How to Launch an MVP

Launching an MVP (minimum viable product) is no small feat, and getting your software service out to customers can feel like you are taking two steps forward and three steps back. For those with a new service or idea, the task is daunting and the road to the promised land is full of twists and turns. At our expert panel in Austin this past week, we were able to hear from some seasoned founders of software startups on tips, tricks, and major roadblocks to getting your MVP out to the market. Here are our three biggest takeaways from our event.

Start Small and Move Quickly

The temptation to deliver our MVP as our dream product with all of its functionalities and product attributes is something you must avoid. In launching your MVP, all three of our panelists affirmed this core idea: you MUST get to market quickly with something. Scott Elequin, executive director of the Tentmakers Network, asserted that the entire purpose of an MVP is to get good user testing on your product or service… not to deliver the Mona Lisa in your first iteration. To focus on doing anything else runs the risk of your development costs skyrocketing, the technical complexity of your service exceeding your current capabilities, and getting beat to market by a competing product or service.

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Work with What (and Whom) You’re Comfortable with?

When beginning a new project, we often find that our current technical expertise will only get the ball so far down the field, and according to Matt Young, the CEO of Listing Village, this is okay. Because your objective in launching an MVP is to get to your target customer as quickly as possible for testing, you should develop your software service in a language or tech stack that you’re comfortable with. As your MVP continues to evolve and your customer base expands, Matt suggested that you begin to invest in scalable technologies, but for now, stick to what you can iterate and develop quickly.?

If you are a less technically-inclined founder, using a low- or no-code solution to create your initial iteration is an acceptable and functional option when getting your feet off the ground. If you opt to outsource your project, Cary Smith, founder of Done Desk, urged that you make sure you are working with a partner that you can meet with regularly and who understands your objectives. Because an MVP is often still in its infant stages, establishing a relationship with an outsourcing partner who can be trusted and is aligned with the vision for your service is integral for developing your MVP into the service you’ve always dreamed of.?

Go all in, or Hire Someone who will?

Whether you’d like to admit it yet or not, the truth remains that customers won’t buy into the solution that your service provides until you are bought into it, too. Cary Smith warned us of this critical reality with his own personal testimony; until he quit the full-time job that he was using to fund the genesis of Done Desk, the MVP was not receiving the attention it needed and was thus choked out. Although the risk of leaving your current job is certainly great, you can’t swim in blue oceans of opportunity until you jump out of the boat.?

Cary also suggested that if you can’t give your MVP the attention that it needs, you ought to hire someone who can. In his experience, hiring a COO who could take responsibility for the development and advancement of his service was a critical turning point in the development, and eventual success, of Done Desk. Regardless of which you choose, you must have someone who can take ownership of your MVP.?