Building a $10K MVP in Six Weeks: A Journey from Idea to Launch
Not long ago, I had the opportunity to collaborate with a non-technical founder on developing a SaaS platform. Armed with a promising concept and a budget of $10,000, he approached me with a unique request:
“I don’t just need a developer to execute my ideas. I need a partner to help create something that works.”
After six weeks, we successfully launched a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) that was not only ready for demonstrations but also attracted early beta users.
Here’s a detailed account of what strategies led to success—and what we learned to avoid:
1. Strategic MVP Scoping
We invested four full days in accurately defining the MVP. By trimming nearly 60% of the initial features, we avoided a costly and ineffective launch.
Advice for Founders: Focus on identifying the single, critical action users need to perform. Start building from there.
2. Prioritizing User Experience with Notion
Instead of diving into design tools like Figma, we crafted every user flow in Notion. This approach emphasized a straightforward, user-experience-first methodology.
Tip for Implementation: Clearly map out the user journey:
→ Signup → Explore the Key Feature → Achieve a Satisfying Outcome → Decide to Pay or Invite Others
3. Leveraging Reliable Technology
Our tech stack comprised FastAPI, Firebase, and React, supplemented by some no-code solutions for the admin dashboard. This combination was chosen for its speed, scalability, and ease of future hand-off.
Consideration for Technology: Select technology that you—and future developers—will find manageable and efficient.
4. Establishing Consistent Progress Updates
We delivered weekly demonstrations, ensuring transparency and avoiding any vague promises or misunderstandings.
For Your Development Process: Inquire, “What tangible progress will I see each week?”
The result? A fully functioning MVP, insightful early user feedback, and a robust roadmap for future iterations.
I am passionate about SaaS development and always eager to connect with founders who are turning visions into reality. If you’re working on something exciting, I’d love to hear about it!
