Posts by Laura MacPherson
Laurie MacPherson is a B2B Tech Content Strategist and Editorial Researcher, specializing in translating complex technical insights into high-credibility thought leadership. Backed by over a decade of experience interviewing product managers, solution architects, and security leaders, Laurie excels at uncovering deep market pain points to build content that moves pipeline for major enterprise brands like Snowflake and Immuta. Through her articles, readers will learn how to challenge outdated industry thinking, synthesize complex technical research, and create authoritative content that resonates with modern tech buyers. When she isn't mapping out editorial playbooks or helping companies connect the dots on product value, you can find her recharging at the top of a mountain or indulging her inner sci-fi geek with a good novel.
Laura MacPherson
B2B Tech Content Strategist and Editorial Researcher
92 articles
4 Advantages of Angel Funding For Startups
Written by Laura MacPherson, Apr 23, 2026
What is angel funding and what makes it so beneficial? In this post, we’ll explore four advantages of angel funding for startups.
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A Step-by-Step Process for App Development (From Idea to Scalable Product)
Written by Laura MacPherson, Mar 10, 2026
Building an app is a complex project, and there are many steps involved. Here’s the step-by-step process for app development that we use here at Designli.
Sell It Before You Build It: How to Presell Your New Product Idea
Written by Laura MacPherson, Mar 3, 2026
Preselling your product will get the wheels turning before your product is fully built. Here's how to presell your new product idea successfully.
2 Behavioral Patterns That Will Drive App Engagement
Written by Laura MacPherson, Nov 26, 2025
We can take advantage of behavioral psychology and incorporate the science of behavior into app design. Here are two behavioral patterns that will drive app engagement.
What Makes a Good User Experience?
Written by Laura MacPherson, Oct 29, 2025
Struggling with SaaS user retention? Discover 7 powerful UX principles that turn first-time users into loyal customers.
10 Essential Slides for a Winning Pitch Deck
Written by Laura MacPherson, Sep 12, 2025
The pitch decks that are the most successful typically have ten slides in common. In this post, we’re sharing the essential slides for a winning pitch deck.
How to Calculate Software ROI for Custom Products
Written by Laura MacPherson, May 12, 2025
When businesses invest in software, they should earn more money in return. Here’s how to calculate your ROI from custom software development.
Key Questions to Ask When Buying Custom Software
Written by Laura MacPherson, May 12, 2023
Asking these 10 questions will help you get more from your budget on your next custom software development project.
8-Step Checklist to Build a Successful MVP
Written by Laura MacPherson, Nov 15, 2021
A minimum viable product MVP is an essential part of product development. Let's look at the action items for building an MVP that succeeds.
Eric Kunisawa, Founder of Grappos, Shares His Successful Bootstrapped Journey
Written by Laura MacPherson, Mar 17, 2021
Eric Kunisawa, Founder of Grappos, shares his insights and lessons learned from boostrapping his company from launch to huge success.
Guide to UX for Mobile Apps that Attract and Retain Users
Written by Laura MacPherson, Sep 3, 2020
User experience is foundational for user attraction and retention. Here are the essentials for desinging a UX for mobile apps to attract and retain users.
2020 Trends in UX You Need to Know
Written by Laura MacPherson, Aug 27, 2020
Today's trends will become tomorrow's user expectations. In this post, we’re looking at the top 2020 trends worth following for mobile UX design.
How to Use Color in UX Strategically
Written by Laura MacPherson, Aug 20, 2020
The use of color in UX design goes beyond choosing colors that look nice together. Color aids in communicaiton and helps users identify your product.
An Easy Content Creation Process for Resource-Strapped Startups
Written by Laura MacPherson, Aug 6, 2020
Establishing a simple content creation process that’s efficient and maximizes the use of your resources will make that challenging much more manageable.
Amber Masters Combines Debt-Payoff Experience with Accountability and Support in Paidback
Written by Laura MacPherson, Jul 24, 2020
Amber Masters, founder of Paidback and the DeeplyInDebt.com Blog, shares her story and the inspiration behind her new app startup.
The Power of Storytelling for Startups
Written by Laura MacPherson, Jul 23, 2020
The backbone of every effective marketing strategy is storytelling. We discuss the power of storytelling and how startups can use it to improve marketing.
Video Content Marketing for Startups
Written by Laura MacPherson, Jul 16, 2020
Video is effective across all stages of the buyer’s journey. Here’s what you need to know about video content marketing for startups.
The Essential Guide to Content Marketing for Startups
Written by Laura MacPherson, Jul 9, 2020
This guide to content marketing for startups will share what you need to know to create content that will resonate with your target audience.
How to Start Developing an App
Written by Laura MacPherson, Jul 2, 2020
Before you start building your app, you’ll want to lay the necessary groundwork. Here’s a step-by-step process for how to start developing an app.
How Long Does It Take to Get an App To Market?
Written by Laura MacPherson, Jun 25, 2020
Here’s what you need to know about the factors influencing the time it takes to get an app to market and how you can speed up the process.
The Locker Room Founder, Roger Dickson, on How Mission Drives Product
Written by Laura MacPherson, Jun 9, 2020
In this interview, we talk with Roger Dickson, founder of The Locker Room Worldwide, to learn how he is building a meaningful startup.
What Percentage of Equity Compensation Should I Give My Developer?
Written by Laura MacPherson, Jun 4, 2020
Offering equity compensation to your development team as a startup is a difficult decision. But there are several options for fundraising to consider.
Guide to Monitoring and Interpreting Your Mobile App Analytics
Written by Laura MacPherson, May 14, 2020
Your mobile app analytics will help inform your app's development. This guide covers the basics you need to know to monitor and interpret your analytics.
How to Field User Feedback and Prioritize It
Written by Laura MacPherson, May 7, 2020
User feedback is at the core of any successful app. It helps inform iteration decisions to ensure your product meets the needs of your customers.
Components of an Effective Mobile App Marketing Plan
Written by Laura MacPherson, Apr 30, 2020
Well before you even have a product to market, you’ll want to create a mobile app marketing plan. Here we break down a marketing plan into must-have components.
Should I Do a Hard Launch or Soft Launch for My App?
Written by Laura MacPherson, Apr 23, 2020
One of the first choices you’ll need to make when marketing a product is whether to do a hard launch or a soft launch. Here are the advantages of each.
How to Iterate or Pivot in Times of Turbulence
Written by Laura MacPherson, Apr 16, 2020
Dramatic changes require you to think through how to iterate or even significantly pivot. Here’s what to think through to position your company for growth.
How to Run a Successful Social Media Campaign for a Product Launch
Written by Laura MacPherson, Apr 2, 2020
Running a successful social media campaign for a new product launch will spread the word and attract prospective customers.
How to Build the Perfect Pre-Launch Landing Page
Written by Laura MacPherson, Mar 26, 2020
A pre-launch landing page is specifically designed to provide a source of leads or sales for a soon to launch product. Use these techniques to build a winning landing page.
6 Ways to Build Pre-Launch Buzz for Your App
Written by Laura MacPherson, Mar 19, 2020
There are many ways to build pre-launch buzz for your app. In this post, we’re focusing on the six most effective. Get a brainstorming notebook and read on!
How to Measure App Performance to Iterate Effectively
Written by Laura MacPherson, Mar 5, 2020
The first version of an app is designed to be tested. Here’s how to know what to track and how to measure app performance.
How to Run a Beta Trial and Report Bugs to Your Developers
Written by Laura MacPherson, Feb 27, 2020
Beta testing is one of the most important parts of product development. Here's a step-by-step process that will show you how to run a beta trial.
5 Characteristics of Good App Beta Testers
Written by Laura MacPherson, Feb 20, 2020
Not everyone makes good beta testers. There are some common qualities to look for, and we're sharing what those qualities are in this post.
How to Find a Developer Who’s an Ideal Fit for Your Project
Written by Laura MacPherson, Feb 6, 2020
A strong development team is the foundation of any successful software project. This post will show you how to find a developer that's right for you.
MVP Development: Formula to Learn What Features to Build into Your MVP
Written by Laura MacPherson, Jan 23, 2020
MVP development gives your team a way to validate product assumptions by seeing how your users react to the product and learning what else they would value.
3-Step Process to Estimate Project Cost
Written by Laura MacPherson, Jan 16, 2020
If your startup doesn’t have the internal resources to build an app, you’ll want to outsource the work. Here's what to look for in a project cost estimate.
7 Considerations When Choosing In-House App Development or Contractors
Written by Laura MacPherson, Jan 9, 2020
Deciding between in-house app development or outsourcing? This guide will walk you through the factors to consider to make the right decision.
Should I Choose Cross-Platform or Native for My Mobile App?
Written by Laura MacPherson, Jan 2, 2020
How can you decide if cross-platform or native is right for your app? We walk you through a decision-making process in this post.
Kathy Luck, Founder of Thingealogy, Helps People Share the Stories of the Things They Value
Written by Laura MacPherson, Dec 16, 2019
Learn why Kathy Luck built Thingealogy with the Designli team via our Founder Series interview, and what her vision is for her app startup.
How to Decide What Platform to Launch Your App On
Written by Laura MacPherson, Dec 5, 2019
Android, iOs, or the web? Here's why this decision is so strategic and how to decide which platform to launch your app on.
Legal and Accounting for Startups: What Professionals Do I Need to Launch my Business?
Written by Laura MacPherson, Nov 28, 2019
In this post, we’re looking at what you need to know when it comes to working with professionals related to legal and accounting for startups.
How to Create Financial Projections as a Startup Without Sales History
Written by Laura MacPherson, Nov 21, 2019
It can be challenging to create financial projections when you have no history of sales. Here are 6 steps to create accurate financial projections as a startup.
How to Know How Much Capital to Raise for Your Startup
Written by Laura MacPherson, Nov 14, 2019
The success of your startup often hinges on investment. Here’s a 4-step method you can use to know how much capital to raise for your startup.
4 Steps to Create a User Flow Diagram
Written by Laura MacPherson, Oct 17, 2019
User flow diagrams are helpful tools you can use when building new sites and apps. Let's explore how to create a user flow diagram.
How to Build User Personas to Guide Product Development
Written by Laura MacPherson, Oct 10, 2019
This article will show you how to build user personas, the key components you should include, and why they are so critical for success.
Better Than a Business Plan for Startups: The Business Model Canvas
Written by Laura MacPherson, Sep 19, 2019
The Business Model Canvas is better than a business plan for startups. It’s a representation of how you understand the business at a specific point in time.
Willz Tolbert Tells His Startup Story and Shares Best Advice
Written by Laura MacPherson, Sep 16, 2019
Willz Tolbert is the founder of a cloud-based operating platform for commercial real estate, named Infill. Here, we interview Willz about his startup.
7 Monetization Options for Your App
Written by Laura MacPherson, Sep 12, 2019
It’s smart to consider all the monetization options for your app before choosing one as your final plan. In this post, we’re exploring seven.
Know When Paying for a Premium Domain is Worth It
Written by Laura MacPherson, Sep 5, 2019
Your domain name has a big impact. This guide will share what you need to know about premium domains and when paying for a premium domain is worth it.
How to Pick a Domain Name for Your App
Written by Laura MacPherson, Aug 29, 2019
Your domain name is important, and choosing one requires careful thought. This guide will help you pick a domain name for your app that’s a strategic one.
How to Name Your App
Written by Laura MacPherson, Aug 22, 2019
How do you find the perfect name for your app? Here are three steps and bonus tips that will help you craft a name that sets you up for success.
How to Search for App Competitors and Ensure Your Idea is Better
Written by Laura MacPherson, Aug 15, 2019
If your idea is a good one, you probably have competitors. And that's ok. Here’s how to search for app competitors make your product better.
How Sanvello Uses Behavioral Design to Boost Mental Health
Written by Laura MacPherson, Aug 1, 2019
Multiple behavioral design techniques are at play in Sanvello, making it especially effective. Here’s how Sanvello uses behavioral design.
6 Factors to Consider Before Building a Mobile App for Your Customers
Written by Laura MacPherson, Jul 18, 2019
How do you know if a mobile app will benefit your company? Here are five factors you should consider before building a mobile app for your customers.
7 Best Blogs For Start-Up Founders and Entrepreneurs
Written by Laura MacPherson, Jun 27, 2019
Today, we're sharing our top picks for blogs startup founders should be reading. Learn from the people who have "been there, done that" successfully.
How to Find a Technical Co-Founder or Partner for Your Startup
Written by Laura MacPherson, Jun 20, 2019
Though you may be inclined to wait, especially if you have a technology background, it’s a good idea to find a technical co-founder or partner early on.
Adam Crisafulli Delivers Market Insights and Expert Opinion Through Vital Knowledge
Written by Laura MacPherson, Jun 18, 2019
In this post, we interview Adam Crisafulli, founder of Vital Knowledge. Adam is focused on providing market commentary that gets 'past the headlines.'
How The Fabulous App Uses Behavioral Design to Win Awards and Grow
Written by Laura MacPherson, May 30, 2019
Let's explore how the Fabulous App uses behavioral design to build tiny habits into significant long-term changes, seeing long-term success in the process.
How to Maximize Your MVP for Business Growth
Written by Laura MacPherson, May 16, 2019
An MVP enables your company to test a product idea. In this post, we’ll explore how to maximize your MVP to best position your company for growth.
8 Questions To Ask a Potential App Development Partner
Written by Laura MacPherson, May 9, 2019
You have a great idea for an app, but you need to find a development partner to bring it to life. Here are 8 questions to ask your potential app developer.
Lance Theobald on How Seeking Feedback Leads to Success
Written by Laura MacPherson, May 6, 2019
In this post, we interview Designli client Lance Theobald, founder of SecurSpace, to learn about his inspiration behind 'AirBnb for Industrial Real Estate.'
How Slack Maintains a User Base of Over 10 Million
Written by Laura MacPherson, May 2, 2019
While there are always many factors involved in business growth, Slack’s use of behavioral design helps the app to maintain a user base of 10 milion.
How the 10% Happier App Created Consistent User Growth, Leading to $3.7 Million in Seed II Funding
Written by Laura MacPherson, Apr 11, 2019
Consistent growth helped this app earn $3.7 million in seed funding. Here are the key takeaways.
7 Steps to Turn Your Great Idea into a Profitable Business
Written by Laura MacPherson, Jan 31, 2019
What does it take to turn a great idea into a profitable business? These seven steps will guide you through the process.
How to Build a Pre-Launch Plan for Your Startup’s App
Written by Laura MacPherson, Jan 24, 2019
How do you turn your app idea into a successful business? A solid pre-launch plan is a great place to start.
7 Essentials for E-Commerce Success
Written by Laura MacPherson, Jan 10, 2019
In this post, let’s look at seven essentials of e-commerce success. We’ll break down why each is important and share practical tips on how to implement these essentials.
Rowland Savage Shares His Entrepreneurial Journey and Essential Advice
Written by Laura MacPherson, Jan 8, 2019
This founder used his experience in project management to invent an app that could cure some of his biggest professional headaches.
What Are the Options for Raising Startup Funds?
Written by Laura MacPherson, Dec 6, 2018
There are many routes that will lead you to the cash you need to get your startup running. Let’s take a look at 10 options for raising startup funds.
How Communities Increase Habit Formation (and Retain App Users)
Written by Laura MacPherson, Nov 29, 2018
Social rewards are a powerful way to build habits. Here are a few ideas to get your creativity flowing on how to use community to retain app users
Vickie Martini Shares Her Inspiration and Tells Her Startup Story
Written by Laura MacPherson, Nov 29, 2018
Vickie Martini, of Greenville South Carolina, is bringing her app idea to life with Designli's help. Learn about how she is building her digital startup.
Using the Manipulation Matrix for Ethical Behavioral Design
Written by Laura MacPherson, Nov 15, 2018
There’s a fine line between working toward positive behavior change and manipulation. Here's a helpful matrix to determine if you're on the right track with ethical behavioral design.
A Deep Dive on Variable Rewards and How to Use Them
Written by Laura MacPherson, Nov 8, 2018
Our brains find the anticipation enjoyable. In this post, we’ll take a deep dive on variable rewards and how to use them to retain users.
How to Uncover Your True Unique Value Proposition
Written by Laura MacPherson, Nov 1, 2018
If you’re struggling with how to differentiate, read on. In this article, we’re sharing 4 steps to uncover your true Unique Value Proposition.
5 Steps to Apply UX Principles to Build Better Enterprise Software
Written by Laura MacPherson, Oct 25, 2018
How can designers ensure that enterprise software is as easy to use as SaaS offerings? Here's how to apply UX principles to build better enterprise software.
Allan Symonette Shares His Mission to Promote Meaningful Giving
Written by Laura MacPherson, Oct 22, 2018
Allan Symonette shares the story of why he decided to create this app and what he learned along the way.
Kevin Nadeau, Founder of TLT, Shares His Story and Lessons Learned
Written by Laura MacPherson, Sep 26, 2018
Kevin Nadeau, a client of Designli, is building a custom web platform in Greenville, South Carolina. Here, we sit down and interview Kevin to learn more.
Rebecca Heiss, Founder of Icueity, Shares How She Helps Leaders to Shine
Written by Laura MacPherson, Sep 19, 2018
Rebecca Heiss, a client of Designli, is building a mobile app startup in Greenville, South Carolina. Here, we sit down and interview Rebecca to learn more.
5 Common UX Mistakes that App Developers Make
Written by Laura MacPherson, Sep 13, 2018
Many apps trip up when it comes to experience design. Here are 5 common UX mistakes that app developers make, so you can be sure to avoid them.
4 Ways to Implement External Triggers to Generate App Usage
Written by Laura MacPherson, Aug 16, 2018
External triggers are alerts that interrupt us and prompt us to do something. They eventually become associated with internal triggers driven by emotion. Developers can implement external triggers to generate app usage, creating a group of core customers.
Android or iPhone: Which OS Should I Choose to Build My App Idea?
Written by Laura MacPherson, Aug 2, 2018
In this guide, we’ll compare Android and iPhone’s iOS to help you answer the question, Android or iPhone: Which OS should I choose to build my app idea?
UX Best Practices to Design an App Users Will Love
Written by Laura MacPherson, Jul 26, 2018
UX design defines the “feel” and experience that users have on an app (or piece of software). In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the key UX best practices to design an app that will keep users engaged and create a dedicated customer base.
Use the Hook Model to Design an App that Attracts and Retains Users
Written by Laura MacPherson, Jul 12, 2018
The Hook Model works with any product that relies on frequent user engagement. But it's particularly useful to design an app that attracts and retains users.
How to Design an App That Fulfills Its Purpose
Written by Laura MacPherson, Jul 5, 2018
In this post, we’ll share our strategy for how to design an app that fulfills its purpose — so your target market is motivated to download it, use it, and make your company profitable in the process.
6 Questions Startups Should Ask Before Building an App
Written by Laura MacPherson, Apr 19, 2018
Have a fantastic new app idea? Ask yourself these six questions before building an app to make sure your idea has the best possible chance of success.
How the Flora App Developers Use Behavioral Psychology to Help Users Live Their Best Lives
Written by Laura MacPherson, Apr 5, 2018
Developers can use behavioral psychology to help users improve their lives and reach their goals. Here's how the developers of the Flora app are using gamification to retain users for a positive purpose.
The Psychology of App Design: How to Help Users Reach Their Goals Using Your App
Written by Laura MacPherson, Mar 29, 2018
Developers can use the psychology of app design to help users build habits and shape their behavior. Here are five principles you can apply to your app.
How People Buy Online: Websites vs. Apps
Written by Laura MacPherson, Feb 22, 2018
Retailers are looking at how people buy online in an effort to boost sales. Do consumers prefer shopping on a website or on a brand's mobile app?
The Most Common (But Fixable) Problems With Online Stores
Written by Laura MacPherson, Jan 18, 2018
Many e-commerce site developers fall into the same traps that sabotage the path to purchase. Here are eight of the most common problems with online stores and how to fix them if you’ve stumbled into them.
Top E-Commerce Trends for 2018
Written by Laura MacPherson, Jan 11, 2018
E-commerce is growing in popularity, and adoption isn’t showing signs of slowing down. Here are the top e-commerce trends for 2018 we see on the horizon.
The Power of the Minimum Viable Product, and How Enterprises Can Use It
Written by Laura MacPherson, Dec 7, 2017
Enterprise companies can use the power of the minimum viable product to quickly develop new and better products that will be eagerly adopted by customers.
How to Use a Mobile App to Increase Customer Engagement
Written by Laura MacPherson, Nov 30, 2017
Consumers are using mobile apps more and more for daily activities. Here are five ways companies can use a mobile app to increase customer engagement.
7 Ways App Developers Leave You Vulnerable to Security Threats
Written by Laura MacPherson, Nov 23, 2017
Security breaches cause headaches not only for users, but also for companies. Here are 7 ways app developers leave you vulnerable to security threats.
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