Got a great software idea but no technical experience? You may not believe it, but even without coding, development, or marketing skills, building an app is actually within reach.

I’ve been an accountant for nearly 10 years and developed a Xero application for the last 2 years with no entrepreneurial background. Here’s what I've learned:

1. Start with a Problem You Know Well

The best ideas come from personal experience. For me, it was Balance Sheet Reconciliations - I was pretty shocked when I discovered that there was no Xero app to tackle these. Think about challenges you face in your industry. If you’re familiar with the problem, you'll understand how much people could benefit from a solution.

2. Partner with the Right People

You don’t need to know how to code to create an app. I took my idea to my brother-in-law who had coding skills, and he quickly came around to my vision. The key is to find people who not only believe in your vision as much as you do, but I would also recommend finding someone you can really open up to. Whether it’s a co-founder or a freelance team, they must align with your goals, and be able to support you through ups and downs. At RecHound, our supportive co-founder relationship has been the driving force behind our application.

3. Find a channel that supports your idea

Use friends, colleagues, in-person groups or online forums to bring in feedback for your idea. Check if others may be willing to use your idea if developed, and ask for their ideas too. You will start to see trends very early on from people within your industry.

4. Focus on Simplicity

It’s easy to get excited about new ideas and features, but try to resist the temptation to commit to everything. Focus on a minimum viable product (MVP) that addresses your core problem. Keep the interface clean and intuitive, so users see its value immediately. The simpler your app, the faster you can test it, gather feedback, and improve.  It’s not about creating something flashy—it’s about solving a real problem practically.

5. Tackle Big Challenges Head-On

You might hit technical hurdles that seem overwhelming, but every challenge is an opportunity. At RecHound, we spent a lot of time on the transactional clearing feature, which seemed impossible initially but once built, it became a unique selling point. Embracing these challenges can set your app apart and lead to defining features.

Building an app is more about persistence, problem-solving, and creativity than technical expertise. If you have a clear vision, you can bring it to life by focusing on solving a real problem, building the right team, and staying committed.