·3 min read
Should You Build or Buy Your MVP
The answer depends on three things: your skills, your budget, and your timeline.
Decision Matrix
| Option | Best When | Cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Build yourself | You can code + have time | $0 | 4-12 weeks |
| No-code tools | Simple product + tight budget | $50-200/mo | 2-4 weeks |
| Hire freelancer | Moderate complexity + limited budget | $2k-8k | 4-8 weeks |
| Hire agency | Complex product + need reliability | $5k-15k+ | 4-12 weeks |
Build Yourself If
- •You can code (or are willing to learn)
- •You have more time than money
- •The product is technically simple
- •You want full control and understanding
Use No-Code If
- •Your MVP is a landing page + basic flow
- •You're testing demand, not building a business
- •Speed matters more than customization
- •You'll rebuild properly once validated
Hire Someone If
- •You can't code and don't have time to learn
- •The product requires custom functionality
- •You have budget but not time
- •You need it done right the first time
Red Flags When Hiring
- •No portfolio of shipped products
- •Can't explain trade-offs clearly
- •Promises unrealistic timelines
- •No clear communication process
- •Charges by hour with no cap
The best option is the one that gets your MVP in front of users fastest. Speed beats perfection.