Posts by Keith Shields

Keith Shields is the CEO and Co-founder of Designli, a custom software and web development company. A serial tech entrepreneur who previously co-founded Applits named the "Coolest College Startup" by Inc.com, Keith has led hundreds of successful software product launches over the past decade. Through his articles, readers will gain actionable insights on MVP strategy, product validation, and navigating the transition from concept to market scale.

K

Keith Shields

CEO and Co-founder

120 articles

Product StrategyNon-Technical Founders 6 min read

Keep, Fix, Replace, or Retire: A Decision Framework for SaaS Products That Drifted Off Course

Written by Keith Shields, Jun 26, 2026

Don’t waste capital rebuilding your software from scratch. Use this 4-part product audit framework to isolate structural code blockers from simple UX fixes

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Mobile AppsNon-Technical FoundersAI 6 min read

AI Guardrails for Vibe-Coded Products: How to Keep What You Ship From Breaking in Production

Written by Keith Shields, Jun 12, 2026

Vibe coding apps without strict guardrails, and prototypes break in production. Learn how to secure your AI prompt layers and validation architecture.

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Mobile AppsProduct Strategy 22 min read

How We Build: Designli’s Full 2026 Development Process, Pricing, and Services

Written by Keith Shields, May 27, 2026

What really happens behind the scenes of a dev agency? Discover Designli’s full process, pricing, and how we build trust through total transparency.

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Mobile AppsNon-Technical Founders 6 min read

How to Change Your Product Direction Without Rebuilding Your Entire Codebase

Written by Keith Shields, May 22, 2026

Learn how to engineer a pivot-ready modular architecture that allows you to shift product direction without starting from scratch.

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Mobile AppsNon-Technical Founders 7 min read

The Founder's Translator: How to Understand Dev-Speak Without Learning to Code

Written by Keith Shields, May 15, 2026

Learn to decode "Dev-Speak," evaluate estimates, and manage technical debt without a CS degree.

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Mobile Apps 13 min read

How Do Free Apps Make Money? 9 Proven Monetization Models

Written by Keith Shields, May 14, 2026

There are plenty of ways to make money from a free app. Here are eight proven methods to generate app revenue with a free app and what you should consider with each.

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MVPNon-Technical Founders 6 min read

MVP vs. MAP: Why Just 'Viable' Isn't Enough in 2026

Written by Keith Shields, May 6, 2026

Viability is the floor, not the goal. Learn why the Minimum Awesome Product (MAP) is the new standard for SaaS retention.

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StartupsNon-Technical Founders 16 min read

How to Find Your First 100 Users for Your New SaaS Product

Written by Keith Shields, May 5, 2026

Forget paid ads. Learn how to get your first 100 SaaS users through founder-led outreach, niche communities, and IEA targeting. Plus

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Mobile AppsNon-Technical Founders 5 min read

How to Define and Strengthen Your SaaS Moat in 2026

Written by Keith Shields, May 1, 2026

Features aren't moats. Learn how to engineer structural defensibility through switching costs, workflow embedding, and data network effects from day one.

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Mobile AppsNon-Technical Founders 12 min read

How to Write a Killer Feature Brief for Your Developer

Written by Keith Shields, Apr 30, 2026

Learn how to write structured, 1-page feature briefs that align teams and speed up shipping. Includes a repeatable template.

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StartupsMobile AppsNon-Technical Founders 6 min read

Answer Before You Build: 13 Questions That Reveal Product Risks

Written by Keith Shields, Apr 24, 2026

Most apps fail due to operational blindness, not missing features. Use this guide to validate testing, monitoring, and ownership before you ship.

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Founder GuidesTeam Scaling 5 min read

How to Scale a Development Team: From Solo Builder to a High-Performing Team

Written by Keith Shields, Apr 15, 2026

Struggling to scale your dev team? Learn how to transition from solo builder to team leader with the right hiring, delegation, and process strategies.

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Mobile AppsNon-Technical Founders 14 min read

How Do I Find the Best App Development Partner for My Project?

Written by Keith Shields, Apr 14, 2026

Learn how to find a product-focused app development partner that challenges your vision, utilizes 2026 AI workflows, and builds for ROI, not just code.

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Mobile AppsNon-Technical FoundersAI 6 min read

Vibe Coding: The Fast Fashion Approach to Building Software

Written by Keith Shields, Apr 7, 2026

Learn how vibe coding resembles “fast fashion” when it comes to building software in 2026. Best practices, risks, and cues for knowing when to evolve.

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Mobile AppsNon-Technical Founders 5 min read

Software Development & Execution Risks: How Projects Quietly Go Off the Rails

Written by Keith Shields, Mar 27, 2026

Learn how software projects fail due to execution risk. Discover hidden risks in product development and how to prevent misalignment, delays, and rebuilds.

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MVPNon-Technical Founders 15 min read

5 Common MVP Development Mistakes and How to Stay Away From Them

Written by Keith Shields, Mar 25, 2026

What are the biggest MVP mistakes? Learn how to avoid overbuilding, validate your idea, and build a scalable MVP with the right strategy.

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Mobile AppsMVP 6 min read

Competitive Strategy & Inspiration: How Alignment Beats Originality

Written by Keith Shields, Mar 20, 2026

Learn how second-mover startups win by adapting proven models. Discover a practical competitive strategy for building successful, fundable products.

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StartupsNon-Technical Founders 5 min read

Feature Prioritization Strategy: From Survival to Evolution

Written by Keith Shields, Mar 13, 2026

Learn how to prioritize product features across the MVP and post-launch stages. Discover a practical framework for smarter feature prioritization in SaaS.

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Mobile AppsNon-Technical Founders 5 min read

Why Proven Models Beat Novelty: A 2026 Guide to Fundable Startup Ideas

Written by Keith Shields, Mar 6, 2026

Looking for fundable startup ideas in 2026? Learn why adapting proven business models to new markets often beats chasing novelty.

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Mobile AppsNon-Technical Founders 13 min read

Is Your App Idea Worth Building? 7 Ways to Find Out

Written by Keith Shields, Feb 26, 2026

Learn how to validate your app idea. Discover 7 proven app idea validation strategies to test demand, reduce risk, and avoid costly SaaS mistakes.

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Mobile AppsNon-Technical Founders 5 min read

The Power of Code Review: Human Impact in the Development Process

Written by Keith Shields, Feb 23, 2026

AI can generate code, but only humans can protect product intent. Discover why code review is the true driver of quality, alignment, and long-term velocity.

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Mobile Apps 11 min read

Is React Native Right for Your App? A Practical Guide for Non-Technical SaaS Founders

Written by Keith Shields, Jan 20, 2026

Is React Native the right choice for your SaaS app, or a shortcut that could cost you later? Discover when it works, when it doesn’t, and how to decide.

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Mobile Apps 11 min read

How to Use Emotional Design to Create a Great App

Written by Keith Shields, Jan 7, 2026

Creating a great app requires knowledge and skill. We're looking closer at emotional design and ways you can incorporate it to generate connection, usability, and engagement.

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Mobile Apps 18 min read

How to Add AI to Your App

Written by Keith Shields, Jan 3, 2026

Find out how to integrate AI into your app to create a better user experience and set your app apart from the competition.

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Mobile AppsUX/UI Design 13 min read

What Does a UX Consulting Partner Actually Do? (And How to Know If You Need One)

Written by Keith Shields, Dec 23, 2025

Are you unsure if you need a UX consultant? Discover what they actually do and how the right partner can fix friction, boost retention, and drive SaaS growth.

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Mobile AppsMVP 13 min read

What is Feature Creep and How to Avoid It?

Written by Keith Shields, Dec 19, 2025

Feature creep can be a silent killer of SaaS development projects. Learn what it is, why it's so harmful, and how to avoid it.

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Mobile AppsSoftware Development 13 min read

Chatbot vs AI Agent: What’s the Real Difference and How You Can Take Advantage

Written by Keith Shields, Dec 3, 2025

Chatbot vs AI Agent: Know the difference that could make or break your SaaS product. Learn when to use each and how to avoid costly AI mistakes.

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EnterpriseMobile AppsMVP 14 min read

How to Define Your MVP’s Core Features: A Step-by-Step Guide for Startups

Written by Keith Shields, Nov 13, 2025

Determining what to include in an MVP isn’t as simple as it seems. This guide walks you through the steps to define your MVP’s core features to bring your vision to life.

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Mobile AppsSoftware Development 10 min read

Avoiding Tech Debt: How Designli Builds for Long-Term Scalability

Written by Keith Shields, Nov 6, 2025

Avoiding tech debt is critical for SaaS success. Learn how Designli helps founders build scalable, investor-ready products by preventing costly technical debt.

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StartupsMobile AppsMVP 11 min read

MVP Funding Explained: Strategies for Startup Growth and Investment

Written by Keith Shields, Oct 22, 2025

Finding funding is a hurdle successful startups must overcome. Learn how developing an MVP can pave the way for successful investment.

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MVP 10 min read

7 Great SaaS MVP Examples (and What Founders Can Learn From Them)

Written by Keith Shields, Oct 15, 2025

Discover 7 powerful SaaS MVP examples and learn key lessons founders can apply to build, test, and scale their successful software products.

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EnterpriseMobile Apps 9 min read

Win Investment and Buy-In: Pitch Your Idea with an Interactive Prototype

Written by Keith Shields, Oct 8, 2025

Learn how interactive prototypes can help secure funding from investors, get buy-in from key stakeholders, and ensure a user-centric product.

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StartupsMobile Apps 12 min read

The Risks of Building Without Validation: Designli’s Scalable Development Approach

Written by Keith Shields, Oct 1, 2025

The risk of building without a proper validation process and how Designli's scalable development process ensures success.

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Mobile AppsSaaS Resources 11 min read

Adopting SaaS vs. Custom Software Development: Everything Founders Need to Know Before Building

Written by Keith Shields, Sep 18, 2025

Use this guide to understand the pros and cons of SaaS and custom-built software, so you can select the approach that drives your enterprise forward.

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Mobile Apps 11 min read

4 Best Software Development Methodologies: Which Is Right for You?

Written by Keith Shields, Sep 11, 2025

There are several software development methods, each with strengths and weaknesses. We're breaking down the 4 most popular software development methodologies to help you decide what to use for your next project.

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Mobile AppsMVP 9 min read

Should You Build an MVP App? Pros and Cons, and When It Makes Sense

Written by Keith Shields, Sep 6, 2025

The benefits of launching with an MVP are many, but how do you know if it’s right for your project? We look closer at the pros and cons of developing an MVP.

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Non-Technical FoundersSaaS Resources 13 min read

How to Start a SaaS Company in 2026 as a Non-Technical Founder

Written by Keith Shields, Sep 4, 2025

This is the perfect guide for non-technical founders on their journey to developing a SaaS company in 2025.

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StartupsMobile AppsProduct Strategy 13 min read

How to Start a SaaS Company in 2026 as a Non-Technical Founder

Written by Keith Shields, Sep 4, 2025

This is the perfect guide for non-technical founders on their journey to developing a SaaS company in 2025.

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EnterpriseStartupsMobile Apps 10 min read

App Scalability: What Is It and How Does It Impact SaaS Business Growth

Written by Keith Shields, Aug 29, 2025

Scalability empowers applications to grow sustainably with increasing demands. Learn why scalability matters, what makes an app scalable, and how cross-platform frameworks can help.

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EnterpriseMobile Apps 9 min read

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Tech Stack for Your SaaS Product

Written by Keith Shields, Aug 28, 2025

Choosing the right technology stack for your software project can be confusing. This guide will equip you to navigate the tech stack maze with confidence.

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MVP 12 min read

Designli MVP Engine vs No-Code MVPs: What Founders Should Know

Written by Keith Shields, Aug 16, 2025

Compare Designli’s custom MVP approach with no-code MVPs to discover the best for your startup. Learn how each impacts speed, scalability, cost, and user experience.

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StartupsMobile AppsMVP 14 min read

5 Successful MVPs That Turned into Billion-Dollar Apps

Written by Keith Shields, Aug 6, 2025

Hoping to be a startup unicorn? Learn how these recognizable brands leveraged a minimum viable product (MVP) to become billion-dollar apps.

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StartupsMobile AppsMVP 21 min read

How Much Does It Cost to Build an MVP? Key Factors to Consider

Written by Keith Shields, Jul 31, 2025

Budgeting for an MVP build helps founders avoid hidden expenses and plan for a lean launch. Learn the costs of building an MVP, key cost drivers, and tips for managing expenses.

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SaaS Resources 12 min read

8 Mistakes SaaS Founders Make When Scaling Software Development Teams (And How to Avoid Them)

Written by Keith Shields, Jun 12, 2025

Discover 8 common mistakes SaaS founders make when scaling dev teams, plus how to avoid them with smart leadership, onboarding, and agile processes.

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EnterpriseSaaS Resources 7 min read

SaaS User Retention: Why Products Lose Users and How to Keep Them

Written by Keith Shields, Apr 26, 2025

Retention is the foundation of SaaS growth. Learn why users leave and how to keep them in this comprehensive guide.

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EnterpriseMobile AppsSaaS Resources 8 min read

Scaling Your SaaS Product: Strategies for Growth Without the Growing Pains

Written by Keith Shields, Apr 22, 2025

Scaling your SaaS product without hiccups is possible. Learn how to support scalability from the start in this guide.

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EnterpriseMobile AppsSaaS Resources 10 min read

When to Redesign Your SaaS UX/UI: 5 Warning Signs to Watch For

Written by Keith Shields, Apr 11, 2025

With bad UX/UI design, you'll risk losing your users to the competition. Learn these warning signs of a problem and how to fix them to build long-term loyalty.

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News 3 min read

Designli Earns Top Spots in 2025 Industry Rankings

Written by Keith Shields, Apr 4, 2025

Designli earns top rankings in 2025 from Clutch, Inc. Regionals, Tech Reviewer, and more—highlighting our growth, client satisfaction, and mobile app development and IT services leadership.

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Mobile Apps 9 min read

How to Speed Up Development Cycles Without Sacrificing Quality

Written by Keith Shields, Mar 27, 2025

Want to deliver software faster without sacrificing quality? Learn the strategies and tools to accelerate your software development lifecycle while maintaining performance, user satisfaction, and long-term maintainability.

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EnterpriseMobile Apps 8 min read

5 Signs Your Development Process Is Broken (and How to Fix It)

Written by Keith Shields, Mar 19, 2025

Is your software process full of bottlenecks, alignment issues, and repeated failure to reach key benchmarks? Build a repeatable, scalable process and strengthen your product.

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Mobile AppsSaaS Resources 9 min read

How to Use Feedback Loops to Fight SaaS User Churn

Written by Keith Shields, Mar 14, 2025

Feedback loops are one of the strongest weapons against user churn. Learn about their impact, how they work, and how you can apply them in this article.

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EnterpriseSaaS Resources 9 min read

How to Build a Scalable SaaS Architecture: A Startup’s Blueprint for Growth

Written by Keith Shields, Feb 28, 2025

Scalable SaaS architecture saves costs, ensures a seamless user experience, and minimizes disruptive redesigns.

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Enterprise 9 min read

How to Redesign Your SaaS Product for Better User Retention

Written by Keith Shields, Feb 20, 2025

Redesigning your SaaS product can transform it into something users can’t live without. Discover how a product redesign can boost user retention.

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EnterpriseMobile Apps 8 min read

Top Reasons SaaS Development Slows Down (and How to Fix Them)

Written by Keith Shields, Feb 17, 2025

Speed matters in the SaaS world. Find the source of your slow development problems and learn how to correct them in this helpful guide to balancing quality and efficiency.

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EnterpriseMobile Apps 9 min read

Impact vs. Effort Matrix: What is it and How to Use for SaaS Development

Written by Keith Shields, Feb 7, 2025

The Impact vs. Effort Matrix helps SaaS teams make data-driven decisions about which tasks to prioritize. Learn more about how this simple, effective tool can empower your team and improve product development.

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EnterpriseMobile AppsMVP 8 min read

How to Reduce Time to Market in Software Development (Without Sacrificing Quality)

Written by Keith Shields, Jan 30, 2025

Reducing Time to Market (TTM) is crucial for software and SaaS products. We explore why it matters, common roadblocks, and practical strategies to reduce TTM without sacrificing quality.

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EnterpriseMobile Apps 7 min read

The Hidden Costs of Bad SaaS Design: Why UX/UI Is Non-Negotiable

Written by Keith Shields, Jan 10, 2025

Poor UX design can be the nail in the coffin for your SaaS product. Luckily, you can prevent it. Learn how in this brief guide to SaaS UX/UI design.

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EnterpriseMobile Apps 10 min read

How to Use a Prioritization Matrix for SaaS: Faster, Smarter Roadmapping

Written by Keith Shields, Jan 6, 2025

Tackle one complex feature or several small improvements? Learn how a prioritization matrix can help SaaS founders navigate important product decisions with confidence.

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EnterpriseMobile Apps 23 min read

What Is an Enterprise App? (+23 Examples)

Written by Keith Shields, Jan 3, 2025

Enterprise apps help businesses connect and extend their offerings. Here’s what you need to know, including how to build an enterprise app.

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StartupsMVP 11 min read

How Feedback Loops Drive MVP Development: Strategies for SaaS and Startups

Written by Keith Shields, Dec 20, 2024

Feedback loops are an essential tool for agile development. Learn how to embrace the iterative process and structure effective feedback loops that improve your product.

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EnterpriseMobile Apps 8 min read

Top 6 Business Process Automation Trends Reshaping Enterprise Operations in 2025

Written by Keith Shields, Dec 14, 2024

Business process automation (BPA) can support improved efficiency, reduced compliance risk, cost reduction, and more. Learn the top five BPA trends for 2025.

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StartupsMobile Apps 8 min read

10 UI Design Principles for Business Success in Mobile Apps

Written by Keith Shields, Nov 15, 2024

Learn these essential design principles to craft a mobile application user interface design that supports business growth and user satisfaction.

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EnterpriseMobile Apps 12 min read

Ultimate Guide to Enterprise UX Design: Mistakes, Challenges

Written by Keith Shields, Nov 5, 2024

Enterprise technology holds promise for businesses—but also faces many challenges. Find out how enterprise UX design can help you overcome issues and avoid common mistakes.

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News 2 min read

Designli Recognized as One of America’s Most Reliable Companies

Written by Keith Shields, Oct 25, 2024

Newsweek and Statista recognized Designli as one of America's Most Reliable Companies in 2025. Our commitment to delivering a 5-star experience through our CUPID values—Communicative, Universal Respect, Proactive, Inquisitive, and Dependable—drives us to build lasting, reliable partnerships.

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EnterpriseStartupsMobile Apps 8 min read

Cross-Platform App Development for Startups: Is It the Right Fit for Your App?

Written by Keith Shields, Oct 24, 2024

Startups love cross-platform app development—and for good reason. But is it right for you? Weigh the pros and cons of this popular approach to find out.

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EnterpriseMobile Apps 10 min read

Outsource vs. In-House Software Development: Making the Right Choice for Your Business

Written by Keith Shields, Oct 17, 2024

Stumped on whether to outsource your software projects or rely on an in-house development team? Your choice has important implications. Learn the pros and cons of each approach and how to make the right choice.

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EnterpriseStartupsMobile Apps 13 min read

Navigating the Cross-Platform App Development Landscape: A Comprehensive Guide to Frameworks

Written by Keith Shields, Oct 11, 2024

Cross-platform frameworks save development time and money, but selecting the right one can be challenging. Learn how to make a strong choice with this helpful guide.

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StartupsMobile AppsThe Startup School 12 min read

What is Bootstrapping? Pros and Cons for Startup Founders

Written by Keith Shields, Oct 5, 2024

Most startups are bootstrapped. Weigh the pros and cons to determine if this approach is right for your tech startup and when to seek outside investment.

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StartupsMobile AppsThe Startup School 19 min read

How to Get Investors for Your Mobile App Startups

Written by Keith Shields, Oct 1, 2024

Here's everything you need to know to secure funding for an app, including an overview of investor types, funding stages, investment terms, and more.

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EnterpriseMobile Apps 12 min read

Angular Development Pros and Cons: Is It Right for Your Web Application

Written by Keith Shields, Sep 19, 2024

Choosing a front-end framework like Angular has many benefits. Understand the pros and cons of Angular so you can decide whether or not it’s a good fit for your web application.

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EnterpriseMobile Apps 11 min read

Custom Healthcare Software Development: 12 Things You Need to Know Before You Start

Written by Keith Shields, Sep 13, 2024

Custom software development offers efficiency, personalization, and security, especially in healthcare, where patient safety and privacy are paramount.

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EnterpriseMobile Apps 10 min read

9 Key Benefits of ReactJS Development for Your Business

Written by Keith Shields, Sep 5, 2024

ReactJS is one of the most popular front-end development libraries. Learn why. We'll cover the key benefits, example companies, and how to get started.

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StartupsMobile AppsMVP 10 min read

Proof of Concept, Prototype, or MVP? Choosing the Right Step for Your Software Idea

Written by Keith Shields, Aug 29, 2024

Let's examine the key differences between a PoC, a prototype, and an MVP so you can progress your software from an idea to a successful product.

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EnterpriseStartupsMobile Apps 8 min read

The MVP Advantage: Launching Your Product with Confidence

Written by Keith Shields, Aug 14, 2024

Launching a product doesn't need to be a gamble. Learn how to test the waters and embrace the iterative process with this guide to building an MVP.

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News 2 min read

Designli Earns Spot on the 2024 Inc. 5000 List

Written by Keith Shields, Aug 13, 2024

Designli ranks No. 2420 on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list with a 214% growth rate, marking our second appearance. Discover how our commitment to innovation and client partnerships drives our success.

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News 1 min read

Designli Recognized as the Top Mobile App Development Company by GoodFirms

Written by Keith Shields, Aug 6, 2024

Designli is recognized as the top mobile app development company in the US by GoodFirms for its client-centric approach and commitment to delivering 5-star user experiences.

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Enterprise 8 min read

How to Adopt Modular Tech Staffing Solutions

Written by Keith Shields, Aug 2, 2024

Finding the right talent and keeping pace with change can be challenging. Modular tech staffing is a flexible, cost-effective way to achieve your goals.

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EnterpriseStartupsMobile Apps 10 min read

How MVP Development Helps Startups Secure Funding

Written by Keith Shields, Jul 31, 2024

MVP development can be a ticket to funding for startups. Learn how this helpful tool facilitates funding and read stories of success.

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EnterpriseMobile Apps 13 min read

Aligning Software Development with Business Goals: The Power of Product Roadmaps

Written by Keith Shields, Jul 12, 2024

A lack of strategic planning and clear direction can derail your software project. A well-crafted product roadmap can change that. Here's how to make one.

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EnterpriseMobile Apps 10 min read

Custom Business Process Automation (BPA) for Enterprises: Your Competitive Edge

Written by Keith Shields, Jun 28, 2024

Custom business process automation offers more than efficiency. It also offers a competitive edge. Learn how in this comprehensive article.

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EnterpriseMobile Apps 10 min read

Enterprise Application Architecture: Key Principles for Success

Written by Keith Shields, Jun 12, 2024

When building an enterprise application, you can’t skip the architecture piece. A thorough “blueprint” is key. Follow these key principles for success.

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EnterpriseMobile Apps 11 min read

The Ultimate App Modernization Strategy Guide for Businesses

Written by Keith Shields, May 29, 2024

App modernization can set your business ahead of the competition and avoid the pitfalls of legacy systems. Use this comprehensive guide to keep current.

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EnterpriseMobile Apps 12 min read

How to Build an E-Learning Platform

Written by Keith Shields, May 20, 2024

If you're dreaming of delivering your courses online at scale but don't know where or how to start, this guide can help.

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EnterpriseMobile Apps 8 min read

Mobile App or Bust: 7 Questions to Determine If Your Business Needs One

Written by Keith Shields, May 17, 2024

Does your business need a mobile app? Use these seven questions to determine the answer.

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EnterpriseMobile Apps 15 min read

11 Great Web Application Examples

Written by Keith Shields, May 14, 2024

Businesses and individuals use web apps to boost productivity, collaboration, and more. Here are some of the best web application examples.

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Enterprise 8 min read

7 Reasons Legacy Systems Are Holding Your Enterprise Back

Written by Keith Shields, Apr 24, 2024

Legacy systems can hinder your business from success. Learn how efficiency, security, and innovation all suffer when you rely on outdated technology.

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Enterprise 11 min read

How to Cut Software Development Costs with Nearshoring: A Comprehensive Guide

Written by Keith Shields, Apr 19, 2024

Software development can be expensive, but nearshoring offers a high-quality option to cut costs. Follow this comprehensive guide see how.

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Mobile Apps 10 min read

Why Latin America Is Your Best Choice for Nearshore Development

Written by Keith Shields, Apr 9, 2024

If you're considering a nearshore partner, look no further than Latin America. The region provides several outstanding advantages, described in depth here.

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Mobile Apps 8 min read

Enterprise Software Development vs. Regular Software Development

Written by Keith Shields, Apr 2, 2024

Enterprise and consumer software development each have their own place. Understanding the difference is the first step toward choosing the right solution.

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Mobile Apps 10 min read

Complete Guide to Software Development Outsourcing

Written by Keith Shields, Mar 27, 2024

Software development outsourcing brings innovative digital solutions and game-changing apps within reach for businesses. Follow this guide for success.

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Mobile Apps 10 min read

What Is Nearshore Development and When to Use It

Written by Keith Shields, Mar 21, 2024

Building software can be expensive, but nearshore development services offer high-quality dedicated application development at accessible prices.

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Mobile Apps 14 min read

ERP Implementation for Enterprises: A Comprehensive Checklist for Success

Written by Keith Shields, Mar 13, 2024

Follow this comprehensive checklist for a successful ERP implementation in your enterprise.

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Mobile Apps 9 min read

The Best App Development Statistics for 2024

Written by Keith Shields, Feb 29, 2024

Guide your business and your app toward success by learning the latest trends and stats on app development in 2024.

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Mobile Apps 9 min read

13 Best Enterprise App Ideas For 2024

Written by Keith Shields, Feb 11, 2024

Businesses can build apps to serve customers and empower employees. Here are a few top ideas to take your company to the next level with a mobile app.

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Mobile AppsMVP 6 min read

How Duolingo Used Agile Iteration to Overcome Monetization Challenges

Written by Keith Shields, Feb 6, 2024

Learn from example MVPs of apps you know. Duolingo overcame big challenges with agile development. Their story offers a lesson for B2C and B2B apps alike.

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Mobile Apps 7 min read

How Long Does it Take to Build an App?

Written by Keith Shields, Nov 13, 2023

Building an app is a complex operation with many factors that affect the timeline. On average you can expect a 3-12 month timeline to create an app.

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Mobile Apps 8 min read

Project Management for App Development (+ Best PM Tools)

Written by Keith Shields, Aug 23, 2023

Having a thorough project management process is key for successful app development. We'll share our top tips and tools to help you better manage your project.

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Mobile Apps 9 min read

Native App vs. Web App vs. Hybrid App: Which Is Best?

Written by Keith Shields, Dec 21, 2022

When building an app one of the most important decisions is deciding whether you’ll build a native app, web app, or hybrid app.

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Mobile Apps 23 min read

How Much Does it Cost to Make an App?

Written by Keith Shields, May 23, 2022

Trying to determine a budget for an app project can be frustrating. In this post, we walk you through the things you need to know to answer the question, “How much does it cost to make an app?”

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Mobile Apps 6 min read

6 Best Usability Testing Methods for Mobile Apps

Written by Keith Shields, Sep 13, 2021

Usability is a prerequisite for creating a successful app-based business. Here are six of the best usability testing methods to consider for your mobile app, along with guidance for when to use them.

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Mobile Apps 14 min read

What are Push Notifications, and How Do You Use Them?

Written by Keith Shields, Aug 23, 2021

Push notifications can help you to increase engagement, leading to higher customer lifetime value and revenue growth. Use this guide to learn if push notifications are right for you.

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Mobile Apps 7 min read

8 Best Ways to Market an App (on a Budget)

Written by Keith Shields, Aug 13, 2021

You don’t need a six-figure budget to market an app. We'll show you eight budget friendly strategies for marketing your mobile app that are highly effective.

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Mobile Apps 6 min read

What Is a Progressive Web App (PWA)? Plus Examples

Written by Keith Shields, Jul 20, 2021

Progressive Web Apps offer the look and feel of an app but are accessible via a web browser. We look closer at PWAs, their benefits, how they compare with mobile apps, and some examples.

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Mobile Apps 6 min read

App Builder Review: Appy Pie vs. Bubble vs. GoodBarber vs. BuildFire

Written by Keith Shields, Jul 15, 2021

Using an App Builder has its advantages and disadvantages. We look at top app builders Appy Pie, Bubble, Good Barber, and BuildFire and whether they're right for your project.

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Enterprise 7 min read

The Apple Developer Enterprise Program and How to Distribute Your Enterprise App

Written by Keith Shields, Jun 15, 2021

If you’re considering creating an app for your internal team, you may want to enroll in the Apple Developer Enterprise Program. We'll explain what this is and how to distribute your enterprise app.

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Mobile Apps 5 min read

Using the Freemium Model for Your App (or Software)

Written by Keith Shields, May 10, 2021

Offering your app for free requires being strategic with how you monetize the app. In this article, we’ll discuss how to use the freemium model effectively.

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EnterpriseMobile Apps 6 min read

How To Create an App for Your Business

Written by Keith Shields, Apr 13, 2021

There are many benefits to creating an app for your business. In this guide we'll dive into business apps, options for creating one, examples, and pros and cons.

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Mobile Apps 7 min read

7 Steps to Plan Your Mobile App Design, Build, and Launch

Written by Keith Shields, Mar 23, 2021

When it comes to launching your first mobile app there is a lot to consider. Follow these steps to take your mobile app idea from design to market.

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Mobile Apps 8 min read

Mobile App vs. Web App vs. Website: Which Should You Build?

Written by Keith Shields, Mar 16, 2021

We interact with various types of apps, but we don’t often consider the formats. We compare mobile apps, web apps, and websites so you can make the right choice for your business.

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Mobile Apps 6 min read

Web Developer vs. Web Designer: What’s the Difference?

Written by Keith Shields, Feb 16, 2021

It’s easy to get confused between what a web developer is and what a web designer is. We're comparing the roles of web developers and web designer, so you can figure out which one you need for your project.

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Mobile Apps 6 min read

5 Best Ways To Get Funding for an App

Written by Keith Shields, Jan 21, 2021

Getting an app to market can take a lot of money. We're looking at the 5 best ways to get funding for your app. From bootstrapping to app investors, we've got you covered.

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News 2 min read

Designli Named a Top 1000 Services Company Worldwide in 2020 by Clutch

Written by Keith Shields, Dec 10, 2020

Designli has been named a Top 1000 Services Company Worldwide by Clutch, an independent reviews platform. See our client reviews and ratings.

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Mobile Apps 6 min read

What is App Gamification? Its Benefits, Plus 3 Top Examples

Written by Keith Shields, Dec 10, 2020

App gamification is a powerful tool in your arsenal to acquire, engage, and retain users. Learn more about the benefits of app gamification.

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Mobile Apps 9 min read

What is a User Story and How do You Write One?

Written by Keith Shields, Nov 16, 2020

User stories are simple and rewarding tools for software and app development that focus on meeting users’ needs while providing the greatest business value. Here's what you need to know to create good user story that helps your team, product owners,and benefits the end-users.

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Mobile Apps 7 min read

How to Successfully Submit Your App to the App Store

Written by Keith Shields, Nov 10, 2020

Creating a new app is exciting! Here's what you need to know about the App Store, the review process, and how to submit an app for approval.

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Mobile Apps 6 min read

Launching Your App on iOS or Android: Which is Best?

Written by Keith Shields, Oct 21, 2020

Once you decide to build an app, you have a choice to make: develop for iOS or Android? But which is best? Many factors can impact your decision, including market, cost, and device functionality. Here’s what you need to know about launching your app on iOS or Android.

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Mobile Apps 8 min read

How to Build a Mobile App

Written by Keith Shields, Sep 16, 2020

Successful apps meet the needs of their target users and are enjoyable to use. Follow these 10 steps to build a mobile app that will attract and retain users.

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News 2 min read

Designli Named a Top 1000 Services Company Worldwide

Written by Keith Shields, Dec 4, 2019

Clutch has rated Designli a Top 1000 Services company worldwide. In addition, Designli is South Carolina's #1 Mobile App Development Firm.

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The Startup School 6 min read

I Have An App Idea. Where Do I Start? (Part 1)

Written by Keith Shields, Jun 14, 2016

So, you have an app idea. Where do you start? Designli is an app development company that is happy to lend a hand.

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The Startup School 4 min read

Why 'You Can Be Whatever You Want When You Grow Up' is a Lie

Written by Keith Shields, Jun 9, 2015

Is the saying 'you can be whatever you want when you grow up' a lie? The Designli team thinks so, and here's why.

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