So You Want To Make an App
If you think that only people who know how to code can create technology, it’s time to change your mind. Though there are all sorts of skills that are required for creating a technology product, as long as you have access to these skills, you can definitely make an app. In fact, many technology company founders are simply people who are trying to solve a problem—and they find developers to help them make it a reality.
In Saskatchewan, we have men and women of all ages who are on this journey. However, women still make up a very small percentage of the tech industry. Only 6% of Canadian technology founders are women. Some of them are creating products as a side hustle, while others have quit their day jobs and they are all in.
If you've ever said, “there should be an app for that,” today is the day to learn how to make your tech idea a reality!
What should you do first? Where should you go for help?
Accelerators: One of the first things you can do is reach out to a tech accelerator, and most of them have programs to help you assess if you have a good idea that people will use and pay for. In Saskatchewan, we have some great accelerators you should know. Co.Labs is known as Saskatchewan’s first accelerator, and they are based in Saskatoon. Since 2019, Regina-based Conexus Cultivator has been working with tech startups and providing resources, mentorship, funding, and space for founders to grow their ideas. WESK also runs a great program for women founders called Founders Table. If you are a student at the University of Saskatchewan, Opus can help you figure out the right path. Check out each of these websites, sign up for their newsletters, or reach out directly to find out about their programs.
Developers: Developers are in high demand right now, but it is not impossible to find one to help you create your idea. You can bring a developer on as a partner in the business or simply hire one. Levis Technology and E-Helply are two of the several places in Saskatoon that can help you create your technology. On the other hand, you can also go to offshore development teams that you can find on Upwork or Toptal. No matter who you work with, make sure that you check their references and be very clear on who owns the intellectual property (and have it in writing!).
Okay, so you know who to talk to and where to go, but what’s next? How do you bring your app to life and get it off the ground?
MVP: A minimal viable product, or MVP, is the most basic version of your technology. It is used to validate customer needs and demands prior to developing a more fully functional product. Therefore, once you have an MVP, get as many people testing it as possible and be open to their feedback. You may need to change the product, the market you are selling, to the pricing, etc. As you learn more about the market's needs, be ready to change your product.
Marketing: Remember to factor in marketing dollars! It takes some work to get people you don’t know to use your technology, and it can also take a little while to gain traction. Don’t hesitate to test a lot of approaches to find the best one to get your tech into people’s hands. (And PS—my company Ethical Digital can help with this piece. ;) )
We may hear a lot on the news about the wild successes of tech companies and the millions of dollars that some have sold for, but the fact is 90% of startups fail. Don’t let that scare you away, though!. If it were easy, everyone would do it. Several tech companies are growing, going strong, and employing hundreds of people. It’s a risky business, but when a tech company is acquired, the returns are often far beyond the returns for selling a regular business—that’s the nature of the industry.
There are a lot of awesome people and groups to help you succeed in Saskatchewan! So, support people who have taken the plunge, download local apps, and use local software. If you’re interested in creating a new app or want to tell me about your idea, let’s connect!