Skip to main content
“I have no clue what I’m doing… but I know exactly what I want to build.”
If that sounds like you, you’re in the right place.

​
Who this is for

You’ve got an idea. You’ve tried AI tools, written notes, maybe even opened a few projects. But you’re stuck between inspiration and execution. This guide will help you:
  • Go from vague concept to concrete product
  • Avoid common mistakes
  • Use Lovable the smart way—especially if you’re not a developer

​
The common pitfall: Building before you plan

A lot of users fall into the same trap: They start building before they’ve clarified what they’re building. The result?
  • Errors on top of errors
  • Confused AI agents and AI-generated errors
  • Projects that veer off track or feel “too far gone to fix”

​
Best practices for turning ideas into real products

​
1. Start outside Lovable

Many builders—including livestream guest MP—spend time shaping their ideas before opening Lovable. Try this:
  • Record a voice note explaining your idea naturally (MP uses Granola for this)
  • Paste it into GPT or Claude to get an expanded version in clear product terms
  • Ask AI to act as a designer, PM, or developer and critique or co-draft a PRD (Product Requirements Document)
Use Lovable when you’re ready to go from clear vision to working prototype.

​
2. Write it out first

Before you prompt the AI, spend 15 minutes writing:
  • What does your product do?
  • Who it’s for (even if it’s just you)
  • What the simplest & minimum version should include
Turn this into a list of features or use cases:Write it as a list of user stories or features and feed it into chat mode or GPT to get a PRD (Product Requirements Document).

​
3. Choose your build style wisely

There are two valid approaches to building with Lovable:
  1. Frontend first (recommended for beginners)
    • Start with mock data
    • Build layouts, flows, and logic without connecting a database
    • Once satisfied, plug in Lovable Cloud or Supabase and go live
  2. Back-to-front:
    • Connect Lovable Cloud or Supabase from Day 1
    • Build and test each feature one by one
    • Best for advanced users comfortable debugging
If you’re new, choose front-end first. You’ll:
  • Avoid complex SQL errors
  • Iterate faster
  • Stay focused on design + usability
MP used front-end first for speed, clarity, and debugging ease. It helped him learn fast and ship quicker.

​
4. Use Chat Mode as a thought partner

Chat Mode isn’t just a chatbot—it’s your project-aware assistant. It knows your files, your database schema, your logs. Use it to:
  • Debug issues with context
  • Break down vague ideas into structured components
  • Brainstorm, plan, and iterate
  • Translate vague ideas into working flows
Try this prompt:
I want to build a dog breeding management app. Here's what I need it to do: [list]. Can you break this down into steps or components to build?

I’m building a job coaching app. Here’s what I want it to do: [list]. What’s the simplest version to test?

​
5. Break it down into bricks

Don’t build everything at once. Split your idea into bricks:
  • Each brick = one feature, component, or flow
  • Build one at a time
  • Test, refine, then move on
Ask Chat Mode to help plan this with prompts like: 
Here’s my app idea. Can you break it into features or steps I should build?

Break this idea into buildable features I can test one at a time.

​
6. Prompt with purpose

Before each prompt, ask: 
What am I trying to build right now?
Be specific. Avoid mid-conversation shifts—AI needs consistent intent to help you properly.

​
7. Avoid the infinite error loop

Stuck? Don’t click “Try to Fix” 10 times. Instead:
  • Open browser dev tools (Console tab)
  • Copy the actual error
  • Paste it into Chat Mode to investigate
  • Or remix the project without your database to simplify debugging
Lovable now reads console logs automatically—no copy-paste needed for most cases.

​
8. Remix if things get messy

Projects evolve. If things feel tangled:
  • Remix your project (it clones the project, you keep the original)
  • Start fresh with what you’ve learned
  • Keep the new build focused and structured
  • Keep what works. Drop what doesn’t.

​
9. Use real validation, fast

A user told us he didn’t build to sell. He sent a rough prototype to 10 users in DMs. One asked to pay immediately. By Friday, Stripe was integrated. Validate by:
  • Asking real users, “Would this help you?”
  • Getting quick feedback, not perfection
  • Letting real interest guide your next steps

​
10. Get better by building bad ideas

MP built 100+ throwaway projects:
  • Message-for-a-stranger app
  • 90s nostalgia generator
  • AI interview prep tool
Each one helped him test a skill:
  • Building UI with no backend
  • Adding profanity filters
  • Connecting AI APIs
  • Managing user flow
Lesson:Build things that don’t need to exist—so you’re ready when something does.

​
Builder’s checklist

  1. Write your idea in 5-10 bullet points
  2. List out core features (use bullets) in an MVP (minimum viable product)
  3. Decide: Frontend first or back-to-front
  4. Use Chat Mode to co-plan and debug
  5. Build in bricks: 1 feature at a time
  6. Only connect backend when ready
  7. Remix if errors pile up
  8. Get feedback before going live

​
Final tip: You’re the first user

  • Design for yourself first.
  • Test like your future users would.
  • Think like a product designer.
And remember: you’re building something only you could imagine.
You don’t need to know how to code.
You just need a clear idea, a good plan, and a little patience.
Lovable will help with the rest.