71 posts tagged “Startups”
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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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.
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.
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.
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.
6 Scrappy App Soft Launch Ideas That Work
Written by Katie Iannace, Dec 10, 2025
Learn why a soft launch might be the right way to rollout your software. Use one of these examples of a great soft launch idea!
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.
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.
12 Best UX Designer Interview Questions
Written by Katie Iannace, Sep 19, 2025
Hiring the right UX designer for your team is vital to the success of your new website launch or mobile app.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
6 Essential UI Design Elements for SaaS Apps (+ Examples)
Written by Katie Iannace, May 27, 2025
UI defines how people interact with your app or website, so your business will suffer from low traffic or frustrated users if your UI is bad.
What is a Dedicated Development Team? Pros, Costs, and When to Hire One
Written by Katie Iannace, May 15, 2025
Dedicated development teams work solely on one project, as opposed to splitting time on multiple projects within the development company.
Behavioral Design is the Future of UX
Written by Dan Gower, Apr 4, 2025
By neglecting behavioral design, developers are working with one hand tied behind their back. The future of UX is behavioral design.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
7 Steps to Launch a Mobile App (+ Downloadable Pre-Launch Checklist)
Written by Katie Iannace, Jul 8, 2024
7 steps you can do to successfully launch a mobile app that has the potential to scale globally without breaking the bank.
What is Flutter Application Development? (Pros and Cons)
Written by Dan Gower, Sep 1, 2023
Google's UI SDK is one of the best frameworks for cross-platform apps. Here's what you need to know about flutter application development.
What is ChatGPT and How Can It Be Used In Apps?
Written by Katie Iannace, Feb 2, 2023
ChatGPT is a powerful AI that processes questions using everyday language and then responds to these topics in a conversational manner.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
How to Craft a Unique Value Proposition that Works
Written by Tyler Tennant, Oct 26, 2017
A unique value proposition, or UVP, is a clear, straight-to-the-point, bit of information that details what sets you apart from the competition.
6 Tips for Creating an Effective Ecommerce App
Written by Tyler Tennant, Oct 12, 2017
An ecommerce app has the unique advantages of being able to save one’s data including payment methods in a safe and secure way, and personalization options.
Best Practices for Researching Your Competition
Written by Tyler Tennant, Sep 28, 2017
It’s crucial that moving beyond your idea you justify how exactly it will fit into the market and how you will focus on researching competition.
3 Uncommon Steps to Successful Viral Marketing for Startups
Written by Tyler Tennant, Sep 14, 2017
The contemporary digital transformation of society has allowed startups the opportunity to reach millions of prospective customers through viral marketing.
4 Features of High-Growth Startups
Written by Tyler Tennant, Sep 7, 2017
High-growth startups have captured market opportunities and momentum in an unprecedented way in the contemporary era. There are certain features of success.
Investors, Pitch Decks, and You: How to Get Funded
Written by Tyler Tennant, Jul 13, 2017
Let’s face it, asking for money is difficult. Pitching to a potential investor is stressful. Here's how to raise investment for your startup.
Surprising Insights from Small Businesses Using DIY Website Builders
Written by Shawn Parrotte, Mar 9, 2017
Designli was featured in Clutch.co’s in-depth survey about DIY website builders. Let’s look at some statistics that stood out to us from Clutch’s research.
Mobile App or Responsive Website: Which is Best for your Business?
Written by Shawn Parrotte, Feb 9, 2017
Building a mobile asset for your company? How to you decide whether you should opt for an app or a responsive website? Find out the benefits to each here!
Designli Entrepreneur: Matt Barretto of Meal Share
Written by Elizabeth Barr, Nov 22, 2016
Matt Barretto chats with us about building Meal Share, his new app that solves the problem of splitting the bill when you're out with friends.
Apple: The Good and The Bad
Written by Phil Coburn, Jul 12, 2016
What are the good things and the bad about Apple as a business? Apple thrives on a captive market, in a closed ecosystem. Learn about what that means.
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