Are you in two minds about hiring exorbitant developers to help you launch your business online? No-code has got your back!
Not just simple websites and applications, but several other internal tools, marketplaces, workflow automation, dashboards, and databases; no-code platforms can help you build them all – quickly and affordably. [If you new to no-code, we recommend you read this in-depth guide to What Is No-Code]
This article uncovers all of what you can build with no-code tools and a few actual examples of million-dollar apps built using no-code tools with minimal resources. As an entrepreneur, you'll get an understanding of building a business from scratch using no-code tools.
So, dive deep in and get carried away in the no-code wave!
What Type of No-Code Platforms Are Available?
There are a ton of no-code platforms out there. Each one is relatively different from the others and can be applied to various use cases. Think about these no-code platforms in four different ways.
- Blank Canvas
No-Code platforms such as Bubble, Zoho Creator, and Wix are a blank canvas. They are usually a broad, versatile, and powerful platform that's all-encompassing and provides a blank canvas where you can build both internal and external apps.
- Process-driven development
There are process-driven development platforms like Stacker, Coupler.io, and Mendix. Although they aren't geared toward as many different use cases as a platform like Bubble, they are data-driven platforms that quickly automate business processes by creating custom-built apps catering specifically to their own needs.
Another platform is Sharetribe. It is a specialized app builder, and when compared to Bubble.io and stacker, Sharetribe is more niche by focusing primarily on business operations— in this case, marketplace apps.
- Micro-Process Tools
They are micro-processing tools, and platforms such as Zapier, IFTTT, and Workato are the broadest and least customizable types of no-code platforms. With Zapier, building an app is not possible, but it allows the user to take apps that are already in use and build connections between them.
Platforms like this are perfect add-ons to apps that have been built using other platforms. And to know which no-code platform might be the right choice for you, think about how much control and customization you need. Narrow down the options and get specific about your use case.
- Low-Code Platforms
This might get confusing, but low-code platforms are different from no-code. A no-code requires no coding for you to build an app, whereas a low-code platform requires a little coding for customizations, compared to coding an app from scratch. Platforms like Bubble, Appian, and Mendix will allow you to add custom code if you want to.
Generally, in low-code platforms, templates of the apps will not require any coding. But for, addition and customization will require coding.
Also read: No-Code Vs Low-Code: An In-Depth Comparison
So, What Can You Build With No-Code?
What can you build with no-code platforms is simply based on your imagination and range of the designed templates for the needs of a range of use cases because it can provide all the following services.
1. Basic Websites
A basic website is one that is not hard to maintain and comprises a collection of web pages and related content that is identified by a common domain name. And the website is published on at least one web server.
One such simple website is Scarebnb. It uses minimal navigation in the web page design so that things never get too busy visually. SmartDish focuses on one major color (red), leaving room for the images to breathe; and a bit of effect in its brand name/banner.
2. Complex Websites
A complex website allows visitors to interact with the website beyond a simple information request form. It can save you and your customers a lot of time, money, and headaches. A complex website generally provides a great user experience through page templates, social sharing, and multimedia features. Two of the many complex websites built using no-code include Skilled Up and Slow.
These platforms can save time, money, and alleviate headaches for both developers and end-users alike, demonstrating how no-code solutions help you to create a website that meets your specific needs effortlessly.
3. Landing Pages
A landing page serves as the entry point for a website; it is a standalone web page that a person "lands" on after clicking through from an email, ad, or other digital location. It is sometimes known as a "lead capture page", "single property page", "static page", "squeeze page" or a "destination page". Landing pages like that of Roast My Landing Page and Psychedelicgrad can be built using Webflow.
4. Workflow Automation
Workflow automation is the design, creation, deployment, and automation of business processes based upon preset rules where work tasks are automatically triggered and routed between people, technology, and data. It identifies repetitive tasks or any manual process that software, apps, or tech could better handle.
Workflow automation streamlines the processes of business. Generating invoices, managing leads, reimbursing employee expenses, and upgraded customer support are some of the tasks performed by automation.
For example, tools like Tweet100 can be made using no-code tools like Zapier, Airtable, and Circle.
5. API Integrations
API, an application programming interface, is a messenger that processes requests and ensures seamless connectivity. It enhances the sharing and embedding of data between various applications and systems.
It allows an upgraded level of flexibility in information and service delivery.
No-code platforms also support API integration services, allowing users to seamlessly connect and exchange data between different applications and systems without writing a single line of code. These integrations enhance the functionality of applications, enabling businesses to leverage external services and resources effortlessly.
6. Online Stores
It is an eCommerce website or application employing which goods or services are sold and customers place online orders. An online store may represent a small local store, a major retailer, an e-commerce store, or an individual who sells projects through a third-party site. eCommerce stores like Thefutur and Velographs are built without writing any codes.
7. Marketplaces
Marking place is an online e-commerce marketing website where one can find different brands of products coming from multiple vendors, shops, or people showcased on the same platform. It helps companies to reach customers who want to purchase their products and services and is often known as an electronic marketplace. Otter and PierShare are some of the marketplaces built using no-code tools.
8. Newsletters
A newsletter is an electronic report of news regarding the activities of a business or an organization that is sent to its members, customers, employees, or other subscribers. Typically it is to promote a product or service and create an individual touch point with the email subscribers. An update of a blog, coupons, and promotions via email to the customers or subscribers are examples of newsletters. Lenny's Newsletter and RadReads are two such examples.
9. Web Apps
Web apps are the application programs that run in a web browser and are delivered over the internet through a browser interface. In other words, web apps are websites with functionality and interactive elements. Rote, Startup Doc, Userloop, and SaaSframe are examples for web apps and are built for user engagement.
10. IoT Apps
With the advent of no-code and low-code platforms, even IoT services can now be developed without extensive coding knowledge. Low-code platforms abstract away the complexities of coding and offer built-in capabilities for device connectivity, data processing, and security — all crucial factors in successful IoT app development. In other words, it is now possible to develop sophisticated IoT apps without the need for extensive coding knowledge, truly democratizing the IoT landscape.
This shift is particularly impactful in sectors like hospitality, where IoT in hospitality can transform guest experiences through smart room automation, energy management, and personalized guest services, all made more accessible through low-code development.
11. Directory Apps
Directory apps are typically designed as user-friendly databases that show business listings by categories to the audiences or app users, such as job boards, real estate listings, travel agencies, etc. Directory apps make it easier to find a specific listing or profile. TasteJury and Tweetstores are some examples of directory applications built using no-code platforms.
12. Database Apps
Using no-code development platforms for databases, you can maintain databases without writing code. These platforms give customers access to data organization and optimization resources, enabling flexible and effective data administration. Most of them also include software integrations for smooth operations and data analysis with your current programs. Two of the database apps created using no-code tools include Footy Weather and Oceanair.
13. Mobile Apps
Mobile apps are software applications designed to run on mobile devices such as phones, tablets, or watches. These apps frequently serve to provide users with similar services to those accessed on PCs. Rutea Cajamarca, No-code Klass, and SmartDish are some of the examples of mobile applications created using no-code platforms.
Also read: No-Code App Development
14. Internal Tools
Internal tools are applications or programs designed to help IT departments, developers, and other internal business users become more efficient. They offer better insights into your website's analytics.
Internal tools are handy; they are used in many companies to improve their productivity, handle logistics, and respond quickly and efficiently to customers in the case of technical issues.
15. Membership Sites
A membership site is a website that offers users access to protected content when they sign up. In other words, it is a gated site that includes members-only content that only members can access to provide additional value.
They're used by nonprofits, clubs, associations, and even businesses. Polar Analytics and Chive are some of the examples of no-code membership sites.
16. Online Community
An online community is also called an internet community. It is a group of people who interact online around a shared interest, challenge, or goal.
People use these spaces to share knowledge, learn, build networks, or simply discuss their interests without meeting face-to-face. Impact Hustlers, Psuchedelicgrad, and NuNotions are some examples of no-code online communities.
17. Chatbots
Who doesn't want to make their website more interactive, credible, and engaging? Let real-time feedback from customers and potential customers, and answer their questions to win their business. Moodbot and No-code Guru are two such examples built using no-code platforms. In fact, No-code Guru, a chatbot, helps you find the best no-code platform for your needs.
18. Interactive Web Tools
You can create a variety of interactive web functionalities, including calculators, survey forms, dynamic charts, and graphs, etc, using no-code platforms. This helps engage your visitors and retain them for longer on your website. Additionally, with these tools, you may build chatbots, enhance customer service, and increase sales.
19. Dashboards (Analytics & Reporting)
Apps for dashboards are great for tracking analytics and statistics. They help you monitor data and present multiple reports. You can use no-code apps like Salesforce to create dashboards that are specifically targeted to the metrics you want to track for your business or sector. Examples include Incomee and Strabo.
Million Dollar Apps Built with No-Code Tools
By now, you know no-code is a thing. You might also know that it can help small businesses with limited resources grow. But what if we tell you, you can build multi-million businesses without writing a single line of code? Can't believe it? Below are some of the success stories in the no-code space that will show that you build it with no prior experience and technical skills.
Bloom Institute of Technology
Bloom Institute of Technology is an online institute to help individuals leverage no-code tools and build businesses. They would train individuals to learn how to program without charging them a single cent, and then after they had gotten a job, they would give 17% of their income over a two-year period back to the institute to pay them for the education that they got there. In their early days, they were able to get more than 3,000 students. They were able to scale even further up until the point where they raised four million dollars from investors to be able to grow their school.
Dividend Finance
Dividend Finance has raised more than 365 million dollars from investors and has processed more than one billion dollars worth of sales. They provide renewable energy solutions and financial tools to help homeowners. They also help property managers and owners to make places more energy efficient and sustainable. Using Bubble, they could make an effective onboarding experience for the application of loans they were providing. This helped these customers avoid bad contractors and red tape. This small company grew into a massive company and signed a deal with CitiBank and Credit Swiss to get finance for an additional 350 million dollars. The no-code tool, Bubble, allowed them to grow by big heights by making their onboarding procedure smooth. And they even went on to win awesome awards in the industry. How cool is that!
No-Code is Truly the Game Changer for Entrepreneurs
No-code is a game-changer for entrepreneurs. Previously, aspiring entrepreneurs had to invest a lot of their money to hire developers to shape their ideas into products. This also involved a lot of back and forth and miscommunications that resulted in the development of different products.
In fact, you'll be surprised to know that only 3.2% of iOS apps and 3.3% of Android apps are actively used after a 30-day period.
But luckily, the no-code movement has make it super simple for entrepreneurs with no technical skills and limited resources to enter the market and validate their product. Using no-code, entrepreneurs can save all that time and money they'd otherwise put into building software nobody wants to use.
We don't say that you should never use coding to build something. Sometimes it makes sense to add a few lines of code. Sometimes it even makes sense to develop something full-fledged using codes. However, it doesn't make sense when you're testing out your product in the market.
Remember that a product keeps evolving, so you don't need to focus on building the end product now. Instead of looking to hire developers and spend all your money, you should first test the market to start getting customers and scale it.
Choosing the best no-code platform for your requirements can be a challenge. This is why we've put together a comprehensive article and links to no-code platforms to help you make the right choice.
Also read: The Future of No-Code
