Non-programmer bootstrapper here. (Designer and Project Manager to be specific). I'd like to share my experiences. I don't code but I did do a lot of research. Like most of you guys I decided to 'scratch my own itch'. My design agency was having a hard time finding (local and affordable) models for commercial photo shoots and I know for a fact photographers are under a lot of financial pressure to lower prices. Also nobody wants to pay royalties, so I build http://royaltyfreemodels.com/
Did my own research, UI/UX (thanks Forrst.com !), wireframing and design. Used my network to find a freelance programmer and a good framerwork (CakePHP). Did NOT forget the legal part and paid a laywer (almost as expensive as the developer). Don't forget the lawyer and try to cut out almost 20% of their fee. The lawyer enjoyed working for a startup (less formal and he got to brainstorm along). He showed me legal ways I did not know of and stopped me from paining a big red bullseye on my back.
Buy http://37signals.com/rework and read it twice. So far I've applied for the founder institute (made it in, but was not able to actually follow the course due to a surprisingly large amount of very good students last fall and the fact my startup isn't 'mobile').
I've 'sold' some people and after focussing on models/people to join, I'm now focussing on photographers and design agency's. I want the site to become the 'ShutterStock of people'.
If you can't develop expect to be frustrated by the slow speed of reaction, adjusting and updating the site and it's bugs. Also, I work all day so I can only spend evenings and weekends. That sucks.
Did my own research, UI/UX (thanks Forrst.com !), wireframing and design. Used my network to find a freelance programmer and a good framerwork (CakePHP). Did NOT forget the legal part and paid a laywer (almost as expensive as the developer). Don't forget the lawyer and try to cut out almost 20% of their fee. The lawyer enjoyed working for a startup (less formal and he got to brainstorm along). He showed me legal ways I did not know of and stopped me from paining a big red bullseye on my back.
Buy http://37signals.com/rework and read it twice. So far I've applied for the founder institute (made it in, but was not able to actually follow the course due to a surprisingly large amount of very good students last fall and the fact my startup isn't 'mobile').
I've 'sold' some people and after focussing on models/people to join, I'm now focussing on photographers and design agency's. I want the site to become the 'ShutterStock of people'.
If you can't develop expect to be frustrated by the slow speed of reaction, adjusting and updating the site and it's bugs. Also, I work all day so I can only spend evenings and weekends. That sucks.