The Non-Technical Founder: How a 16-Year Old Built a Six Figure Software Company Without Writing any Code

by Josh MacDonald

Overview

Everyone has an idea that they think is the next big thing. The problem is, it’s probably an app or software idea and most people probably don’t know how to code and their record for managing programmers is little to none. Even if they do know how to code, they’re not quite sure how to get their first one thousand customers. The Non-Technical Founder walks readers through the stages of validating whether their next big thing is good, bringing the idea to life, and getting those first customers.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781683507598
Publisher:	Morgan James Publishing
Publication date:	07/03/2018
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Josh MacDonald is a serial software entrepreneur who has built and sold software to thousands of marketers and agencies worldwide. Growing up in a small town two hours south of Toronto, Josh turned to the internet to earn money. He started his first online venture at the age of 14 and had his first 6-figure year at the age of 16. He has since founded a number of other successful ventures and has worked with over 250 remote freelancers. Josh currently resides in Fort Myers, Florida.

Table of Contents

Dedication v

Contributors ix

Who Is This Book For? xi

Who Am I, and How Did I End Up in the Software Industry? xiii

The Rise-And Fall-of Keyword Scout xvii

Part 1 The Ideation Stage 1

Chapter 1 How To Think Of An Idea 2

Chapter 2 How to Validate an Idea 16

Chapter 3 Ts It a Fit For YOU? 46

Part 2 The Development Stage 55

Chapter 4 Partners? Staff? 56

Chapter 5 The Integrator & Visionary Combination 62

Chapter 6 Hiring Costs 64

Chapter 7 Sources For Hiring 74

Chapter 8 Posting the Ad 80

Chapter 9 Picking an Applicant 88

Chapter 10 Switching to Hourly 94

Chapter 11 Beta Testing 97

Chapter 12 Be Safe, Protect Yourself 99

Chapter 13 Maintaining Good Relationships 100

Chapter 14 Developing the Miscellaneous 101

Part 3 The Marketing Stage 103

Chapter 15 Website 104

Chapter 16 Pricing 109

Chapter 17 Upsells 117

Chapter 18 Different Versions & Plans 118

Chapter 19 The Fastest Ways to Grow 119

Chapter 20 Product Launches 125

Chapter 21 Direct Sales 127

Chapter 22 Grow Your Email List 129

Chapter 23 Pay-Per-Click Advertising 132

Chapter 24 Social Media 141

Chapter 25 Reputation 144

Chapter 26 Word-of-Mouth 147

Chapter 27 Inbound Marketing 149

Chapter 28 Search Engine Optimization 150

Chapter 29 Free and Trial Versions 152

Chapter 30 Identify Your Customer 156

Chapter 31 Reverse the Buyer Process 159

Chapter 32 Media Appearances 161

Chapter 33 Influencer Marketing 165

Chapter 34 Fortune 500 Companies 167

Bonus: Cashing Out 171

Closing Thoughts & Checklist 177

Closing Thoughts From My Contributors 179

Featured Interviewees 187

Acknowledgements 191