Building an MVP with Glide: Top 5 Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Introduction image featuring the author, Darren Alderman, with a Glide MVP project in the background.

Do you have a new business idea? 

As an entrepreneur, you probably know that great business ideas must be tested to see if they are effective. Before you go all in and invest in a new product, you should have all of the information first. That's where an MVP, or Minimum Viable Product, comes in. 

An MVP is a basic version of your idea turned into a product. With a no-code app builder like Glide, you can make your very own MVP without spending a fortune or waiting months to see results. 

However, just because you’ve made an MVP doesn’t mean that your product can’t fail. In fact, it’s common to see mistakes made in new businesses. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows that over 1 in 5 small businesses fail in their first year. 

In this article, we’ll discuss the top 5 mistakes that people make when they make their MVPs and how Glide can help you build a successful MVP for your new business. 

Why Should You Choose Glide for MVPs?

As a no-code app builder, Glide works as a great shortcut for building apps. To build an MVP with Glide, you don't need to be a tech genius. You just need to decide what you want your app to do, and Glide will help you put it together. 

This means with Glide, you can get your MVP created faster, spend less money, and easily make changes based on what you learn. If you need to pivot, Glide will enable you to do so with the least amount of risk possible. 

Building an MVP with Glide: Top 5 Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Mistake 1: Not Knowing Your MVP’s Goal

How it Manifests: Your MVP tries to do too many things, confusing users, and your main purpose is lost in the process. This is one of the worst problems to have when making an MVP. 

People download apps to solve an issue for them. If people don’t know what your app is, they will be less likely to engage with it. Also, having too many features could dissuade users from keeping your app. 

Consider how you would feel if you downloaded a language-learning app only to find out that it also features a way for you to sell your unwanted clothing. Do you use the app for both purposes or do you try to find an app that just focuses on helping you learn Spanish? Odds are, probably the latter.  

The Solution: Before you start using Glide for your MVP, write down what you want your MVP to achieve. Keep your list simple and focused.

The Outcome: A focused MVP that resonates with users and effectively tests your core idea. People will understand the aim of your app and how to use it.

Mistake 2: Making Your MVP Too Complicated

How it Manifests: People hate wasting their time figuring out things that should be intuitive. Users will abandon your MVP because it is hard to navigate or understand. Similar to Mistake 1, Mistake 2 leaves users feeling too confused to spend the time to learn how your app works. 

More features do not equal a better user experience in all situations. Only add as much as you need to make your app functional and serve your goals.  

The Solution: Start with the basics and refer back to your goal. Your MVP should only have what is absolutely necessary for your goal. 

The Outcome: An intuitive MVP that users can easily navigate and engage with. They will have a more enjoyable experience, and you’ll get better feedback on how to make it better. 

Mistake 3: Reacting Too Quickly to User Feedback

How it Manifests: Quick changes are easy to make in Glide, which may tempt you to use it to make tweaks for every piece of feedback you get. However, making rapid changes may not necessarily solve the real issues and can lead to a disjointed app and confusing MVP.

The Solution: Collect feedback over time and analyze trends before implementing changes. Also, remember to wait before asking a new user for feedback. 

The Outcome: A more stable MVP that evolves based on thoughtful analysis of user needs, leading to higher satisfaction and long-term success. 

Mistake 4: Missing Out on Powerful Features

How it Manifests: Being new to Glide, you might not know all its capabilities. Your app is okay but lacks the 'wow' factor, and may be slow, have errors, or scalability issues.

The Fix: Consult an expert on the latest features, like AI, to maximize Glide's potential.

The Outcome: An MVP that impresses users with top-tier experience and powerful features. Remember, while Glide is a no-code app builder, there is quite a lot to learn when it comes to application building!

Mistake 5: Bad Data Management

How it Manifests: If you don't handle your data right, you'll have a mess on your hands. Data may lost, isn't updated in real-time, or may be unable to scale. The backend of an application can be difficult to understand for those who are new to app-building. 

The Fix: Plan how you'll manage data from the start. Consult with an expert to keep everything organized when you start building your MVP through Glide.

The Outcome: An MVP with reliable, well-structured data management that scales. You’ll be able to use the foundation of your MVP successfully and have a reliable app. 

Promotional image for a one-week mini-course on building an MVP using Glide.

I’ve Been There

You might be asking yourself—how does this guy know all this? The truth is, I've been where you are. Glide has helped me save a considerable amount of cash with my ideas, and I've used Glide to turn many ideas into MVPs. Some were for new businesses, others for big companies, but each time, I learned something new. 

By avoiding the mistakes I've listed, I've seen simple MVPs grow into successful apps. And I believe you can do it too.

Build Your MVP The Right Way - FREE DOWNLOAD

Every big idea starts somewhere. An MVP is that starting point. With Glide and some smart choices, you can test your idea and see its potential. So, why wait? Get started and see where your idea takes you.

Building an MVP might sound tough, but it doesn't have to be. If you’re feeling apprehensive, I've put together a mini-course (How to Create an App in One Week with Nocode) to help you with your first-ever Glide MVP. In just one week, you'll learn how to use Glide to make your own MVP by using my step-by-step guide. 

By the end, you'll have something real to show for it.

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