While Bubble simplifies NoCode app creation, it also presents a unique set of client objections that are sometimes steered by misperceptions or a lack of understanding about no-code development. In most cases, the client's requirements fit well within the capabilities of Bubble. However, make sure to do your own homework regarding the viability of Bubble as the NoCode platform of choice, especially when your client's requirements involve working with a massive amount of data or storage.
I. Knowing the Platform
As a freelancer, getting a client isn't the end - it's the beginning. What you are selling to the client goes way beyond what you build during the development phase of the project, it's actually more about what the app you build enables for them. Whether it is getting users, raising funds or convincing the company's board - that's what you will be remembered and valued for.
Knowing whether a set of requirements can be built with Bubble is something you get better at judging over time and experience. But remember, this is something that can make or break a client for you.
II. Client Queries: FAQs you may face
A. "Is Bubble Secure Enough?"
Educating clients on inbuilt Security: Discuss Bubble’s robust security framework, safeguarding data, and applications against potential threats. Always use good privacy rules on client projects, and let them know that you do! Bubble is also SOC2 Type II compliant, which is something your enterprise clients will like the sound of. There's more about this on Bubble's security page.
Case Studies: Show instances where businesses have safely and effectively utilized Bubble.io for their app development needs.
B. "How Scalable are Bubble Apps?"
Showcasing Scalability: Highlight stories where apps built on Bubble.io have managed to scale, handling increased user loads and expanded functionalities effortlessly. There are a lot of examples of apps with hundreds of thousands of users and millions of database entries built on Bubble. There's also this nice article on LinkedIn that addresses this point.
Technical Aspects: Talk about how Bubble supports scaling, discussing its infrastructure and capability to adapt to growth. There is also a dedicated plan that can come in handy in case some insane growth is expected or if additional security and dedicated resources are needed.
C. "Can it Handle Complex Functionalities?"
Define the Complexity: If you're experienced enough with Bubble, the answer to this is yes and no. That's why defining the complexity is important. Technically anything is possible on Bubble, because inserting code or building plugins are always an option. But in some cases it may take a lot more work to implement a feature on Bubble (with custom code and plugins) than it might on a different NoCode platform.
Future-Proofing: Talk about how applications built on Bubble.io can evolve and adapt to incorporate emerging technologies and functionalities. This is again driven by the fast evolving ecosystem around Bubble and the possibility to insert some code to make a feature work even if it isn't natively enabled. Bubble has probably the largest community and the largest library of plugins in the NoCode world. If you've been keeping an eye on recent announcements, Bubble is working on streamlining Bulk WFs, compiling native mobile apps and making development super fast with better functionalities on the Editor as well as an AI assistant. This is going to grow the scope of what Bubble can be used to build!
D. "Is it Cost-Effective in the Long Run?"
ROI Analysis: Break down the cost-effectiveness of developing with Bubble.io, considering factors like development time, upfront costs, and maintenance expenses. These are all factors that will depend on the specifics of the requirement and how you design & build the app, but you can make a fair estimate from experience. Remember, we're in the WU era now, so running costs will be driven by this metric! Even if WU consumption is higher than expected at first, there is a handy section within Logs that will help you optimize the app.
Comparative Insights: Provide a comparative lens against traditional development paths, underscoring both financial and temporal savings. If you've worked on similar apps in the past, you could use the WU stats from them as a benchmark for your estimates.
III. Craft your Communication
A. Building a Trustworthy Portfolio
Project Highlights: Showcase diverse projects, spotlighting your proficiency in handling varied requirements and challenges. Make sure to highlight important parts of app development and how you successfully navigated them in the past - these could be things like robust DB design, UI design, responsiveness, building for scalability and more.
Client Testimonials: Include feedback and reviews from past clients, illuminating the positive impact of your work. This may be the factor that convinces the client to go with you once they are satisfied by the skills and capabilities displayed on your portfolio. Once they know you can do the job, they just need to know if you're someone others like them liked working with.
B. Engaging Content Marketing
Educational Content: Generate articles, blogs, and videos that discuss the merits and capabilities of Bubble. Be regular with content, since that's what will keep you in the feed of relevant viewers - but make sure that what you post is relevant, helpful and interesting. I was listening to Arvid's podcast on this the other day and it might be helpful to you too.
Success Stories: Share detailed case studies of your projects, discussing the problem-solving journey through Bubble. Potential clients want to know that you're someone who can figure out a custom solution to their problem of creating an app. Each app comes with unique considerations and nuances and you should be in a position to tackle them.
C. Utilizing Visual Demonstrations
Live Demos: Engage clients with live demonstrations of apps developed via Bubble, allowing them to experience functionalities and UI/UX firsthand.
Prototype Walkthroughs: Before commencing the project, provide prototype walkthroughs to give clients a tangible sense of the final product. Some developers build layouts in Figma and share these with the client before jumping into actual development in Bubble.
IV. Do Some Client Education
Build a good Website
FAQs: Develop a detailed FAQ section that preemptively addresses you clients' common queries related to Bubble and Bubble apps.
Process Documentation: Provide a brief documentation of your development process, offering transparency and a reference point to clients. This will help them understand your process and milestones better, leading to better visibility on the payment structure and the ROI for their investment in your service.
V. Ongoing Relationship Management
A. Transparent Communication
Regular Updates: Maintain a consistent communication channel, providing updates on progress, challenges, and solutions. Slack and Notion work well for this, although there are a ton of other tools out there.
Inclusive Decision-Making: Involve clients in key decisions, ensuring their vision is always at the forefront.
B. After-Sales Support
Maintenance and Updates: Offer continued support for maintenance, ensuring the app remains updated and aligned with the client's needs.
Scalability Support: Ensure your availability for future scaling needs, reinforcing their investment as future-proof.
C. Feedback Loop
Client Feedback: Actively seek and incorporate client feedback, ensuring their satisfaction and improving your offerings.
Refinement: Utilize feedback to refine your process, ensuring continual enhancement of your freelance journey.
Wrapping Up
Pacifying your clients is about education, demonstrating capabilities, and building a trust-infused relationship. But most important of all, it must come from a place of honesty. If I have to, I'd even inform the client accordingly in case Bubble isn't the right tool to use. As freelancers in the Bubble.io ecosystem, your journey is not just about developing apps, but enabling clients to build businesses, raise money and grow. That is what we, as the NoCode community, are really driving!