I was keen on using Xano as my backend/database for my Softr app but the database connector in Xano is a premium feature and costs a considerable amount more on top of the “launch” plan.
It exceeds my current budget considering this is a new site I am building.
My build is a basic DIY showcase and marketplace site, users can upload images to showcase their jobs/projects & add listings to the marketplace (designs, materials, tools etc)
I am reaching out to the community to ask, what would be a good database to start with? If the site was to experience slow growth and generate some revenue, I could then look at more robust backend/database options to power its growth.
@TechaSoftware have you consider manage your Softr project with a SQL database? This would need from you to have a server in a hosting provider and from there you can scale your project easily. I had no experience with Xano but if your concern is scalability, this takes you to the next level for sure. To manage your database store in a server you need to work with a client like DBeaver which is free and open source.
Or, if you would like to go a bit more easy to use, airtable has worked very well for quick and easy MVP’s and early products. Integrates very well with softr
I think this is going to be the option I choose, it’s very users friendly and like you said, if my app starts generating small revenue there is no reason why I couldn’t move onto Supabase/Xano etc.
Thank you for your help guys, I’m impressed with how supportive the Softr community is
I’m not sure about MVPs, but I know we have lots. However, with our focus on internal tools and client portals, we have thousands of companies that have built internal tools that help helped them grow their revenue.
Thanks for the reply JJ, but I didn’t ask if people are using Softr to build MVPs. It’s obvious they have been, regardless of Softr’s pivoting to internal tools. I asked if they know of any that are viable, with examples.
I have 4 of my clients, when I was still doing this kind of development, who have/had a real traction.
I can name only 1, use-ensemble (Removed Link) which was bought and shutdown by a competitor.
Other clients: I have not asked for permissions (and they are focused on very specific industries).
Thanks Matthieu. It’s a really nice site. Even though you’re on here a lot, I’m not surprised there aren’t more.
Until they’ve used Softr for a while, beginners are not only unaware of the features necessary to build out an MVP, but also how powerful and rich those features must be to have a chance at viability (ex. email authentication, BLOG optimization,… speed/performance).
Yes and no, I have built around 15 public app MVPs. All of them relied at first on cold outreach and partnerships, not SEO.
4 out of 15 (as far as I know ) is still a lot. And I have not built all sucessfull MVPs or apps in Softr, far from it. Don’t take my testimonial as the holy truth, I have built more internal tools and client portals than MVPs, as I have not focused on MVPs since a long time.
My role was also to help these MVP builders/entrepreneurs to have the right product management, meaning taking the best of Softr, code and third party services.
But with the Softr switch, this is not anymore a question.
And I really prefer working with established companies, whether it’s with Softr or more complicated tools. The understanding of limitations and product management is way better, compared to MVP builders (even more if they are first time entrepreneurs but that’s normal).
Don’t worry, I won’t take your word “as the holy truth”. Been here too long for that and I don’t know what your definition of “real traction” is, let alone which MVPs these actually are;).
I’d bet, if Softr was better known for launching SUCESSFUL MVPs, its subscriptions would actually grow with enterprise customers, which would grow your business as well.
That’s what draws the most attention…bootstrappers that turn into unicorns, etc.
But as it is not the case and as Softr is centered on client portals and internal tools = Enterprise customers, which I have by the way, are anything but looking for software known for MVPs.
They don’t care about unicorns, they just want their ops to be improved. They have a product management team, an IT team, often a software engineering team and take decisions according to these people and their project specs.
Boostrappers turning into unicorns draws attention of… bootstrappers and solopreneurs.
I think you just have a misconception of what are the clients (some are pretty big) of Softr and what is the market they are into (Ops related apps for any company size - which is not any type of apps).
Even if some MVP/public app use cases can be done within Softr without any problem. But that’s not the priority and it will never be the priority again.
Ben, there is no doubt Softr can be used to start a Marketplace MVP.
If it outgrows Softr, it can still be built elsewhere with a more robust front & back end.
I started this discussion regarding database advice and the Softr community were great in advising me - I can’t thank them enough.
You seem to have an issue with what they are saying and haven’t actually provided any help or advice in a discussion that was created just for those alone.
I would suggest carrying this on in another discussion that isn’t mine because the notifications are somewhat annoying.
Didn’t mean to be annoying. I understand how this must come across, however I should disclose that I stayed on topic and there was a lot to glean about Softr from my chat, being a marketplace builder here for the last 5 years that’s not incentivized to help you.
Believe it or not, I hope you do succeed with your marketplace, and with Softr, because the more marketplace builders there are here, the more likely Softr will be to support marketplace features accordingly, or at least maintain legacy features that are relevant.
To clarify, our primary focus is helping small businesses build client portals and internal tools. While we also cater to enterprises and see many users build MVPs on Softr, our core focus remains on providing the best experience for our target audience.
One of the strengths of Softr is its versatility—users can build a wide range of applications. That said, as a company, we prioritize features and experiences that align closely with the needs of our primary customers while supporting as many use cases as possible along the way.
@Ben , I value your contributions to this forum and the insights you share. I’ll reach out to you directly to answer any questions or discuss this further.
) is still a lot. And I have not built all sucessfull MVPs or apps in Softr, far from it. Don’t take my testimonial as the holy truth, I have built more internal tools and client portals than MVPs, as I have not focused on MVPs since a long time.