How to Build a No Code Agency from Scratch - Zubair Lutfullah Kakakhel | EP 04

In this episode, I interview Zubair Lutfullah Kakakhel. Zubair started his no code agency on Bubble back in 2020, and has quickly grown to a team of 7 full time devs. Together we discuss how to get your first client as a freelancer when you have no experience, how to have conversations about budget with your clients, and how to market yourself as a freelancer / agency. Enjoy the interview!
Zubair's links: linktr.ee/zubair_nocode
AZKY Tech Labs: www.azkytech.com/
0:00 Introduction
2:06 How to find your first client when you have no experience
6:49: What if you don’t have a portfolio?
9:30: Hiring your first employees
16:15 The two types of agencies
19:45 What happens on a discovery call?
22:37 How do you qualify leads?
27:45 When do you start talking about budget with clients?
31:41 Why you should work with clients you like
33:46 How do you scope projects?
39:18 Changing yourself as a business owner
46:49 Is it important to put your face on your brand?
59:24 How big of an agency does Zubair want to have?

[@volo_humnytskiy]

Hello, Jacob and Zubair. I watched the whole video without pauses this morning. My name is Volo, I am a no-code agency founder from Ukraine. Like Zubair, I've been doing this since 2020 and achieved less atm, than Zubair did (currently running a team of 3). Very insightful podcast, Zubair structures his thoughts very professionally, and it was very interesting for me to listen to his takes.

[@jacobgershkovich]

Hey Volo. Thanks for the comment and thanks for watching! And I agree, Zubair kills it in this one.

[@shuvampaudel7845]

Zubair, I watched the responsive workshop video. It was then when I decided to continue learning Bubble. Thanks for that.

[@siddiqtalks]

Smart conversation Jacob n Zubair. Very helpful. Appreciate it

[@jacobgershkovich]

Thanks for watching!

[@MrBrrclifford]

'Minimum wage'. Love it. Great interview both, thx for insight

[@jacobgershkovich]

Hahaha I loved that part too :)

[@heyakshay_]

notification squad 🔥

[@jacobgershkovich]

Let's go! 🔥

[@volo_humnytskiy]

Zubair, do you count hours that you spend personally on the project in your estimates (communication with the client, management, etc.)?

[@zubair_nocode]

I don't actually. (And I probably should!)
We are using t-shirt sizing system these days for scoping and I feel like it is working well.

[@DrGregHeaslip]

Zubair, where are you getting traction with clients? Startups? SMEs? Enterprise?

[@zubair_nocode]

Mostly startups wanting MVPs. Some SMEs with business tooling. No Enterprise yet. Did pitch to a large non-profits but didn't win the bid.

[@siddiqtalks]

I would suggest to keep it to max 45 mins.

[@jacobgershkovich]

Just turn it off after 45 mins ;)