So, you have an awesome business idea and you are searching for an offshore team to reduce the cost and gain benefits, but coding feels like it's not your forte? Well, it seems like you're not alone.

Many founders have found success without a technical background, and with the right team and resources who makes your vision a reality while you focus on what you're best at: growing your business.

An offshore team can be a great way to bring your idea alive, with many development works taking place remotely. Here's how to you can access some skills or resources that might be missing locally:

Understand the Basics Without Getting Overwhelmed

Before jumping right into remote team development, let’s get you familiarized with basic concepts about software development so you won't have that awkward 'I pretend to know what that means' face next time! Here is a quick rundown:

• Front-end: A front-page where users actually see and can interact with in your app or website.
• Back-end: This is the "behind-the-scenes" magic that processes data and makes everything the front-end displays actually work.
• Tech Stack: Combination of tools, frameworks, and technologies used to build and run your product.
• APIs: (Application Programming Interface) Think of those as bridges allowing different software to talk to each other.

You don't have to be a technical expert, but a little knowledge can help you understand things through this article.

Knowing the Software Development Phases

One thing you need to understand is that software creation usually happens in , and it's not a one-step affair. Normally, these are the stages involved in software creation:

Many startup clients often want to jump straight into development on day one where they are driven by urgency and excitement. However, rushing into the process can lead to setbacks later on. While the structured phases may seem time-consuming and tedious initially, they ultimately reduce iterations and streamline the overall timeline in the long run.

By taking the time to plan and execute each stage thoroughly, you set a solid foundation for your project, minimizing costly revisions and enhancing the final product’s quality.

1. Planning: Define what you want to build and why.

2. Development: This is where the actual coding happens.

3. Testing: Check to see if everything works and fix any issues.

4. Deployment: Launch your product to users

5. Maintenance: Keep everything updated and running smoothly.

6. Iteration: Use feedback to improve your product.

7. Scaling: Scale your product for more users.

Knowing these stages will help you keep both your expectations and timelines in check with your offshore team.

Choosing the Right Tech Stack

Choosing the right tech stack is an important step for the success of your startup. You also have to understand what stage your startup is in. For example, if you're in the idea stage, it’s essential to consider creating a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) rather than building a complete product.

An MVP is a simple version of your product that contains the most critical features to meet your initial user needs. For instance, think about how Airbnb got started. They launched a minimal site to connect hosts with guests and gradually built out additional features based on user feedback. Today, they all know how successful they have become.

After you finalize your MVP,explore various tech architectures and frameworks that are suitable for your project. For example, you can choose from:

Front-end frameworks: React, Angular, or Vue.js for building interactive user interfaces.

Back-end technologies: Node.js, Django, or Ruby on Rails for handling server-side logic.

Databases: PostgreSQL, MongoDB, or Firebase for efficient data storage and management.

You can now find numerous no-code tools available to leverage for your business, such as Bubble and Flutterflow. These platforms will enable startups to develop their MVPs efficiently without requiring extensive coding knowledge. Having this much accessibility will make it easier to iterate and adapt your product based on user feedback.

Don't be afraid to ask your team partner why they suggest certain tools. For example, should you use React or Angular for your front-end? React is popular for being flexible and having lots of community support, while Angular provides a more organized setup. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, and the best choice depends on what your project needs.

Choose the Right Offshore Partner

We understand finding the right partner/team is similar to picking up the right coffee - it matters! Consider their vision and the level of passion they bring to your project. A partner who truly cares about your success can significantly help your business journey.

Take Probits, for instance. They focus on turning the ideas of eager startups into reality. They are energetic for innovation and their awareness of the unique challenges faced by new businesses make them an excellent ally to have.

Here's what more to look for:

- Cultural Fit: A team whose values and way of communication click with yours will be easier to work with. It might sound relevant with your work, but boy, does it have an impact on your business. Additionally, it is equally vital to learn about your overseas partner’s background. Understanding their origins, values, and team dynamics can help you determine if they align with your needs.

- Time Zone Compatibility: Find a team whose schedule aligns with your schedule or close to your schedule. At Probits, for example, they start their day early to align with Australian clients, ensuring timely responses and smoother interactions.

- Working Experience with Non-Technical Founders: Look for a partner who understands your view and will be able to lead you through this process. This way they will get the gist of what you are trying to explain.

- Communicate regularly: Like we talked above, communicate with your team. Schedule a meeting at least twice a week, so the lines don't go dead.

Minimising Technical Problems

As you are working with tech, problems are going to take place. However, it necessarily doesn't have to bring your project to a halt. Encourage your team members to be open with you about problems. Work out solutions together and ask questions where things aren't clear.

Quality Assurance

Keep your project moving in the right direction by focusing on clear goals: - Establish Clear Goals: Establish what gets you success at each of the phases.

- Milestone-Based Reviews: Schedule demos or progress meetings to keep you informed.

The quality is supreme; hence, ensure that your group adheres to a strict testing procedure. You may also want to engage the services of freelance reviewers to obtain honest opinions.

Be Agile Technologically speaking, things happen at a very fast pace. Be flexible about accommodation of feedback and alterations but do not go off track from the very basics of your vision.

Overcoming Common Barriers

You might feel overwhelmed during the process but don't be surprised by some speed bumps. Here are some ways to overcome some common barriers: - Language barriers - Use simple language and ask your team to repeat back key points to make sure everyone understands. - Time zone differences- Schedule meetings a long time in advance using shared calendars. - Cultural differences- Ask about your team's culture. You can also talk about each other's culture and engage in small talks if it helps your communication get better.

Wrapping Up

Don't let the absence of technical expertise deter you from pursuing your startup dreams. Many successful founders have stood where you are now and have walked the path to success by leveraging the right resources and partnerships.

At Probits, they've walked alongside numerous Australian non-technical founders on this journey. they're not just developers; they're collaborators who are passionate about bringing innovative ideas to life.