I created a post on here a few days ago about how I ship MVPs for my clients at lightspeed. I noticed many of you were interested in how to run an MVP agency, so I decided to go more in-depth. Here are my tips for running an MVP agency, leveraging AI to get fast results:
Build fast
- Use templates and boilerplates for common features (authentication, payments, etc.)
- Use Next.js + supabase
- Focus on critical features first. identify what truly validates the business concept
- Embrace "embarrassing MVP": ship something that's not perfect but functional that solves the core problem, your clients will like that
Leverage AI
- Use AI to code. I use Windsurf but I heard good things about Cursor and loveable as well
- Always ask AI to write clean, reusable code
- Browse the Windsurf rules directory to find applicable rules (https://windsurf.com/editor/directory)
- Very important: ask AI to write tests for you code and ask it to test. It will then iterate and fix bugs
Getting clients
- Start with your network. tell everyone what you're doing and ask for introductions
- Sponsor an entrepreneur newsletter, you need to convince them that you can build their dream product
- Create detailed case studies showcasing your fast delivery
- Offer a "concept to MVP in X weeks" guarantee with clear pricing
- Build authority through content marketing
- Show revenue on X: success attracts success, you need to build a following, a brand by building in public and sharing all progress
Provide top tier support
- Include a dedicated support period after launch (minimum 30 days)
- Create detailed documentation for clients to reference after delivery
- Schedule regular check-ins during the first month after delivery
Treat your clients well
- Position yourself as a partner, not just a service provider
- Involve clients in important decisions but do not overwhelm them with technical details!! (very important)
- Be transparent about limitations and tradeoffs in the MVP approach. People love honest people.
- Celebrate launches and milestones to build positive relationship momentum
- Provide honest advice about next steps after MVP, even if it means less revenue initially, be transparent!!
Define clear scope boundaries
- Use a simple one-page scope document that clients actually understand
- Identify "phase 2" features early and document them for future development
The "Build Fast" section is probably the most frightening these point by point breakdown is amazing. Looking at templates for my project as I write this (thanks!).
I'd also recommend these extensions when starting a build:
-Live Server: Runs a local server for previewing HTML/CSS in real-time.
- Prettier - Code Formatter: Automatically formats code for better readability.
- ES7+ React/Redux/React-Native Snippets: Provides shortcuts for writing React & Next.js code.
- Tailwind CSS IntelliSense: Auto-completes Tailwind CSS classes.
- ESLint: Helps detect and fix JavaScript errors.
- GitLens: Improves Git version control inside Cursor/VS Code.
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We have tons of awesome upcoming features next week for Huzzler Black 😁
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