How To Work With Developers As A Non-Technical Business Owner

Without a technical background, engaging an app developer or agency for the first time is tough. 

Your app development will likely follow Agile methodology—arguably the most popular approach to software development today.

But if you’re from a different industry, Agile can feel strange, even downright backwards.

And so, in this guide, we’ll explain the basics of Agile every business owner should know so you and your developer don’t feel like killing each other after a few months! 

The Essentials of Agile Development

Say you wanted to build an app for your business.

Agile development starts the same as any other development project.

1. Define App Requirements – We find out what your app does and who it’s for.
2. Choose the Tech Stack – We plan tools and technologies needed to build the app.

Then comes the Agile part–we commit to work only on a short time horizon, called a sprint. The ideal sprint length varies by team and project, but it’s usually between one – four weeks.

Here’s how it works:

3. Compile – Tasks are added to a Product Roadmap(a master list).
4. Plan Sprint – A few key tasks are moved to a Sprint Backlog (immediate to-do list).
5. Develop, Test, and Review – Each sprint involves building, testing with real users, deploying, and reviewing what worked.
6. Repeat – Based on feedback, necessary changes are made, and the next Sprint Backlog is prepared.

During each sprint, we do only what is on the current backlog and nothing more.

At the end of the sprint, the current state of the product is reviewed by everyone.

A new set of items goes into the backlog–then the next sprint begins.

This allows developers to adapt to unexpected issues and user feedback rather than waiting until the entire app is complete to make adjustments.

Common Concerns Business Owners Have

Business owners who struggle with Agile development tend to mistrust it for three reasons:

1. Different Industry Experience

In industries like construction, product development follows a strict, linear process with well-defined steps from start to finish.

This type of software development, known as the Waterfall methodology, has largely been replaced by Agile due to the significant advantages of frequent reviews and ability to change. 

It works great for software which can:

• Be updated after release
• Change fundamental components without tearing everything down
• Be launched, tested, and improved incrementally
• Scale up or down dynamically based on usage

This probably doesn’t apply to a house! 

Business owners who come from these industries can perceive Agile’s flexibility as a lack of structure rather than a necessary method to refine the product based on real-world usage.

2. Corporate Red Tape

Large organizations often have multiple layers of approval that slow down decision-making. 

This absolutely does not mix will with Agile development where constant reviews need constant client feedback and approvals before developers can move forward.

Generally, what happens is the reviews start becoming a lot less frequent, or the project experiences significant delays. 

For this reason, it’s understandable why some large companies prefer to do it the traditional way, so at least they have something to show. 

3. Misunderstanding the Process

We can’t lie, this is the most frustrating one.

After a month of smooth sprints, some business owners start questioning the need for reviews. 

Everything’s working—why waste time instead of building?

Or better yet, let’s hijack the sprint review to raise all these random issues!

But skipping Agile is like canceling health insurance just because you haven’t been sick. 

The day something unexpected happens, you’ll be glad you had it—and  in software development, unexpected pivots are as inevitable as a purple anti-hero.

Agile isn’t us billing you extra hours for fun; it’s protection against billing even more extra hours.

Stay proactive, and support your developers in being as Agile as possible.

How to Contribute to the Project

You don’t need to be a developer to be a valuable part of the development process. Here’s how you can help:

1. Align on Features and Goals

Because development costs are not cheap, it’s tempting to ‘maximize your ROI’ by cramming in every possible feature into your app right away.

However, in almost all cases, a focused approach is better. 

Developers work best solving a problem at a time, launching it, and refining based on feedback. 

If your developer suggests scaling down, trust them—too much at once only slows progress.

2. Help Test New Features

Before any new feature goes live, someone needs to test it.

Ideally more than just someone.

And best case scenario, including the business owner! 

Developers don’t always think like end users, so your input is crucial–try out the feature, report any issues, make sure it’s resolved, and sign off before launch.

3. Provide Access to Your Target Audience

The best feedback comes from actual users, but as developers, most of our circle will be–surprise, surprise–other developers!

If your app serves a niche market like healthcare or legal professionals, finding testers is tough.

If you have access to your target audience, introduce us to them and help find volunteer testers. 

This will speed up the process and improve accuracy.

4. Attend Sprint Reviews

Agile teams hold review sessions at the end of each sprint to show progress and adjust priorities.

Speak up if something isn’t working or isn’t to your liking—before the next sprint is the time to pivot, not during it, and for the love of God, not after.

Attend them religiously.

This is your chance to ensure the project stays aligned with your vision. 

What You Shouldn’t Do

To ensure a smooth development process, avoid these common mistakes:

1. Spamming Communication Channels

You should never have to chase your developer for updates–that’s on them, and is definitely a developer red flag to avoid.

However, if they’ve acknowledged an issue or delay, give them space to work.

You’re excited—or frustrated—but flooding Slack and WhatsApp won’t speed things up.

2. Prioritizing Non-Essential Feedback

Don’t ask for unnecessary design changes (e.g., making a color ‘more black’ when it’s already #000000). 

Focus on what truly improves the app.

Developers are focused on clearing the Sprint Backlog—don’t distract them with minor requests mid-sprint.

3. Adding Unplanned Features Midway

If you suddenly want a feature that wasn’t part of the original vision, it can disrupt the development process and delay the launch.

If we had a dollar for every time a client asked for sudden changes that seemed simple to them but where actually really complicated, we’d be filthy rich!

Conclusion

By understanding Agile and playing an active but strategic role, you can work with developers and ensure your app is built efficiently, even if it’s your first time.

Trust in the process, provide meaningful feedback, and trust your development team.

Once development begins, it’s largely out of your hands, which is why it’s so important to hire the right developers in the first place!

If you’re looking to build a mobile application, check out our portfolio of past projects and contact us if you like what you see. Also, consider joining our mailing list for a one-stop resource on everything from micro-SaaS validation all the way to execution and promotion. Get a nifty list of questions to ask app developers when you sign up!