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I’ve recently finished my 20th client app. Here are the 6 biggest mistakes I've made.

→ Mistake 1: Choosing projects without passion

A few months back, I took on a project for a mobile app because it sounded lucrative. But my heart wasn't in it. Felt like trying to run a marathon with no training.

If the project doesn't excite you, the final product won't excite anyone else.

→ Mistake 2: Light on planning

I once jumped into building an e-commerce platform without mapping it out fully. It's like setting off on a road trip without a GPS. You might reach your destination, but you'll waste a lot of time on detours.

A detailed plan is your best friend.

→ Mistake 3: Picking the wrong no-code tool

At the end of a product creation, the client wanted to add a chat feature in their web app.

The thing was, I built the app on Softr .io, great for quick dev but limited in terms of advanced features.

The client was disappointed, I was too

I had to switch to a more flexible platform, like Bubble, which was a better fit for real-time interactions.
So before any creation, choose carefully your stack!

→ Mistake 4: Ignoring mobile users

I once launched an app that looked stunning on desktop. On mobile, it was a nightmare (text overflowed, images were cut off).

Mobile-first is the mantra in today's world. Keep that in mind.

→ Mistake 5: Complicated user onboarding

Created a project management tool with tons of features. Users were lost from the get-go. It was like handing someone the controls to a spaceship to drive to the grocery store.

Simplified onboarding is key: guide users gently.

→ Mistake 6: Forgetting about email re-engagement

I underestimated the power of follow-up emails. Engagement started strong but quickly slowed down.

Regular, value-packed emails keep the conversation going.

But even simple emails are okay as long as you follow up.

Honestly, I'm glad I made those mistakes. I learned a lot and got better because of them.

on February 14, 2024
  1. 2

    Good tips. Thank you!

    Do you know how to code at all? I assume you don't, since you leverage no-code tools. Although maybe it was to save time?

    1. 2

      I don't know at all! (only how to make a text bold in css haha)
      But I also don't need to, because tools like Bubble are super powerful to make you feel like 'you don't need to code'

  2. 2

    Thanks for sharing. I've been in the client work business for more than 12 years now. Choosing the right tools, maintaining good comms, and testing (or stressing) output across various devices are all factors that, at different scales, are always worth remembering. Eventually, doing client work means finding the good parts of the job even when there is no passion for the project – Unfortunately, this is a skill we all need to develop.

    1. 1

      But I wish I knew earlier to say no more often than yes instead of trying to find good parts in a project I don't want to work on... 😅

      1. 2

        True. The thing is, you have to say a lot of “yes” before you can starting saying "no".