Matt Graham is the CEO of RapidDev (based in Boston, Massachusetts) listed on 50Pros as a top 50 firm in Web Design & Development.
In this Q&A, Matt shares his in-depth perspective, unique background, and insightful tips.
It all started when I was trying to build my own businesses and kept hitting roadblocks with traditional software development – slow, pricey, and not always what I needed. That frustration pushed me to explore other options, and that's how I stumbled upon the world of no-code and low-code platforms. The speed and flexibility blew me away, and I knew this was the way to empower businesses of all sizes. So, you could say that my entrepreneurial struggles were the seeds that grew into Rapid Dev and my passion for making app development accessible to everyone.
Honestly, it was my own pain points as a founder that sparked the idea for Rapid Dev. I saw a real need for an agency that could deliver high-quality software quickly and affordably, without all the headaches of traditional development. I wanted to create a company that was different – agile, transparent, and truly collaborative. No-code and AI tools were emerging, and I knew they could be game-changers. So, I set out to build a company that would help other entrepreneurs and businesses bring their visions to life, without breaking the bank or getting bogged down in complicated processes.
Setting clear priorities and boundaries is crucial. I'm a big believer in delegating and empowering my team, so I can focus on the big picture while they rock their individual roles. Regular breaks and vacations are non-negotiable – gotta recharge those batteries! And while I love what I do, I also know how important it is to switch off, spend time with loved ones, and pursue my own interests. It's an ongoing effort, but finding that balance is key to staying happy and productive.
Build a killer network. Genuinely connecting with people from all walks of life – potential clients, fellow developers, industry leaders, you name it. Those relationships are gold. They lead to partnerships, collaborations, and mentorship that can take your business to the next level. It's also about spotting talent, even if they're working somewhere else. Nurture those connections, because you never know when they might become part of your own team. This approach has shaped how we do things at Rapid Dev – we prioritize relationships, and collaboration, and always keep an eye out for amazing people who can help us grow.
I like to get outside and get moving. Hiking, biking, anything that gets me out in nature and clears my head. I also love reading and learning about the latest gadgets and trends. And of course, spending time with family and friends is essential.
We get a kick out of helping businesses of all shapes and sizes bring their ideas to life, without the limitations of traditional coding. It's incredibly rewarding to see how visual development tools can unleash creativity and lead to amazing solutions. And the collaborative spirit in this industry is awesome – developers, designers, and businesses all working together towards a common goal. We're truly passionate about the potential of visual development to change the world, and we're stoked to be a part of it.
The misconception that visual development is only for simple apps. Some people still think it's not powerful enough for complex projects, and we're constantly working to change that perception. We want everyone to know that visual development can handle the big leagues too! Another challenge is making sure everyone has access to this technology and the training to use it. We don't want to see a digital divide, so we're passionate about making visual development accessible to all, regardless of their background or location.
We'd love to see even greater awareness and education about the power of visual development, especially in underserved communities. We'd also push for more collaboration and knowledge sharing across the industry – let's all work together to make amazing things happen! Standardization between different platforms would be a huge win, making it easier for everyone to use these tools. Security and compliance are super important, so we'd love to see more focus on building secure and reliable applications. And finally, we want to make sure that visual development is truly inclusive, with everyone having the opportunity to learn and create, regardless of their background.
We believe visual development has the potential to revolutionize how we do business and solve problems, and we're excited to be leading the charge.
In the early days, we focused on building relationships and leveraging platforms where we could showcase our expertise. Networking was crucial – attending industry events, connecting with potential clients on LinkedIn, and tapping into our personal networks. We also utilized platforms like Upwork to find projects and demonstrate our capabilities. The Bubble RFP system was another valuable resource, allowing us to connect with businesses actively seeking Bubble.io developers.
Today, our client acquisition strategy is more diversified and sophisticated. While we still value networking and referrals, we now leverage a combination of inbound and outbound marketing efforts. Our website plays a central role, with dedicated forms capturing leads from various channels. We invest in SEO to ensure our website ranks highly for relevant searches. We also utilize LinkedIn for targeted outreach and content marketing, sharing our expertise and thought leadership. Additionally, we run PPC campaigns to reach specific audiences and drive traffic to our website. Platforms like Clutch continue to be valuable for showcasing our expertise and client testimonials.
We've built a culture where everyone shares what they learn – tips, tricks, new tech, and so on. It's like a constant brainstorm. We also make sure our team has access to training and workshops so they can level up their skills. And we're big on feedback – from our clients and from each other. That helps us fine-tune our process and stay ahead of the game. We also like to experiment and try new things, because who knows what awesome solution we might stumble upon?
We carve out time specifically for R&D, digging into new tech and figuring out how it can make our work even better. We're always reading industry blogs and articles, following the latest discussions online, and hitting up conferences to hear what the experts are saying. It's like being a detective, always searching for clues about what's next. And of course, we're connected with other developers and tech companies, swapping ideas and getting early access to cool new tools.
One of the biggest hurdles we face is overcoming the misconception that visual development is only for simple apps. Some people still think it can't handle complex or large-scale projects, and we're constantly working to prove them wrong. We want to show the world that visual development can power sophisticated, enterprise-grade applications. Another challenge is keeping up with the rapid pace of innovation in this space. New platforms, tools, and features are popping up all the time, and it takes dedication to stay ahead of the curve. But we're committed to investing in research, learning, and knowledge sharing to ensure we remain at the forefront of the industry.
Visual development platforms have become incredibly powerful and sophisticated, allowing us to build more complex and feature-rich applications than ever before. Of course, the integration of AI and machine learning is another big change, making development even faster and enabling us to create truly intelligent applications. We've also seen a huge increase in awareness and adoption across all sorts of industries. Businesses, big and small, are realizing the benefits of visual development – faster development cycles, lower costs, and greater agility.
We think AI and machine learning will become even more intertwined with these platforms, leading to even smarter and more intuitive applications. Collaboration will be key, with developers, designers, and businesses working together more closely than ever. We also believe that visual development will become even more accessible, empowering more people to create their own solutions. And who knows what new frontiers we'll explore? We're excited to see visual development expand into areas like augmented reality, virtual reality, and the Internet of Things. The possibilities are endless!
The winners will be those who can adapt and learn quickly. New technologies and trends are always popping up, so you gotta be nimble. Deep expertise in the leading platforms will be essential, allowing companies to build truly sophisticated solutions. User experience will be king, so a focus on creating intuitive and delightful experiences will be crucial. Collaboration will be more important than ever, with teams working together seamlessly to bring ideas to life. And of course, a passion for innovation and pushing the boundaries will set the leaders apart.
Before picking up the phone, we encourage companies to have a good internal chat about what they're really looking for. What are the biggest headaches they're facing, and how could visual development help? It's important to have a clear picture of the app they want – what it should do, who it's for, the whole nine yards. Of course, budget and timeline are key factors too. Are they after a quick fling or a long-term relationship with a development partner? Do they have the people and know-how in-house to really collaborate? And are they open to new ways of doing things, with a focus on user experience and slick design? Having these answers ready makes for a much smoother and more successful project.
We love it when companies come to us with a clear picture of what they need. Tell us about your project, your goals, what you're hoping to achieve. Don't be shy about your budget or timeline – the more we know upfront, the better we can work together. We see ourselves as partners, not just order-takers, so we love clients who are ready to roll up their sleeves and be part of the process. We're the experts in visual development, but we also value your input and feedback every step of the way. And if you're thinking long-term, that's even better – we love building lasting relationships with our clients. Reach out through our website, drop us an email, or give us a call – we're always up for a chat.
We're all about building relationships. We keep the lines of communication wide open throughout the project and beyond. We're upfront about everything – the good, the bad, and the ugly. We hit our deadlines and always aim to overdeliver. And we really listen to our clients, taking their feedback to heart. Even after the project is wrapped, we're still there to provide support and make sure things are running smoothly. It's about building trust and genuine connections, so our clients know they can rely on us for the long haul.
First things first, become a master of your craft. Know the ins and outs of the leading platforms and keep learning – this industry moves fast! Build up a killer portfolio that shows off your skills. Maybe even find a niche that you're really passionate about. And remember, it's a team effort, so build a great team and foster a collaborative spirit. Always go the extra mile for your clients – that's what sets you apart. And most importantly, be patient and persistent. Building a successful agency takes time and dedication, but it's an incredibly rewarding journey.
Networking is absolutely essential for our growth. By actively engaging with potential clients, industry peers, and technology partners, we have expanded our reach and open doors to new opportunities. Conferences, workshops, and online communities provide valuable platforms to connect with like-minded individuals, share knowledge, and stay informed about industry trends. Networking also helps us identify and attract top talent.
We know that our team is our most valuable asset, so we're dedicated to creating an environment where everyone feels motivated, engaged, and appreciated. We foster a culture of open communication and collaboration, where everyone's voice is heard. We offer opportunities for growth and development, and we celebrate individual achievements. We also believe in a healthy work-life balance, with flexible work arrangements and plenty of fun activities to keep things interesting. And because we have a global team, we organize epic team gatherings twice a year in amazing locations around the world. It's a chance for everyone to connect, have some fun, and recharge their batteries. We believe that happy and engaged team members are the key to delivering exceptional results for our clients.
We've helped countless clients achieve amazing results, like one who hit 10,000 users within a week of launching their Bubble.io app. We even built the first mobile native app on Bubble.
We recently teamed up with a startup that had a big vision but limited resources. They'd been turned down by traditional developers because their project was considered too ambitious for their budget and timeline. But we saw their potential and knew we could make it happen with Bubble.io. Our team rolled up their sleeves and worked closely with the client, really digging into their needs and providing expert guidance. We delivered a killer app on time and within budget, and we didn't stop there. We provided ongoing support and even helped them secure funding to take their product to the next level. That's what we're all about – exceeding expectations and becoming true partners in our clients' success.
We're expanding our services to include SEO enhancements and coaching programs for visual development. We want to help our clients get their apps seen by the right people and equip them with the knowledge and skills to build their own amazing solutions. We're always looking for ways to add value and support our clients' growth, and we're excited to continue expanding our offerings in the future.
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