·4 min read
MVP Admin Panel Essentials
Admin panels often take as long as the main product. Here is how to build just enough to operate.
MVP Admin Essentials
- •User list with basic info
- •Ability to impersonate users
- •Manual actions (refunds, upgrades)
- •Basic metrics dashboard
- •Content management if applicable
Admin Panel Options
| Option | Time | Best When |
|---|---|---|
| Direct database access | 0 | Just you, technical |
| Database GUI (TablePlus) | 1 hour | Small team, occasional use |
| Low-code (Retool, Appsmith) | 1 day | Non-technical team |
| Custom built | 1-2 weeks | Complex workflows |
Start with Database Access
For the first weeks, use Supabase dashboard or TablePlus. Build an admin panel only when database access becomes too slow or risky.
When to Build Custom Admin
- •Non-technical team members need access
- •Common operations happen daily
- •Risk of mistakes is high
- •Customer support needs it
What to Skip for MVP Admin
- •Role-based permissions
- •Audit logs
- •Advanced filtering and search
- •Bulk operations
- •Custom reporting
Your admin panel is for you, not users. It can be ugly and basic as long as it works.