Making a mobile app that will help scale your business and improve its agility, without knowing how to write code sounds like a dream. Let’s start with the most exciting news: it’s not a dream, it’s very much real, and it’s called no code (or low code). The slightly less exciting news is that though you won’t need to learn how to write a single line of code to create a no-code app, you might have to do a bit of research to make the most of your freshly created app.
Fear not, we are here to help! We’re experts at creating no-code and low-code apps, so we know some of the best no-code tricks. Today’s question is, how can you build a no-code mobile app for your business? What’s the best way to do so, and what should you know before you start? Without further ado, let’s dive right in!
How does no code work?
Just like anything, it’s best to start with the basics so you can make sure you’re not missing out on any important info. So, let’s get into how no code works and why you should be using it. Knowledge is power, right?
No code in a few words
No code is a way for non-programmers and programmers alike to create apps using visual interfaces instead of writing code. No code is all about making technology accessible to all and allowing people to create any software without barriers.
This makes even more sense when you realize that every single thing in our everyday lives is backed by code writing. You could be scrolling on social media, buying toilet paper on Amazon, checking your bank account, or ordering food – it’s all enabled by lines of code rolling down at an astonishing speed.
But app creation doesn’t have to be for coding masters only. No code lets anyone create their dream apps without having to learn complex programming languages. How? Well, by dragging and dropping different elements on an interface/platform to create your apps and websites in a visual way. Though no-code platforms use code to create your apps, you won’t ever have to write any code yourself, the platform does it for you. You just choose what you want your app to look like, how you want it to perform, and what features you want to include. Welcome to a world of possibilities!
The benefits of no-code app development
Now you know what no code consists of, it’s time we go over all of the benefits no-code app development can bring to your business. Spoiler alert: there are lots.
It is incredibly fast
We don’t need to go into too much detail here, the numbers speak for themselves. A traditional app will usually take 4-9 months for the first version to be built, so that’s not even start to finish. In comparison, the most complex of low-code apps can take up to a few weeks to be made entirely. If you’re anything like us, you’re probably wondering: why are people still building apps using code?!
It is surprisingly easy
Though each platform has its own learning curve, no-code tools are generally quite easy to use. Everyone will learn differently, but no-code tools are meant to be intuitive and effortless. It’s all done visually, so you can build pretty much anything you want by dragging and dropping thousands of different elements in the order of your choice.
It’s effortless to update
Having a business, no matter its size, means continuous change. As a business owner, you’ll know better than anyone that you need tools that adapt to your needs. Traditional apps require constant work to be able to adapt to bugs, new features, new needs, software updates, etc. With no code, you don’t have to worry about adaptability, because it allows you to be agile without the hassle. You can develop a new feature and add it in a few hours, without having to disrupt your app for a single second. You can deploy changes revolutionarily fast!
You don’t need a whole team of developers
Usually, to have your own app, you’ll need a sizeable team of developers to work around the clock. With no code, with a bit of time and passion, any one person can build an app. No coding knowledge is required, and no developer powerhouse is needed to create an app. You can let your team focus on important daily tasks while your app is being built.
We now understand why a recent Gartner study projected that by 2024, 75% of large businesses will be using at least four different low-code no-code development tools. Mind-blowing, right?
Categories of Mobile Applications
Building a mobile app for your business is an amazing way of increasing your sales and gaining targeted traffic. It has other powerful advantages, all accessible if you’re able to find the right solution for your needs. That being said, how can you be sure to find the best type of app for your business? What are the different options? Let’s explore!
The Progressive Web App (PWA)
Progressive Web Apps, also called PWA, are apps that are based on your internet browser. This means that you can access the app via browsers, on your mobile, or on your laptop – you don’t need to download or install anything to use them. They can be really useful because they don’t use many of the device’s resources like RAM and storage to work. They’re effortless and can be really quick to build.
The Native App
Native apps are apps that are designed for a particular kind of mobile device or operating system (OS). This can be Apple iOS, Androids, or Windows phones. An app that is made to work on Android will not necessarily work on iOS.
The Hybrid App
As you might be able to guess, hybrid apps are a mix of native and web apps. Essentially, hybrid apps are web apps that have been enclosed in a native app shell. They use a browser that is hidden within the app to fetch data.
The bottom line is that there is no one-size-fits-all app. There’s no miraculous solution that works for every type of app. Only you can decide which type of app is best for your business. To help you decide, you could ask yourself whether you want to focus on performance, usability, design, ease of maintenance, security, responsiveness… And the rest will follow.
The 4 best no-code development platforms for businesses
Are you preparing to build a mobile app without having to write a single line of code? We’ve concocted a delicious list of platforms and tools that will help you throughout your no-code journey. These tools will allow you to create your own apps without any technical skills – you’ll be able to make any app, from a marketplace to an inventory app or social networking platform, it’s all within your reach!
Glide
Here at LowCode Agency, we’ve used a whole lot of no-code platforms. We’ll say this time and time again, but our favorite platform will always be Glide. It is by far the most accessible and seamless no-code app development platform. Glide can make any app look gorgeous, and it’s useful to note that Glide apps are Progressive Web Apps (PWAs).
If you want to find out more about Glide, feel free to check out our many articles and detailed guides about Glide apps:
Softr
Softr is a no-code tool that works by taking your data and making it into an app. The only thing is that it can only work if your data is in Airtable, which is another no-code tool that resembles an interactive spreadsheet. If you want to know what to choose between Glide and Softr, click here to read our detailed comparison.
Bubble
We really like Bubble for how interactive and user-friendly it is. Bubble users can benefit from plenty of useful integrations and tools like SEO, analytics, and email marketing features. What’s also really (really!) cool is that it lets you edit its own homepage to see how it works. Quirky, right? Click here to try it out.
Webflow
Webflow is truly powerful, yes, but it does have one of the steepest learning curves on the market. If you’ve got the time and energy to go beyond that, though, you’ll find a world of endless possibilities at your fingertips, with a powerful app creator. Webflow goes beyond a simple drag-and-drop editor, it is utterly customizable and focuses on high-quality design.
A few tips for no-code success
Okay, now that you know exactly what no code is, what it can do for your business, and which tools are available, let’s go over some of our best tips for succeeding in no code. Here’s our take on what you can do to create the most efficient apps for your business using no code.
Spend enough time planning
In all things business, planning is usually the backbone of success. This is especially true in no code – you can build an app for your business without learning how to code, but you’ll have to plan really well. Yes, because creating a great no-code app means choosing the right functions, features, and design.
A good first step is to consult your team regarding their needs and wants. A successful app is an app that works across teams, therefore it needs to be adaptable to a range of needs. By doing so, you’ll be able to find out about different issues and challenges to overcome, and most importantly, you’ll be able to choose which features are the most important ones for your app to have.
Outsource when it is necessary to
Though no code is the most effortless way to create an app, it can also be a lot to take on. If you’re focusing on running your business and your time is saturated with the day-to-day tasks you’re already juggling, you may find it hard to build your own no-code app. This is where outsourcing comes into play, and it’s crucial to the success of your app that you’re able to assess when it is necessary to outsource.
Outsourcing your app can allow you to save time and money, instead of using plenty of hours in your week to adapt to different platforms. We previously mentioned that some platforms have a steep learning curve, which may be more or less easy to adapt to. Essentially, outsourcing will allow you to achieve a finished app much faster than if you were to create it yourself. You’ll also be able to:
- Focus on running your business.
- Have an app with the perfect foundation and structure from the very beginning.
- Have the time for your team to review the app and bounce back after feedback.
- Do not disrupt your team’s everyday, important tasks.
- Quickly change things as needed.
- Maintain your app without the hassle.
One last point is that it’s often hard to make the right choices when building your no-code app. However, no-code agencies know how to go for the best decisions, and have the experience to create a fully integrated, powerful, and efficient app for you. We know how to choose from different features like design, integration, user hierarchy, payments, appointment creation and reminders, analytical tools, surveys, signups, and many more.
The bottom line
Can you imagine – you can create every single app you possibly need for your business! Scalability and agility are at your fingertips. You can streamline processes, have far more efficient workflows, and allow for so much more productivity across your team. Yes, such are the promises of no-code app development, all without having to write a single line of code.
Here at LowCode Agency no code agency, we’re experts in helping businesses create their dream apps. We’ve built 248 apps so far, and we’re not stopping there. Our passion is finding the very best tools, ideas, and ways to unleash the perfect solutions for businesses. Book your free discovery call today so that we can give you our take on how a no-code app will allow your business to thrive!
Jesus is the founder of Low Code Agency: a low-code development agency that allows small business owners to get their mobile and web apps done fast and cost-effectively while maintaining quality.
