Got an App Idea? Here’s How to Turn It into a Product

For many non-technical founders, having an idea for an app raises more questions than answers:
Is this doable? How much will it cost? What technology do I need? Where do I even start?

At Flint Hills Group, we know the first step is often the hardest. And that’s why 75% of our new clients come to us with nothing more than an idea. No specs, no wireframes – just a spark of inspiration. CEO Dave Cunningham says:

“Millions of people have great ideas in their heads every day. The difference between the idea and success is acting on it.”

So how do you go from vague concept to functioning app? Here’s how we help you get there.

Step 1: Evaluate Your Idea

Before building anything, we assess your idea’s potential with a simple 10-point evaluation. It’s the same tool Dave teaches in his startup class. A few of the questions we explore:

• Do you have an unfair advantage (insider experience, unique access)?
• Is there a regulatory shift creating opportunity?
• Is your target market growing by 20%+ each year?

We also ask:

• Who is your ideal customer?
• How do you plan to monetize the product?
• Do you have a team or funding?

Together, we review your answers, score the idea, and discuss whether it’s strong enough to move forward. If it’s not? That’s okay too. You’ve saved yourself time and money by not chasing the wrong thing.

Step 2: Create Mockups and Test the Concept

If the idea passes initial validation, we build mockups and run them by real potential users. This early feedback can uncover deal-breakers – or fuel your confidence.

“Sometimes we find the idea just doesn’t excite potential customers,” Dave explains. “In that case, it’s better to stop now than sink money into something with no traction.”

Step 3: Build the MVP (Minimum Viable Product)

When feedback is strong, we build an MVP – the simplest version of your product that people will actually use or pay for.

This approach:

• Saves time and money
• Gets you into the market faster
• Lets real users guide future features

“We encourage building an MVP every time. It’s critical when launching something new,” says Dave.

Step 4: Pick the Right Tech – Cost-Effectively

We help you choose the technology stack and platform that fits your goals. For example, if you already know your customers, we may recommend a web app over a mobile app to reduce complexity and cost.

We also factor in:

• Device support (web, mobile, tablet)
• Integrations needed
• Long-term scalability

Flint Hills Group focuses on using cost-effective, scalable tools because the right tech stack is key to your product’s success.

Step 5: Estimate Cost & Timeline – Before You Spend a Dime

We estimate based on:

• Number of screens
• Required integrations
• Device/platform support
• Project management and testing

All of this goes into a Statement of Work (SOW). And we don’t charge for the upfront consultation. Billing only starts when wireframes begin.

Real-World Success Stories

Some clients came in with just an idea. Today, they have real products:

• Starkey envisioned a facial-recognition timekeeping app. It now integrates with payroll and delivers secure, automated attendance.
• Whiskey Shelf started as a simple liquor inventory idea. It’s now a global platform for spirits enthusiasts.

Final Thought: Ideas Are Cheap. Execution Wins.

You don’t need a perfect spec or fancy prototype to get started. You need to act.

We’re here to help you validate, test, build, and adapt – because market speed matters. And even if you don’t end up building with us, you’ll walk away with insight, direction, and your next step.

Let’s talk. Your idea deserves a real shot.