like. Share your thoughts through visuals. They are often easier to understand than words.
Don't try to create anything complex. A simple sketch on paper will do as long as it has all the details you want to communicate.
If you want to go further, you can take advantage of prototyping tools. Some of them are:
3. Do What You Can
As the development process starts, you may be able to do a few things without excellent coding skills. Since you are a creative member of the team, get involved with designing simple landing pages.
This allows you to contribute to the process without being the fifth wheel. Meanwhile, you can simplify the developers' work and reduce expenses.
To achieve this goal, be ready to use tools preferred by developers. It's usually easier for you to learn the tool superficially for minor work than disrupt the development process by forcing the team to master yours.
4. Improve Your Tech Vocabulary
While creating software, as a non-tech expert, you would have to beef up your tech vocabulary. You need to set ground rules for the project. For that, you have to be able to describe what needs to be done.
Can the development team speak your language? Can you speak theirs? Take the time to learn the necessary terms to improve your communication.
5. Delegate the Interview
A non-tech founder has to know how to delegate. One of the first things you would need to do is find a software development partner. How do you choose the right one if you have no idea which questions to ask?
Get someone to do the interviewing for you. A person, who knows your needs and the parameters of a top-notch software developer should become a temporary part of your team.
6. Focus on What You Do Best
Even though you can't code, as a founder you have dozens of other skills. While the developer is working on the project, you can focus on planning, market research, fund acquisition, negotiations with investors, creating partnerships, and much more.
The actual coding process is highly important but hardly the only component of a successful software startup.
Final Thoughts
The most important part of creating software as a non-tech founder is collaborating with the right software development team. You need to trust the experts to bring your idea to life just the way you see it.
Are you ready to build a great product? Schedule a free consultation today.
