If you’re looking for a way to create web and mobile applications without learning coding, no-code SaaS platforms are your answer.
But more than that, they’re revolutionizing the way businesses develop, deploy, and manage their SaaS products and services.
Here’s what you need to know about the growing popularity of no-code SaaS and how it can help your business.
Let’s explore what a no-code SaaS platform is and why it’s gaining so much traction.
What is No-Code?
No code is the future!
This way of making software allows non-technical people to create software. Without writing a single line of code. And the best part?
These platforms help businesses make apps by using pre-made templates.
No-code lets you develop software visually and deliver it quickly.
It’s good for business people who aren’t technical, also known as “citizen developers.” They can achieve their goals without needing technical expertise.
Put simply, in compare to traditional programming it is
- Less expensive
- Good for rapid development or quick prototyping
- Anyone can really come up with a software idea and start making it
That said, now lets see why its getting popular now.
Why are No-Code Tools So Popular?
It’s all about democratizing software development.
No-code tools have gained popularity for various reasons. Let’s dive in!
One factor is accessibility. No-code platforms simplify software development for non-technical users, promoting inclusivity.
Speed and efficiency of developing ideas and bringing them into the market is the other one.
Flexibility and customization are easier with templates in No-code platforms. So it makes it easy to fit the needs and create useful products.
But wait.
Some industries are adopting no-code tools more than others. Such as retail, insurance, banking and manufacturing. Especially for tasks that need automation and fast prototyping.
Speaking of retail use cases, real-time data capture is one of them. Or creating data analytics software for sales materials.
Next up is its cons. It’s obviously not all benefits.
The Cons of No-Code SaaS
One main issue with No-code development is scaleability. It is one of the main limitations. It’s actually challenging to make large-scale or complex applications.
Also, performance in the software made by no-code SaaS is not optimized as it should be.
Customization is possible, but only within the templates provided by the platforms. So it’s limited and constrained.
There may be security concerns because these platforms rely on third-party services.
Plus, the platform may become dependent on the platform provider. This makes it a vendor lock-in situation and makes it difficult to switch platforms.
Integration with existing systems and applications can become challenging.
7 Examples of Successful No-Code SaaS Platforms and Products in Action
1. Bubble
Bubble is a tool that lets you make web apps, SaaS platforms, marketplaces, and CRMs without coding.
Bubble has a powerful workflow engine. Which is a tool that helps you plan app actions, like registering users or changing data.
Every step in the sequence has an event that triggers it and one or more actions that follow when the event occurs.
Some of the apps that were build with Bubble are:
- Swapstack: marketplace connecting newsletters with brands
- Strabo: a personal finance management tool
- REPStracker: fitness tracking platform
- Hejcamp: digital marketplace for stays in nature
- Zoidii: job board for creative industry
- Copious: real state platform
Bubble’s adaptability and cost-effectiveness render it an excellent choice for startups and small businesses seeking to develop web apps and SaaS platforms.
Strengths
- Versatile tool that can build wide range of apps
- Drag and drop design
- Powerful workflow engine
- Built-in encrypted database
- Real-time analytic
- Allows individuals and teams to work together on app development Integrates with a wide range of applications
- Secure hosting
Weaknesses
- No access to source code for developers
- Performance can be slow when working on complex applications
2. Carrd
In 2015 Carrd founded for creating themes and templates. Initially it started as a one-page site builder. Franklin, TN, USA is the location of the company.
The platform is for building simple, responsive one-page sites.
To be clear…
This platform is great for basic websites, like one-page sites, landing pages, and online portfolios. It’s also great for small online stores and restaurant websites.
Users can create up to three sites per account and access all Carrd’s core features for free.
Carrd offers templates and a blank canvas for customization. Users can add contact, sign up, custom, and payment-enabled forms to their sites.
You can use custom code and widgets from other services. These services include Stripe, PayPal, Gumroad, and Typeform.
Carrd partners with other services for payments, email marketing, and social media. It also works with analytics and more.
The are some great products that have used the Carrd platforms.
- Better Sheets: skills training business
- Apna Writer: content writing company
Strengths
- Full SSL support for custom domains you own (via Let’s Encrypt)
- Upload images/GIFs up to 16MB and videos up to 32MB
- Generate and download scannable QR codes for your sites
- Premium templates with 50+ designs
- Landing page templates for SaaS startups
Weaknesses
- Not suitable for blogging
- Minimal e-commerce functionality
- No styling for individual columns in a container or nested containers
3. Webflow
Webflow rocks when it comes to crafting sleek, modern apps and websites, no coding wizardry required.
The company was founded in 2013 and is based in San Francisco USA.
You can build software just by dragging and dropping – it’s like magic!
But wait, there’s more!
Webflow isn’t just about websites; it’s your one-stop-shop for crafting mobile apps, web apps, voice apps, and even whipping up some internal tools and nifty automation.
And here’s the kicker: Webflow frees businesses from the code-writing shackles. You can launch without code, scaling your SaaS venture to meet market demands effortlessly.
There are some successful products that have been built using Webflow:
- Jasper AI
- DropboxSign
- Kajabi
- Tive
- Michael Kors Collection
Strengths
- User experience is amazing. Granular controls.
- Suitable for small businesses
- Clean code and semantic code
- With Webflow, you can visually design your store
- Webflow’s CMS lets you create your content structure and design with real data
- SEO optimization features like automatic sitemap generation
- Design freedom
Weaknesses
- Some users feel communication in Webflow forum can be improved
- Limitation on the number of pages and collections that can add to a project
4. Thunkable
Thunkable is a no-code app builder. It’s actually amazing.
If you have no technical expertise and want to build an Android, iOS and mobile web app then its a best tool.
Thunkable is based in San Francisco and founded in 2015. The mission for them is to make app development accessible to all, no matter your tech background.
Thunkable is on a mission to compile the world’s most gigantic collection of open-source apps.
Why, you ask?
To ignite inspiration and turbocharge productivity, of course! In this treasure trove, you’ll discover apps designed to simplify city navigation, foster trust within teams, and so much more.
Strengths
- Drag and drop app builder
- Mobile-first app with a free platform to teach people how to code
- Uses native code to give users full access to mobile device’s
- Very user friendly
Weaknesses
- It requires a bit of programming to do so it’s not 100% no-code
- Steeper learning curve than some other no-code app builders
5. Teachable
Teachable, my friends, no-code wonder, you can conjure up impactful businesses through courses, coaching, and digital downloads.
Honestly, this is a great platform for building a no-code SaaS MVP for online learning and digital education.
The company is from New York City and founded in 2013. It’s pretty incredible journey for teachable. For those of you interested in learning about digital marketing, highly recommend to get to know about the company’s history.
Teachable lets creators add CSS code site-wide, including on pages, headers, and for learners.
Strengths
- Creating online courses
- Creating digital products like e-books, guides, digital files
- Coaching services
- Software and skills training
- Creating membership sites that offer exclusive content
Weaknesses
- Lack of self hosting might be a bit of limitation for some users
6. Airtable
Airtable is a software platform that combines a database with a user-friendly spreadsheet.
You can easily make, share, and work together on databases without knowing how to program.
Airtable and other no-code development platforms allow users to create software without coding. They use easy-to-understand graphics and settings instead.
Airtable is simple to use. It helps manage databases for employees, products, and projects.
There are some use cases that can benefit from Airtable. For example, project tracking progress, deadline and team member responsibility.
Another use case is CRM. You can use it to manage customer relationships. Like, contact information, sales lead, and customer interaction.
Not only that, you can create customer client portals. This allows access to project information and track progress.
Some industries that can benefit from Airtable are:
- Retail: especially for inventory management and sales tracking
- Insurance: to track claims and customer data
- Venture capital: manage deal pipelines, track referrals
- Non-profit organizations: manage donor information and track fundraising
Strengths
- AI functionality components
- User-friendly interface
- Automation features
Weaknesses
- No specific design for complex projects
7. Appy Pie
Appy Pie is a no-code app development platform.
The company was founded in 2015 and is based in India. Similar to other platforms it stared aiming to help businesses and organizations without knowing to code.
Appy Pie utilizes a PCI DSS compliant payment gateway, ensuring the utmost security and protection for all payment transactions.
Appy Pie prioritizes healthcare client confidentiality with HIPAA compliance.
That said…
The best use cases can be for mobile app development and integration with other apps and services.
Strengths
- Drag and drop functionality
- Easy integration
- Affordable
- User-friendly interface
Weaknesses
- Some users think the app can be slow, especially connecting to database
9 Facts (Benefits) of No-Code SaaS for Small businesses
OK. You are a small business or entrepreneur. Let’s look at it in a realistic way.
Running a business nowadays requires technology. Especially, small businesses face unique technological challenges.
No-code tools make it faster to create and launch a new web app. This helps businesses adapt to user feedback and changing needs.
You can adapt your business strategy as your business strategy changes.
As your business grows, so does the complexity and volume of your operations. No-code tools make improvements fast. You can add users, more data, and new features without delays or limits.
- No-code development lets users make their own apps without hiring expensive programmers. It’s all about smart use of money and no-code SaaS is one way to save big spending.
- Easier marketing effort is one main factor to grow a brand. Mobile apps are one way of marketing for a business and if you can make it fast and easy then that all you need.
- No-code SaaS gives you templates and themes that work well for customers. So its improves customer experience for your business.
- Integration is something that you come across as a business owner in the digital era. These no-code SaaS platforms have easy integration with some existing software infrastructures.
- A drag and drop model forms the basis for most of the no-code platforms. Playing around with the design boosts creativity in a business.
- With these platforms you already have a collaboration and team work setup. Your business can collaborate with other businesses, influencers, or experts.
- No-code platforms make changes faster, and they can improve other business processes. Software applications need regular updates to add new features and fix bugs. Developers can develop no-code apps without any restrictions.
- Pivoting means changing the app’s audience or market without engaging the developers. You can start building immediately with no code SaaS.
- A single person can build an app, and that too within hours. The in-house IT experts can focus on other important tasks.
17 No-Code SaaS Ideas – food for thought
Are you having trouble with the technical parts of starting your SaaS business?
As a founder, it can feel overwhelming. The idea of coding and building everything yourself can be scary.
Here, we’re sharing 7 no-code SaaS ideas to inspire your next venture. No matter what kind of app you’re making, this list can be helpful. Let’s dive in and explore the endless possibilities of no-code SaaS.
- Build an online appointment scheduler for user-business/professional bookings.
- Create a customizable landing page builder for users.
- Develop an employee performance management platform for businesses.
- Create an e-learning platform for courses and resources.
- Create a niche directory website listing businesses, professionals, and resources.
- Build an online marketplace connecting buyers and sellers of diverse products/services.
- Create a job platform for posting and searching job opportunities.
- Create a niche-focused micro SaaS with a small team or individual owner.
- Provide virtual services like copy writing, graphic design, or social media management as sellable products.
- Build an online community for like-minded individuals with shared interests or goals.
- Create data analytics tools for businesses, including customer dashboards and automation features.
- Build a platform for automating business tasks and processes.
- Develop an AI comic strip generator platform.
- Create a tool that generates quizzes from any text input.
- Develop an AI platform for generating legal content and documents.
- Create a tool for generating unique backgrounds for websites and graphics.
- Develop a user persona generator for product and marketing purposes.
How to Validate Micro SaaS Idea Before Building it with No-Code?
So how do you know which one of your ideas are worth pursuing?
Before diving in and building a new product with no-code tools, it’s crucial to confirm your idea.
You can test your idea before spending time and resources on building a product.
Let’s dive in and explore the steps you need to follow to validate your micro-SaaS idea.
Whether you’re a solo founder or part of a growing team, these tips will help you take your startup to the next level.
First off, you need to figure out who you’re talking to.
Get into the nitty-gritty of it.
Who’s your target audience, and what’s bugging them? What keeps them up at night? Understanding their pain points is the name of the game.
Then, take a good look at what the competition is up to.
And while you’re at it, keep your radar on high alert for gaps in the market. That’s where your micro SaaS can swoop in and shine with its unique offerings.
When you’re in the business game, one of the smartest moves you can make is to create a minimum viable product (MVP). This ain’t no rocket science.
What you need to do is cook up a stripped-down version of your product.
Simplify it, but focus on the important things. These include the main features and the special value that makes your baby unique.
The next play in the game. Once you’ve got that MVP out, it’s time to bring in your potential users.
Let them give it a try, and most importantly, gather up their thoughts and ideas.
Then, take all that valuable feedback and use it to keep refining and improving your product.
It’s a game of constant tweaks and upgrades, and that’s how you keep moving forward in this business world.
Next step…
One move you might want to consider is giving your audience a sneak peek, a taste of what’s to come. How?
Well, think about offering your product for pre-order or early access.
So, don’t be shy – let them in on the action before the grand unveiling, and watch that excitement build up.
Lastly…
Dive into online resources.
We’re talking YouTube videos, comprehensive guides, in-depth articles, and insightful case studies. It’s all out there, just waiting for you to explore.
Take a deep dive and learn from the experiences of others. This treasure trove will give you helpful insights on validating your great idea. So, go ahead, make the most of it.
