Traditional software methods, while still beloved by many, can put a lot of restraint on startups. Hiring developers can cost tens of thousands of dollars, the turnaround time often takes a while, and you’re almost completely reliant on someone else to get things moving. That’s why tons of new age entrepreneurs are shifting to no-code alternatives. But whether you choose traditional software development or no-code, there’s no denying that building a tech product isn’t always rainbows and butterflies.
So how can entrepreneurs use the digital landscape to build their business and hold themselves accountable? The answer is in the new trend sweeping the startup scene: building in public.
Using the #BuildinPublic hashtag, businesses are sharing their product building journey from conception to launch. It might seem scary and a little intimidating to have so many eyes on you, but the return is well worth it.
What is building in public?
The concept is simple: start building, then start sharing. Don’t be fooled by its straightforwardness; building in public is a crucial resource that can help not only in the building process but also in creating community.
Ask anyone who’s built a new product and they’ll tell you it can get pretty lonely doing it on your own. When you build in public, however, you get people to come along with you on your journey. How big you are on social media is a non-issue in joining the movement; all you really have to do is start sharing.
Why you should #BuildInPublic
When you build in public, you’re presenting yourself and your product for the whole world to see. This can be an intimidating position to be in, so what exactly do you get in return?
Accountability
Committing to building in public means committing to your audience. When you start posting, you’ll see that so many people will be waiting for updates. Not only is it an incredible confidence booster, it also inspires you to always do better and to strive for consistency.
Support from the best
Regardless of your background in coding, when you start using no-code platforms like Bubble, it’s only natural to have questions. Another benefit of building in public is that you get direct access to the #BuildinPublic community and to experts who can help you. No matter how specific your question may be, there’s bound to be someone with an answer.
Growth
By putting yourself out there, your audience gets a direct look at your building process. This in turn increases customer interest and loyalty. The more people are invested, the more people talk about it. Your product, even before launch, already gets a lot of marketing mileage.
Feedback
Because your building process is available for the whole community to see, you can get constructive feedback from people who have been in the same place. You’ll get a fresh set of eyes from an eager community that can give you different perspectives on your building process.
Building in public ultimately humanizes the development process and inspires others to follow suit. Instead of being intimidated by the thought of developing a product, people see the good – creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration.
How to start building in public
Here’s how you can get started building in public:
Use hashtags
Whenever you share your progress, use hasthags like #BuildinPublic #nocode or #BuildwithBubble so people in the community can find you.
Interact
Once you see other members of the community, or once they see you, interact! Follow people on their social media and build your network.
Be consistent
Building in public really is a commitment not just to yourself or your product, but to your audience. Progress may take time, but consistency is key. Chances are you won’t be an overnight sensation, but if you put yourself out there consistently, you’re bound to grow a community and be noticed.
What’s Next?
We’ve grown so accustomed to seeing only the good side of things on social media that we’re not afraid to show the reality. And the reality of product building is that it’s a lot of hard work. But by putting yourself in a position for all the world to see, not only are you staying authentic, accountable, and committed, but you’re also giving yourself the opportunity to learn from others and build a community of like-minded people.
No-code platforms like Bubble, which houses a treasure trove of resources and fosters a great community of builders, fully support the #BuildinPublic movement, and even incentivize it to get more people on it. So get started and #BuildinPublic today.
Do you have apps you’d like to explore? We’re the team to partner with!
