Building an app used to require a hefty budget and a team of developers, but no-code app-builders are changing the game. 

Small and medium-sized businesses can now create fully functional apps for a fraction of the cost — often saving 90% or more compared to traditional development. Instead of spending $50,000 – $100,000+, businesses can launch apps for less than $100/month.

Read on to learn more about:

• What apps without code are and the benefits
• A 4-step guide to building an app without code 
• Top no-code app-building platforms 
• How to select a no-code platform
• Try a demo today

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How Are Apps Without Code Made?

Today, building apps without code involves using a no-code app builder. These platforms function exactly like they sound — and they usually have simple drag-and-drop interfaces that let you piece together your app like photo editing software. 

And here’s the kicker: If you can create an Instagram or LinkedIn account, you can use a no-code app builder. 

Today, more individuals and businesses are leveraging no-code tools to create their own apps without coding. In fact, Gartner’s researchers predicted 70% of all new applications will have been made on a no-code/low-code platform by 2025 (up from 25% in 2020).

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The Benefits of Building Apps without Code 

Nearly anyone with access to a computer can create an app on a no-code platform. And, you’ll be able to build almost any app you can imagine: A booking app for your salon or restaurant, a CRM app for your sales team, even a Web 3 app for your business, and many, many more, all using a no-code app builder. 

Here are some of the main benefits you’ll when you make an app without code using a no-code platform:

• Customization: Most no-code app building platforms put you in the developer’s seat, allowing you to design how your app looks and feels. In most cases, you’ll pick a premade template that’s similar to the app you want to create. 
  
  Yet, you’ll have the creative freedom to switch up the colors and structure, add new elements like forms and buttons and adjust their size, add your pictures and logos, and much more. Here’s the bottom line: Your final app will look much different than the template you started with. 

• Faster development: Because no-code app builders leverage simple and intuitive drag-and-drop interfaces, you’ll spend more time building your app than learning the platform. Some app-building platforms even feature cutting-edge AI tools that can rocket your building speed, allowing you to develop and release your app in a blink. 

• Lower costs: Usually, when you hire a development agency to create your app using code, you’ll need to put up a pretty penny — professional developers start at about $10,000 for a “light” app, with more complex, functionality-heavy apps easily surpassing $100,000. 
  
  Luckily, you won’t have to worry about tapping into your 401K to develop that app your business needs: No-code platforms are, on average, much cheaper than hiring a developer, ranging from around $30 to over $100/month, depending on the platform you choose.  

• Flexibility: No matter what kind of app you want to develop, be it a revenue management tool, social media app, or inventory tracker, you’ll most likely be able to create it with a no-code platform. These app builders aren’t one-trick ponies, as they provide the ability to make several different kinds of apps to execute a variety of tasks.  

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The Drawbacks of No-Code App Building 

While no-code app builders have enormous benefits, they also have a few drawbacks. When choosing a platform, you’ll need to be selective because not all app builders are created equal in terms of power — some only provide minimal customization, which isn’t ideal for some people. 

Additionally, no-code platforms don’t let you keep your app’s source code. This means that if the platform you’re using to build your app collapses, your app will sadly go with it. 

Although many no-code app builders indeed allow for loads of customization, you’ll need programming skills to create a specific widget function that your no-code platform doesn’t offer. This is usually only an issue if you need to build a highly specialized app, however. 

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No-Code vs. Low-Code: The Differences

Aside from using a no-code platform, there’s one other method for creating apps without code — by using a low-code app builder. 

These tools are kind of associated with the no-code movement: Low-code platforms feature some similarities to no-code ones, like drag-and-drop interfaces, premade elements, and other app-development-accelerating functionalities. 

Yet low-code platforms are marketed to a completely different audience than no-code ones. As the name suggests, low-code app builders require some coding and tech skills, like familiarity with SQL (structured query languages for database building), an understanding of how APIs work, and some proficiency with frontend programming languages like Python or JavaScript. 

Unfortunately, you'll struggle with low-code if you don’t have a technical background. 

Because low-code platforms incorporate technical skills, they offer more customization than no-code platforms. Low-code app development is good when you need a specialized app, internal tools, or you have plans for rapid scaling. But, for many applications, no-code development is enough. 

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A Step-by-Step Guide to Building an App Without Code

Let’s quickly walk through the steps to build an app on a no-code platform. Here they are:

Step 1: Define Your App’s Purpose and Draw Up Blueprints

First, grab a pencil and paper and get your thoughts in writing. Ask yourself: What problem will your app solve, and who’s the target audience? For example, maybe you’re creating a medical inventory app that offers accurate, real-time information for clinics so they always have stock. 

After you clarify the target audience and issues to be resolved, jot down the key features of your app. For our inventory app example, your app will need to connect with databases and have a scanner to track goods. Because it’s for the medical industry, it will most likely need to be HIPAA-compliant. 

With your notes in hand, it’s time to start drawing up your app’s blueprints. This will give you an idea of how your app will look and help you design a seamless user experience. Try a free program like Figma’s Wireframe Kit or Miro. 

Step 2: Build Your App

Now, it’s time to get your hands on some pixels and build your app. There are loads of no-code app builders to choose from but to narrow down your selection. We recommend you pick a quality no-code app builder from our top 10 list. 

Select a template that matches your wireframes. Then, design an attractive, intuitive layout using the pre-built UI (user interface) components. When building your app, it’s essential to consider the user experience — ensure that navigating between screens is simple, or else folks will get frustrated. 

Ensure that each screen has the structure, color, and functionalities to meet the app’s goals, branding needs, and taste. At this stage, you’ll also be able to integrate your app with third-party tools — for instance, if you’re creating a revenue tracker, integrate with QuickBooks to pull info from your income statement.  

When you finish building, take a breather. Then, come back to your app with a fresh mind and carefully go through all the screens and functionalities — keep the user experience in mind, and make any changes to glaring issues before you start testing your app. 

Step 3: Test 

Once you’re happy with your app, it’s time to get some other eyes on it: It’s testing time. 

Testing your app is one of the most important steps when building an app without code. Your testers use your app, and give you feedback about their experience. Listen to this, and incorporate it into your final product. 

You can recruit friends, acquaintances, and team members — if you’re building an internal business app, having the app’s future users test it out can go a long way. But if you want random testers, we recommend you sign up for a platform like Appium, testRigor, or Katalon Studio — you can get your app in front of thousands and, more importantly, receive valuable feedback. 

Once the testing is over, pay close attention to user feedback, fix recurring issues, and ensure your app runs like a well-oiled machine. A poorly functioning app will be unpopular, resulting in a low user count, and tarnishing your reputation. 

Step 4: Publishing and Maintaining

If you want to release your app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, you’ll need to create developer accounts for both iOS and Android.  

Releasing your app on the web is essentially the same as creating a website: You just need to sign up with a hosting service like GoDaddy. Then follow your no-code app builder's publishing steps, which will be simple if you choose one of our top no-code platforms.

An important note: After you finish building your app, your job is far from complete. You’ll need to monitor your app daily and ensure that it runs bug-free. Additionally, pay attention to your app’s analytics (an essential function of most no-code tools) and use this data to update and improve your app. 

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What Are the Best No-Code App Builders?

Choosing the best no-code app builder for your use case is one of the most important decisions when building an app. Here’s a list of the top app builders: 

• Blaze.tech, best for businesses: Blaze offers a simple no-code app-building interface combined with a slick AI tool that lets you build apps in a fraction of the time. You’ll be able to develop unlimited apps, allowing you to meet evolving business needs. 

• Bubble, best for flexibility: While it has a steep learning curve that could take a few months to master, this hard work pays off — you’ll be able to develop nearly any app you can imagine using Bubble’s complex building interface. 

• GoodBarber, best for e-commerce: GoodBarber is specifically designed to sell online content or products. You’ll get loads of premade templates for almost any industry and integrations with shipping companies and payment platforms. 

• Adalo, best for service companies and restaurants: If you want to build an app for your restaurant, café, or salon, Adalo provides the tools and simplicity for unique app creation. Plus, you’ll even be able to publish to the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. 

• Glide, best for looks: Need to create an app that turns heads? Glide puts a lot of aesthetic love into every template, element, and premade component, ensuring that your final app has a sleek and modern appearance.  

We recommend trying out a few free demos or versions of different apps. This will give you a feel for each app builder and whether it clicks with you. Plus, you’ll get a good idea of how building an app without code works.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Build a Fully Functional App Without Coding?

Yes, you can build a fully functional app without coding — no-code platforms leverage a drag-and-drop interface and premade templates and elements to speed up app development, allowing even the tech allergic to create professional-looking apps.

Is No-Code Development Secure?

Most no-code platforms provide security features, but they vary. Some platforms provide basic end-to-end encryption only, while others, like Blaze, provide encryption, 2-factor authentication, and compliance with strict data standards like HIPAA and SOC 2 Type 2. 

How Much Does It Cost to Build an App With a No-Code Platform?

Large businesses and enterprises can pay a few $1,000s per month for a platform that allows enormous teams across dozens of departments to create countless apps. 

On the other hand, small businesses and freelancers can quickly develop a single app for around $30/month. However, this all depends on the type of app you want to create, what features you need, and your organization size. 

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Build Apps Without Code with Blaze

Blaze is designed to meet the diverse needs of enterprise businesses. Here’s how we stand out from the competition:

• Scalability: Blaze grows with you, efficiently handling everything from simple tools to complex applications.

• Exceptional support: Our dedicated customer success teams ensure your project's success, helping you from initial build to launch.

• Enterprise-grade security: Blaze provides top-notch security features, ensuring compliance with SOC 2 and HIPAA standards.

• Advanced automation and customization: Build sophisticated workflows and customize applications without compromising ease of use.

Ready to transform your enterprise operations into a lean, highly productive system? Get a free demo with Blaze today.