There are a number of pre-built social media platforms designed to allow people to quickly create their own social networks such as ning.com and Dolphin. The problem is that if your idea is truly unique, then these platforms probably won't have the tools you need to accomplish what you're looking to do.

I would suggest searching for a co-founder or perhaps multiple co-founders to join your team. There are sites like https://www.cofounderslab.com/ that will allow you to network with like-minded people with specific abilities and experience. Using this platform you could search for someone with relevant coding experience looking to take on a new project. You may be able to find someone willing to help build your product in exchange for equity ownership in your company.

Lastly, if you do have a truly unique idea you will want to protect it. Here is a link to a great article that walks through several steps you can take to help protect your idea/concept from employees, investors, and competitors: http://www.forbes.com/sites/drewhendricks/2013/11/18/7-simple-ways-you-can-protect-your-idea-from-theft/#b883b90707ee.

Hi, Derrick,

The truth is: there is a risk.

At some point, you have to trust that the people you surround yourself with will not take your IP to a competitor.

I doubt you will blindly add folks to your team without establishing a relationship with them first. This relationship is the basis upon which the trust is built.

Further, you can explain a concept and your idea without giving away the "secret sauce".

I've seen this exact scenario play out over and over (and over and over) -- the fear of taking the leap ultimately keeps founders from ever taking action. Years later, they are still afraid their idea will be stolen. Meanwhile, the market has shifted, someone else has come up with the idea, and that fear has stalled them.

Unless you have developed the magic potion for creating world peace, you have a limited amount of time before someone else conjures the same idea (or at least close enough).

Get out there and make your idea worth something -- until you do, your idea has zero value.

I understand the dilemma. I coached a gentleman that had a very similar situation and eventually opted to bring on a co-founder with adequate coding skills. This allowed him to focus on business strategy while his partner handled development of the site. There are several platforms that help you connect with potential co-founders, if you decide to go that route I would look into OneVest.

As far as protecting your idea, seek legal counsel and have a basic NDA on hand for your discussions. If you find a partner, you can throw in a non-compete that would protect you from him/her running off and competing with your platform. Best of luck.

Hi Derrick,

It's great to see your enthusiasm for starting your own social media website! Building a social media platform can indeed be a daunting task, especially if you're not well-versed in coding. However, there are still several avenues you can explore to bring your idea to life.

Hiring a Developer: Since you're not proficient in coding, hiring a developer or a development team is a viable option. You can find developers through online platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, or even through personal connections. Look for developers who have experience in building social media platforms or similar web applications. Before hiring someone, make sure to thoroughly vet their portfolio and check references to ensure they're reliable and capable of delivering what you need.
Protecting Your Idea: It's natural to be concerned about someone stealing your idea, especially when you're entrusting it to someone else to bring it to fruition. To safeguard your idea, consider taking the following steps:
Non-disclosure Agreement (NDA): Have any potential developers sign an NDA before discussing your project details. This legally binds them to confidentiality and prevents them from disclosing or using your idea without your consent.
Work-for-Hire Agreement: Ensure that any work done by the developer belongs to you, and they have no ownership rights over the project.
Trademark and Copyright Protection: Register your logos, names, and other creative assets to establish your ownership and protect them from being used without permission.
Using Website Builders or Outsourcing: If hiring a developer seems daunting, you can explore website builders like Wix, Squarespace, or WordPress, which offer user-friendly interfaces for building websites without coding knowledge. Alternatively, you can outsource the development to a reputable agency that specializes in web development. They can turn your designs into a functional website while ensuring confidentiality through contractual agreements.
Regarding your desire to start immediately, it's commendable, but it's also essential to weigh your options carefully. Consider your resources, timeline, and readiness to embark on this journey. Starting during college could provide you with valuable skills and resources, but if you're eager to begin now, ensure you take the necessary precautions to protect your idea and collaborate with trustworthy individuals.

Also, I noticed you're interested in P2P payment app development. This article might be helpful if you decide to integrate such features into your social media platform: https://www.cleveroad.com/blog/how-to-create-a-social-media-website/

Best of luck with your venture, Derrick! If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask.