An MVP launch is a milestone, not a finish line. Once real users touch the product, bugs appear, assumptions get tested, and the next set of decisions becomes clearer.
Founders should understand what maintenance means before launch so they are not surprised by the normal care a software product needs.
Key takeaways
Expect small fixes
Even a carefully tested MVP may need small fixes after launch.
Know your ongoing costs
Ongoing costs may include hosting, domain renewal, email, analytics, payment processing fees, Apple Developer membership, and any APIs used by the app.
Do not build version two too quickly
After launch, founders often want to act on every request.
Ownership makes maintenance easier
If you own the code and accounts, another developer can help later.
Expect small fixes
Even a carefully tested MVP may need small fixes after launch. Real devices, real payment cards, real user behavior, and real edge cases reveal things a build team cannot fully predict.
That is why a post-launch support window matters. Build with Kat includes 14 days of bug fixes after release for the agreed MVP scope.
Know your ongoing costs
Ongoing costs may include hosting, domain renewal, email, analytics, payment processing fees, Apple Developer membership, and any APIs used by the app.
These are usually manageable for a focused MVP, but they should be visible before launch.
Do not build version two too quickly
After launch, founders often want to act on every request. The better move is to look for patterns: repeated friction, repeated feature requests, and behavior that affects revenue or retention.
Version two should be based on evidence, not launch-day adrenaline.
Ownership makes maintenance easier
If you own the code and accounts, another developer can help later. If the product is trapped in a private account or proprietary setup, maintenance becomes harder.
That is why Build with Kat hands over the repository, hosting setup, and product accounts wherever possible.
Related MVP guides
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