5 ways no-code is revolutionising startups

Trends in startups are not new. And today, because you no longer need to be a technically trained coder or developer to be a digital innovator, we’re seeing a craze in SaaS that I want to explore: no-code startups. 

I want to give you an insight into why (and how) no-code is revolutionising startups. Along with some benefits of using a no-code platform. So let’s get stuck in… 

1. You can get started instantly 

Launching a startup is effortless and most of the time stress-free with a no-code platform. Gone are the days where you need to hire a developer and spend thousands to build a fully-fledged MVP. Thanks to intuitive tools that use drag-and-drop interfaces and prebuilt components, you can meet your business needs and wants much sooner.

Things were a lot harder to come by before no-code platforms. First, you’d need to find a developer, which is easier said than done in a world where demand outweighs supply. But bag yourself a developer, and you’ll need to be willing to part with a substantial amount of cash, too — as they don’t come cheap! 

Traditional software development is a more complex and time-consuming way to build, which is why it’s often reserved for long-lived mission-critical applications that require heavy customisation and a raft of integrations. 

But that doesn’t mean no-code platforms are limited, as we found out when researching the pros and cons that make up no-code. 

2. No-code is an affordable option 

App development was once for those with deep pockets. Building an app would once set you back thousands, but now, you can get your startup off the ground for less than the price of an iPhone contract. 

Take Appy Pie, for example, you can build and run a powerful Android app for just £15 /month with unlimited editing and dedicated support. Compare that to the hourly rate of a freelance developer (£30) and well, you do the math! 

But while it’s easy to compare hiring a developer to using a no-code platform, it doesn’t paint the clearest picture. No two projects are the same. Yes, no-code platforms are cheap (if not free), but that doesn’t make them the best suited to every project. 

While it’s tough to see past the money you’ll save, this alone shouldn’t be the determining factor. There are other important things to consider, like… 

3. You’ll get feedback from day one 

Imagine how quick technology would advance if immediate feedback was the norm. (The government’s track and trace app springs to mind.) 

Because of their characteristics, no-code platforms make it possible to get real-time feedback from your customers and colleagues. Platforms such as Bubble.io enable you to keep 40 collaborators in the loop in real-time, and empower anyone on your team to tweak and provide feedback. Similar to how Google’s creative suite allows you to leave notes and comments, Bubble.io allows you to markup a project, too. 

What’s more, no-code communities are growing at a rapid rate. So not only are you able to get feedback from the ones you trust, but fellow creators are there if you need them. 

4. What a wonderful proof of concept 

Whether you’re looking to impress an investor, or showcase an idea to your colleagues, nothing beats having a fully-functioning product to back up what you’re saying. 

No-code app prototypes are a big thing. Bigger — among some categories (mobile) — than no-code products. No-code tools are especially quick at displaying data, organising content and connecting APIs, all of the things you need to create a prototype fast.

With platforms such as Glide, you can go from idea to prototype instantly. Simply upload your data to a Google spreadsheet, wait five minutes and Glide will present you with an easy-to-use app! 

It’s not just Glide that enables you to do this, though. There are a bunch of no-code tools that allow you to build digital products that are not just prototypes, but have actual code so they can be immediately implemented! What’s more, many of them don’t require a start-up budget or big initial investment.

5. Get your MVP on the market quicker

We could all do with a few more hours in our day, right? But while that means adjusting your schedule and most likely waking up earlier, why not abuse the tools that make it faster to get from idea/prototype to finished product? 

As well as saving money using a no-code platform, you’ll get your product to market quicker, too. The no-code tool you choose to create your MVP will most likely enable you to design, build and launch a customer-facing app in around six weeks. By this I don’t mean a prototype, I mean an app that users can download, use and pay for. 

On the other hand, you’re looking at a minimum of six months-ish to get your idea to market if you code everything. Again, it’s all about weighing up the pros and cons of no-code. However, if you’re onto a winning product and your investors think so too, no-code is definitely your best option. The last thing you want is for someone to clone your idea while your product is in the early stages of development. 

The startup landscape is about to blossom 

The no-code train is fast gaining momentum. More creatives are jumping aboard and founders who couldn’t quite find their voices prior see a light at the end of the tunnel. 

Thanks to faster development and budget-friendly platforms, we could see our first no-code unicorns by 2022. The question is, will one of them be you?