The No-Code Startup: The complete guide to building apps without code

By Emma Reilly

Have you ever dreamed of developing the next big app like Airbnb or TikTok, but you don’t know your webhooks from your APIs?

Do you have a software idea that could solve the world’s biggest problems but coding seems like a dark art? What was once a heavy barrier to most founders - creating a technical product - has now become simple and accessible thanks to the world of No-Code.

The No-Code Startup is a play-by-play guide to launching your business by building just about any kind of app with No-Code tools. You’ll learn the basics of storing data, building automations and even implementing AI tools like GPT. By the end you will be able to test your product with real customers before continuing your journey as a true tech startup founder.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Practical Inspiration Publishing
• Release date: Feb 26, 2024
• ISBN: 9781788605083

Emma Reilly

Emma Reilly is an experienced product manager and award-winning entrepreneur. Having unknowingly started her first no-code business at the age of 22 (selling home essentials to students online), she went on to become a consultant designer and front-end developer for many brands including The Prince’s Trust, Endemol TV and TweetDeck. In 2016, Emma was awarded ‘Young Ambassador of The Year’ for business by the then Prince of Wales, Prince Charles. In 2018, Emma co-founded and was head of product for Myndr, a revolutionary new app in the mental health space. The Company was awarded over £300k from the UK government. Most recently, Emma has been working in the no-code space as a product manager. Her own no-code startup, Wobblefit, helps women who experience a variety of hormonal-based health conditions.

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Preface

My previous startup spent a whopping £50,000 to create a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). We partnered with a top-tier agency and a standout developer, resulting in an impressive web application. However, I distinctly remember the sinking feeling as I played with our new product, realizing, ‘This just won’t resonate with our target customers’.

Ironically, I was unaware of the concept of no-code at that time, despite having used several no-code tools over the past decade. To me, these were just handy utilities for website building or data storage. Little did I know I could integrate these tools to construct something truly remarkable. While no-code platforms like Bubble, Glide, and Airtable were still budding, a diligent exploration could have allowed me to build a comparable product to our expensive MVP at a fraction of the cost – around £700. That would have been a much easier pill to swallow if our product didn’t meet our customers’ expectations.

Fast forward a few years, and my professional and personal interest in product development has led me to plunge headfirst into the no-code universe. I’ve created a wide array of products – a marketplace, an epilepsy tracker, a publishing platform, and a community. While not all were successful, the exhilarating journey of ideation, experimentation, and testing the limits of available tools has been truly rewarding.

This book is dedicated to anyone who’s ever had an idea flicker at the back of their mind but didn’t know how to bring it to life. It’s for those who attempted to launch a startup but stumbled at the first hurdle. It’s for professionals from all walks of life – designers, bankers, sales directors, accountants, doctors, caregivers, and everyone in between.

To me, no-code transcends the realm of software. It is a transformative mindset that can be applied to every facet of your business – from marketing to team management. This playbook begins at the ideation stage, offering a step-by-step process to transform your concept into a lean, no-code startup. While it’s unrealistic to detail every feature and update of every no-code tool – given the rapid pace of developments – the fundamental principles of product building remain unchanged. From designing wireframes using tools like Figma to creating a relational database in Airtable, this guide escorts you through everything you need to know from day one to the launch date. It provides a roadmap for the types of no-code tools to use and the frameworks to follow.

Recently, I put these principles into practice, launching a private members club called Willo.Social using the exact playbook detailed in this book. By the time you finish this guide, I hope you will be well on your way to becoming a successful no-code startup founder yourself.

When I’m learning new no-code tools or how to build a specific feature, I like to follow step-by-step tutorials. Sometimes it’s helpful to see how other builders have solved a particular problem so you can apply it to your own app. That is why I’ve collected some of my favourite ‘how-to guides’ for you to try. Check out my website at https://nocodestartup.co for the very best tools and resources. Now, let’s get cracking on your first no-code project!

1

Introduction

The old days of tech startups

Step back to the early days of app development, an era characterized by risk-taking and the potential for great rewards. Those who ventured down this path were like modern-day alchemists, overflowing with courage and creativity and fueled by the energy of caffeine. These tech-savvy pioneers, often armed with a background in Computer Science, breathed life into lines of code, skillfully constructing intricate apps using sophisticated programming languages like Java, C++, and Python.

Building an app back then was like constructing a skyscraper. Frameworks like .NET, Ruby on Rails, and Django served as the scaffolding, but the developers still had to lay every brick, or in this case, write every line of code, to create functionalities.

Imagine being a non-technical founder in this landscape. Your head was filled with revolutionary ideas, yet you lacked the technical know-how to bring them to life. Your options were limited: either dive into the deep end and learn to code, hire a developer (an expensive affair), or find a tech-savvy co-founder. The lack of a developer was a significant barrier, often halting the progress of your digital dream.

No-code tools did exist but were rudimentary, limited, and not particularly user-friendly. Tools like Dreamweaver and FrontPage offered a glimpse of what was possible, but they lacked the flexibility and power of modern no-code tools. As a result, the art of creating an app was mainly confined to those who could navigate the intricate world of code.

Look at some of the tech giants we’re familiar with today. Facebook, for instance, was the brainchild of Mark Zuckerberg, a computer science student who crafted the initial version of the social networking site from his Harvard dorm room. MySpace, another significant player in the early social media scene, was built using ColdFusion, a scripting language renowned for its complexity. Google, too, was born out of the coding prowess of Larry Page and Sergey Brin, two PhD students at Stanford who used complex mathematical algorithms to create the search engine we now use daily.

The early days of app development were characterized by high barriers to entry, and the time to launch was often lengthy. Without the widespread adoption of agile and lean methodologies, the development process often followed a linear model. It was not uncommon for apps to take several months, or even years, to go from conception to launch.

However, the early 2000s also saw the emergence of no-code tools that began to democratize the digital landscape. WordPress, launched in 2003, enabled people to build websites without coding. TechCrunch, one of the most influential tech blogs today, was built using WordPress, proving that success was attainable even without in-depth coding expertise.

Despite these advancements, the functionality of early no-code tools was limited, and customizing these platforms often required coding skills. While they provided a steppingstone, they were not the complete solution that today’s no-code tools are.

Today, we’re witnessing a no-code revolution. Modern no-code platforms have evolved into powerful tools that enable anyone with an idea to develop complex apps without writing a single line of code. The development process has become faster, leaner, and more inclusive, opening the digital gold rush to a broader range of participants.

As we journey through this book, we will delve deeper into this revolution, exploring how no-code tools are disrupting traditional app development and enabling a new generation of entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into reality. Whether you’re a coding expert or a non-tech founder, join us as we traverse the fascinating world of no-code, a world where your digital dream is only a few clicks away.

The new world of no-code

From the outset, the journey of building an app or starting a digital business may seem daunting, especially if your skills don’t include writing complex code. But this should no longer be a hurdle that stops you. The landscape has dramatically changed since the early 2000s as no-code tools have evolved and matured. They’ve not just simplified the process of building digital products but have also significantly reduced the time and cost involved.

If you’re wondering about the power of no-code, take a look at Bubble, a platform that has empowered thousands of entrepreneurs to build software without any coding. Or consider the success of Adalo, an intuitive platform that allows anyone to create their own apps, with a range of features and design options that would have required a dedicated development team just a few years ago.

Startups and businesses that once would have spent months searching for a technical co-founder or outsourcing their projects to expensive agencies can now prototype, build, and even launch their own products. They can validate their ideas faster and cheaper than ever before, reducing risk and increasing the potential for success.

But it’s not just about startups. The no-code movement is also empowering individuals, freelancers, and small businesses to create custom solutions tailored to their unique needs. From automating repetitive tasks to building personalized customer experiences, no-code tools are democratizing access to technology and innovation.

So, if you’ve ever had a brilliant idea for an app but shelved it because you didn’t know how to code or couldn’t afford a developer, it’s time to dust it off and bring it to life. With the power of no-code, the only limit is your imagination. Whether you’re looking to create a side hustle, grow your business, or launch the next big thing, no-code tools can help you get there.

We stand on the cusp of a new era in digital creation, where anyone can be a maker, where ideas don’t have to be confined to the minds of their creators but can take form and shape in the digital world. As we embark on this journey through the world of no-code, remember this isn’t just about learning how to use new tools. It’s about embracing a new mindset, a new way of thinking and creating, one that empowers you to make your mark in the digital universe.

What is no-code/low-code?

In the world of technology, ‘no-code’ and ‘low-code’ have become some of the most exciting buzzwords. These terms refer to a new generation of tools that allow anyone, regardless of technical skill, to build digital products. We’re going to delve deeper into what these terms mean, their origins, and the transformative power they wield in the digital world.

Let’s start with the basics. ‘No-code’ is a term used to describe platforms that allow users to build software without writing a single line of code. Instead of typing out complex syntax and algorithms, these tools use a visual interface where users can drag and drop elements to design and build their apps.

In the early days of digital creation, coding was the only way to build software. This was a highly specialized skill, mastered only by a select few. Those who didn’t have coding skills often found themselves locked out of the digital creation process. As a digital product designer myself, I felt this frustration. I found myself teetering on the edge of the digital world, able to envision products but not equipped with the tools to bring them to life.

My first encounter with a ‘no-code’ tool was with WordPress. In its simplest form, WordPress is a tool for building websites. But with an array of plugins, it offered me the ability to add functionalities far beyond a basic website. I could build e-commerce platforms, interactive portfolios, social media networks, and more. I even created a family recipe database for personal use.

The beauty of WordPress was that it allowed me to create complex digital products without knowing how to code. As a designer, this opened new business avenues for me. I could now offer web design services, expanding my portfolio and my market reach.

Yet, while WordPress was a godsend, it was still somewhat limiting. Certain complex functionalities were out of reach, and I had to rely on available plugins for any additional features. For example, back in 2003, while studying film production, I dreamt of a platform where students and filmmakers could upload and share their videos. However, without coding skills and being a cash-strapped student, I couldn’t bring this idea to life. In 2005, YouTube was launched by a designer and two computer scientists, making my idea a reality but also showing me the limitations of no-code tools at the time.

Fast forward to today, and the landscape of no-code has dramatically evolved. New platforms have emerged, each offering more complex functionalities and greater customization. From Webflow for web design to Bubble for full-stack app development, the possibilities seem endless. Now, non-technical founders can build software products, automate workflows, and even implement AI capabilities, all without writing a single line of code.

You may have also come across something called a ‘low-code’ platform. These tools still require some coding, but much less than traditional programming. They typically feature a visual interface for design and allow users to add custom code for more advanced functionalities.

Low-code platforms, like OutSystems or Mendix, are trendy in enterprise settings, where they allow developers to build software faster and more efficiently. They offer the flexibility of custom coding with the efficiency of no-code, a perfect balance for many businesses.

What no-code means for today’s entrepreneurs

The rise of no-code and low-code is more than just a technological advancement; it’s a paradigm shift. For decades, software development was a gated community accessible only to those who spoke the language of code. Today, that gate is wide open. Anyone with an idea and determination can build software, launch a startup, or digitize their business.

This democratization of software development is reshaping the tech industry. It’s breaking down barriers, levelling the playing field, and fostering a more diverse and inclusive digital ecosystem. The tech giants of tomorrow might not be founded by coding savants but by individuals who used no-code or low-code platforms to bring their visions to life. We’re seeing this transformation unfold in real-time. Take Tara Reed, who built Kollecto, an art recommendation app using no-code tools. Or Vlad Magdalin, a former animator who created Webflow, a no-code platform, which is now valued at over $2.1 billion.

The evolution of no-code and low-code is also changing the dynamics of team building within startups. Traditionally, a tech startup’s first hire was often a developer or a Chief Technology Officer. Now, with no-code and low-code tools, founders can validate their ideas and build MVPs without hiring a technical team right away. This shifts the early focus from development to problem-solving and market fit, a crucial advantage in the dynamic world of startups.

One crucial point to note, though, is that no-code and low-code tools aren’t here to replace developers or make coding obsolete. Instead, they are tools that make technology more accessible and foster collaboration. Developers are still needed to handle complex functionalities, security, and scalability, especially as a product grows.

The future of no-code and low-code platforms is teeming with potential, heralding a vibrant and inclusive digital age. As these tools evolve, they pave the way for groundbreaking startups, reshape traditional sectors, and foster a diverse tech landscape. Recalling my own endeavours, I often muse how my aspirations in film production, specifically my concept for a video-sharing platform, could have flourished with today’s advancements. However, the essence of this digital renaissance lies in its accessibility; it’s not merely about tools but about erasing barriers, fostering innovation, and embracing diversity. Whether one is a designer, a filmmaker, or an innovator with a dream, the digital frontier is now open for all to mould and venture into.

And remember, in this exciting no-code and low-code era, the only limit to what you can build is your imagination.

The limitations of no-code

No-code and low-code platforms have indeed revolutionized the tech space. By bringing the power of application development into the hands of non-technical entrepreneurs, they’ve allowed ideas to grow and flourish in unprecedented ways. However, as fantastic as these tools are, they aren’t a magic wand. There are certain considerations and limitations that one must keep in mind while venturing into this space. The key lies in understanding your business needs and the scope of your project and creating a plan to mitigate any potential issues.

To begin, let’s talk about the creative constraints. No-code platforms, by nature, are often template-driven. They provide a set of pre-defined functions and features that you can use to build your app. This is great for getting an MVP up and running quickly. However, when it comes to implementing unique features or custom design elements, these platforms can sometimes fall short. They might not offer the level of customization you require to fully express your vision.

Take WordPress, for instance, a platform I’ve been familiar with for a long time. It offers an ocean of plugins that you can utilize to enhance your website’s capabilities. But every plugin you add increases complexity and potentially slows down your website, and some may not work together at all. More than once, I’ve found myself wrestling with plugins