The Essential Guide to Building Apps—Without Tech Skills

You don’t need to code.
You don’t need a technical co-founder.
And you don’t need to guess your way through it.

I Have an App Idea is the ultimate resource for aspiring app entrepreneurs without a technical background. This interactive workbook offers a clear, step-by-step roadmap to help non-technical founders move from concept to launch with confidence—breaking down the complexities of app development into simple, practical, and actionable steps.

ABOUT THE CREATOR

AMANDA SPANN

I’m a serial Appreneur™ and business consultant who has educated and empowered over 30,000 entrepreneurs around the world to build and brand their startups. From aspiring founders to investment funds I help people take their ideas from concept to creation and build a buzz around them.

My work has taken me around the world and back and for it I’ve been given great honors like being named as one of Business Insider’s 30 Most Important Women in Tech Under 30, BET’s Blacks on the Brink of Greatness, as well as one of the 5 future leaders in technology by Black Enterprise Magazine.

Helping self-starters actualize their dreams is my calling and I take my work seriously. I would love to help you build the product you’re envisioning and welcome you to join me.

ABOUT THE BOOK

I HAVE AN
APP IDEA

I Have an App Idea is the ultimate resource for aspiring app entrepreneurs without a technical background. This interactive workbook offers a clear, step-by-step roadmap to help non-technical founders move from concept to launch with confidence — breaking down the complexities of app development into simple, practical, and actionable steps.

Through relatable stories, real-life examples, and hands-on worksheets, Amanda guides readers through idea validation, business modeling, developer communication, and building a scalable product without confusion or costly mistakes. This book demystifies the development process and gives founders the clarity, structure, and confidence needed to build successful apps — without overwhelm.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

When you buy I Have an App Idea, you’re not just getting a book—you’re getting a project management system for building an app without being technical.

INSIDE THE BOOK, YOU’LL FIND

A step-by-step roadmap for building an app without coding it yourself

Interactive worksheets and exercises to help you clarify your idea and avoid costly mistakes

Checklists at the end of every chapter so you always know what comes next

Real-world examples and lessons learned from apps that actually launched

Plain-language explanations so you can communicate confidently with developers, designers, and partners

Frameworks you can reuse whether you’re building your first app—or your fifth

PLUS, YOU’LL GET ACCESS TO AN ONLINE SUPPORT ECOSYSTEM THAT INCLUDES:

A growing community of non-technical founders

A glossary of app-building terms (no jargon required)

WHAT’S INCLUDED

GET A CURATED TOOLKIT AND ROADMAP FOR LAUNCHING YOUR FIRST APP

The I HAVE AN APP IDEA™ App Accelerator will help you to learn:

The Business of Apps: what type of app is best for you, how to build your business model and provide with you steps to refine and reach your target users.

The Development Process: Learn how to find, vet, and work with a developer at every stage of the development cycle as well as how to select the right path for you. Marketing & Monetization Strategies: Save yourself time and money with our tips and tutorials aimed to help you have a successful launch.

AI-POWERED GUIDANCE

The I HAVE AN APP IDEA™ App Accelerator will help you to learn:

The Business of Apps: what type of app is best for you, how to build your business model and provide with you steps to refine and reach your target users.

The Development Process: Learn how to find, vet, and work with a developer at every stage of the development cycle as well as how to select the right path for you. Marketing & Monetization Strategies: Save yourself time and money with our tips and tutorials aimed to help you have a successful launch.

OUR DEVELOPER DIRECTORY

The I HAVE AN APP IDEA™ App Accelerator will help you to learn:

The Business of Apps: what type of app is best for you, how to build your business model and provide with you steps to refine and reach your target users.

The Development Process: Learn how to find, vet, and work with a developer at every stage of the development cycle as well as how to select the right path for you. Marketing & Monetization Strategies: Save yourself time and money with our tips and tutorials aimed to help you have a successful launch.

TECH TUTORIALS AND TRAININGS

The I HAVE AN APP IDEA™ App Accelerator will help you to learn:

The Business of Apps: what type of app is best for you, how to build your business model and provide with you steps to refine and reach your target users.

The Development Process: Learn how to find, vet, and work with a developer at every stage of the development cycle as well as how to select the right path for you. Marketing & Monetization Strategies: Save yourself time and money with our tips and tutorials aimed to help you have a successful launch.

MEMBERSHIP COMMUNITY: A SUCCESS LIBRARY OF PROVEN APP TOOLS, TECHNIQUES AND ACTIVITIES

The I HAVE AN APP IDEA™ App Accelerator will help you to learn:

The Business of Apps: what type of app is best for you, how to build your business model and provide with you steps to refine and reach your target users.

The Development Process: Learn how to find, vet, and work with a developer at every stage of the development cycle as well as how to select the right path for you. Marketing & Monetization Strategies: Save yourself time and money with our tips and tutorials aimed to help you have a successful launch.

EXCLUSIVE LIVE AND ARCHIVED EXPERT WEBINARS, INTERVIEWS AND ARTICLES

The I HAVE AN APP IDEA™ App Accelerator will help you to learn:

The Business of Apps: what type of app is best for you, how to build your business model and provide with you steps to refine and reach your target users.

The Development Process: Learn how to find, vet, and work with a developer at every stage of the development cycle as well as how to select the right path for you. Marketing & Monetization Strategies: Save yourself time and money with our tips and tutorials aimed to help you have a successful launch.

OPT-IN TO GROUP OR 1:1 COACHING

The I HAVE AN APP IDEA™ App Accelerator will help you to learn:

The Business of Apps: what type of app is best for you, how to build your business model and provide with you steps to refine and reach your target users.

The Development Process: Learn how to find, vet, and work with a developer at every stage of the development cycle as well as how to select the right path for you. Marketing & Monetization Strategies: Save yourself time and money with our tips and tutorials aimed to help you have a successful launch.

MENTORSHIP SUPPORT FROM INSTRUCTOR AND COACHES

The I HAVE AN APP IDEA™ App Accelerator will help you to learn:

The Business of Apps: what type of app is best for you, how to build your business model and provide with you steps to refine and reach your target users.

The Development Process: Learn how to find, vet, and work with a developer at every stage of the development cycle as well as how to select the right path for you. Marketing & Monetization Strategies: Save yourself time and money with our tips and tutorials aimed to help you have a successful launch.

GET YOUR COPY TODAY

JOIN THE APP
ACCELERATOR

For readers who want support beyond the book, I Have an App Idea serves as the foundation for The App Accelerator—a training program that helps non-technical founders turn their ideas into real, scalable apps and digital products.

The App Accelerator is delivered through a self-paced online curriculum alongside live, coach-led workshops facilitated in collaboration with colleges, universities, and economic development entities. To date, the program has reached more than 107 institutions nationwide, supporting students, professionals, creatives, and entrepreneurs as they learn how to participate confidently in the digital economy.

Through simple frameworks, guided coaching, and practical tools, the program equips founders with the clarity, language, and structure they need to move from idea to execution—without being overwhelmed or taken advantage of.

“The training empowered me with exactly what I needed in order to bring my app to life. I went from knowing nothing about app development to feeling like nothing is impossible in this space despite not having a software background.“

Steve Lowe

Founder of My Estate Shield VI

“ I have been able to spend focused time intentionally improving the concept by considering various parts of the big picture and behind the scenes requirements. Invaluable!“

DaraMonifah Cooper

“The program instructor, Amanda, did a great job breaking the process down step by step, teaching the various concepts, and guiding everyone on their personal journeys in the right direction. I would 100% recommend this program to anyone that has an app idea and has the determination and grit to take it to the next level.“

ZAHRA JACKSON

Co-Founder of Vrenz

“I have learned so much by doing Amanda’s exercises and from the course in general. The course has forced me to shift my attention….and see the possibilities of what I can do. Truly grateful for Amanda’s wisdom and guidance during this journey. I am feeling much more hopeful and empowered that I can manifest this dream into reality.“

Dr. Linda Burke

“I learned how to see my app as more than just an idea or hobby but a creative educational global mobile business that can help children and families.“

Gloria Gumbs

“Amanda’s wealth of experience was instrumental in helping me understand the rigors of app building and how to develop best in class strategies to improve WaterSafe VI go to market objectives. I highly recommend this program!“

Tanner DeJean

8 THINGS

THIS BOOK WILL TEACH YOU

By the time you finish this book, you will know how to:

Validate your app idea before spending thousands of dollars

Translate your idea into clear features and functionality

Understand the true cost of building an app (and what’s unnecessary)

Communicate effectively with developers—even without technical skills

Avoid common mistakes that delay or derail first-time founders

Choose the right development path for your goals

Manage the app-building process with confidence and clarity

Think like a product owner—not just someone with an idea

Don’t Let Your Idea Stay Stuck

You already have the idea.
What you’ve been missing is the roadmap.

I Have an App Idea was written for people who know they’re onto something—but don’t want to waste time, money, or momentum figuring it out alone. This book gives you clarity, confidence, and a clear next step so your idea doesn’t stay an idea.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Building your first app can feel overwhelming—but you’re not alone. Here are the answers to the questions we hear most from aspiring Appreneurs™, so you can move forward with confidence.

Do I need to know how to code?

No. This book is specifically designed for people who do not want to code their app themselves and don’t plan to become developers. It focuses on helping you understand the process well enough to lead it confidently.

Will this teach me how to be an app developer?

No. This book is not about teaching you how to code or become a developer. Instead, it teaches you how to be an app entrepreneur. You’ll learn the step-by-step product development process and gain essential guidance on how to work effectively with a developer, an agency, or the development path of your choice—so you can bring your app idea to life without wasting time, money, or getting lost in the process.

Is this only for tech startups?

Not at all. The frameworks in this book can be used to think through how to build any type of product-based or app-powered solution, whether you’re launching a startup, expanding an existing business, or creating a digital tool to support your work.

What if I’ve already started building my app?

That’s actually one of the best times to read this book. Many readers come to I Have an App Idea after hitting roadblocks or spending money inefficiently, and use it to course-correct and move forward with more clarity.

Is this a “get rich quick” app book?

No. This book is rooted in transparency and realism, not hype. It’s about building thoughtfully, sustainably, and with a clear understanding of what success actually requires.

What makes this book different?

It’s written by a non-technical founder who learned the hard way and turned those lessons into a clear, repeatable framework. There’s no fluff, no false promises—just practical guidance you can actually use.

I HAVE AN APP IDEA

I Have an App Idea is the ultimate resource for aspiring app entrepreneurs without a technical background. This interactive workbook offers a clear, step-by-step roadmap to help non-technical founders move from concept to launch with confidence — breaking down the complexities of app development into simple, practical, and actionable steps.