Do you have a great idea for a new app and thinking about starting a new software company? Maybe you already have a startup and want to make sure it is a success. Startup software companies can be exciting and lucrative but they are also risky and involve a lot of hard work.
Here are some tips for creating or maintaining a successful software startup:
K.I.S.S.
“Keep It Simple Stupid!” is a common phrase in software development but it is critical in making a successful software startup. Startups need to be lean and focused that means putting your effort in to your primary product. Your goal is to bring your game-changing app to market and anything else is a distraction. Your branding should be simple and targeted as well. Keeping it simple means that your focus and branding should be on your single revolutionary software product.
Be Ready To Pivot.
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. While you need to stay focused on your single product, you also need to be ready to adjust your product to meet market demands. This could mean being able to change your platform on the drop of a dime. Remember you still need to K.I.S.S. (“Keep It Simple Stupid!”) but make sure your software and your team are ready to pivot if need be. This can be a delicate balancing act but it will pay off. If there is one constant in the tech industry it is that things change and they change fast, so be prepared.
Look for Passionate Team Members.
A startup is different than a large corporate office; your team is smaller and will often have to work longer hours than other offices. A startup can’t have team members that are just there for the paycheck or short-term gains. Picking employees who are invested in the success and vision of your product is more important than their experience or skillset. New technologies can be taught but a passion for your product is critical to making a successful software startup.
Don’t Give Up.
Most startups don’t fail from outside forces but actually implode from within. It can be hard work for the founder and their employees, even when your software begins to take off it may get even more difficult. Be ready to work hard and keep working. Even if you hit a brick wall or a hiccup, keep fighting. Any successful startup founder such as Charles Phillips will tell you, even if you have the best idea in the world success won’t come easy.
So if you are trying to build a successful software startup consider these tips. Keep your software and branding simple, your focus and messaging should be on your software’s primary service. You also need to remain nimble, keep your product ready to pivot based on the ever-changing tech market. Most importantly, don’t give up, keep going and keep working harder and eventually you will be able to reap the rewards of good ideas and hard work.
