No-code SaaS (software as a service) allows you to create an app or software for your business without having any programming skills or technical background. These tools offer competitively priced solutions, so companies can make their own apps and software programs. 

This article will walk you through a step-by-step SaaS-app-creation process. Then, we’ll introduce 5 platforms for creating your own no-code app or software.

Read on to learn more about: 

• What No-Code SaaS is and why it's gained traction
• A step-by-step breakdown of building SaaS with a no-code tool
• Challenges, limitations, and how to overcome them
• Our top 5 no-code SaaS platforms
• Why you should use Blaze.tech for your next no-code SaaS 

Let’s now discuss some examples of no-code SaaS. 

‍

What Is No-Code SaaS?

Instead of entering line after line of a programming language, no-code SaaS enables anyone with a computer to build and deploy apps and software. No-code app-building platforms use a drag-and-drop interface, which functions much like moving icons around your desktop computer, simplifying SaaS design. 

Like with social media, you’ll create an account for a no-code SaaS app builder. Then, you’ll build your app by dragging and dropping premade elements like buttons, forms, and screens onto a building interface. 

You can also customize nearly all parts of your app, including color, elements, and more. Add logos, pictures, and other visual components to amplify your app's aesthetics 

You’ll also be able to add premade features like databases and AI tools to increase your app’s functionality and reduce manual processes. Most no-code SaaS platforms also let you integrate the app you build with third-party applications so you can easily transfer data to your app for optimal organization. 

And just like any other SaaS platform, you won’t need to download anything to your computer — no-code SaaS operates in the cloud.

‍

Common No-Code SaaS Use Cases

No-code SaaS has many use cases and appeals to nearly every industry. Here are just a few examples of apps built by businesses using no-code SaaS:

• Internal tools: You can create business apps like project management trackers, customer relationship management systems, or workflow automations leveraging AI. Businesses in nearly every industry, including finance, healthcare, e-commerce, retail, and pretty much all others, can find a use for no-code internal business tools. 

• Customer-facing apps: that require rapid development and deployment. For example, you can quickly set up e-commerce apps, customer service portals, or even interactive educational resources. You’ll also be able to create apps for booking tables or services for your restaurant or salon. 

• Websites: One of the first no-code SaaS offerings was the ability to build your own website using a platform like WordPress or Squarespace. These website builders offer thousands of premade templates, allowing nearly any business, entrepreneur, or freelancer to create a customized website. 

• APIs and integrations: Some no-code SaaS tools, like Zapier and Make, allow you to make your own pre-built connectors and easy-to-configure APIs. These let you integrate and automate workflows across various applications. For instance, you can use a no-code API builder to create a connection between your CRM system and a marketing automation tool to synchronize customer data and automate email campaigns based on customer behavior. 

‍

Can You Build a Fully Functional SaaS Without Coding?

Yes — building a fully functional SaaS application without traditional coding using a no-code platform is entirely feasible. As we mentioned, you’ll create your app’s pieces using a drag-and-drop interface to design, configure, and deploy your app. 

Most no-code SaaS builders let you create the 3 main parts of your app: The frontend, backend, and database. Your frontend, or user interface, is your app’s screens, buttons, forms, images, and more — the part of your app that users see, touch, and interact with. 

Your app’s users don’t see the backend and database, but these two components are crucial. All your app’s information is stored in the database, and the backend pulls information from your database to your front end and sends information from your front end to your database. 

Already have a database or backend through a third party like Airtable or Xano? You’ll most likely be able to integrate it into your no-code SaaS app with just a few clicks, saving you the time of doing the same job twice. 

‍

How No-Code is Changing SaaS Development

Over the past several years, the technology behind no-code has improved, which has consequently changed SaaS development. Here are 3 ways no-code has affected SaaS creation:

1. Speed 

In the past, developing SaaS applications involved extensive coding, which required both time and expertise. This often resulted in a development time of at least several months. No-code tools have drastically simplified this process by replacing monotonous coding with drag-and-drop interfaces, pre-built templates and elements, and plug-and-play integrations. 

These capabilities significantly reduce the time from concept to launch, enabling companies to respond rapidly to market demands and develop apps in a snap. This accelerated development cycle speeds up time to market and allows you to capitalize on emerging trends or implement more productive processes faster.

‍

2. Cost-effectiveness

Traditionally, software development required hiring skilled programmers, which can present significant financial costs, especially for startups and small businesses. No-code platforms, however, can be much cheaper than hiring developers — many start at around $50/month for small businesses and can start in the $100s/month for enterprise operations.

Additionally, no-code platforms and tools allow even the most tech-averse individuals to create and manage applications. This means that instead of searching for, vetting, and hiring a SaaS development agency, you and your team can create your own SaaS in-house without too many headaches. 

‍

3. Iteration and Experimentation

Ultimately, no-code platforms accelerate the iteration and experimentation process. With no-code, you can quickly build out key features, release a test version of your app, and then apply modifications in real-time with immediate results. This flexible process is preferable to the traditional method of confirming feature builds by sluggishly communicating with development teams. 

By saving time, you’ll also be able to rapidly experiment with different features, designs and user flows without significant commitments of time or resources. This means you can experiment with diverse approaches and see what works, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. 

When faced with new challenges, you can adjust your software to pivot at the drop of a dime if needed. 

‍

How to Build a No-Code SaaS: Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a guide overview of creating your own SaaS application without coding. Just follow these 3 simple steps to create your own app:

1. Identifying the Right SaaS Idea for Your Business

Building an internal business tool to facilitate your operations involves first pinpointing operational pain points. Engage with team members across different departments to gather insights on what processes or bottlenecks are irking them. 

Don’t forget to jot down or record every encounter so nothing slips between the cracks! 

Then, prioritize both occurring pain points and ideas that could impact productivity and cost-effectiveness most. Remember to list all your ideas — you’ll use it to build your app’s features and functionalities. 

‍

2. Choosing the Right No-Code Tools

Once you have a list of needed features and functionalities, it’s time to select the right no-code SaaS platform. Here is a list of functionalities and a few app builders that can execute them: 

• App builders for business tools: Choose Blaze or Glide if you need a no-code SaaS platform to build internal business software like CRM tools, project management boards, client portals, and more. 

• Automation and integration: Check out platforms like Zapier or Make to create “bridges” for transferring data between apps. You can also set automations to trigger other functionalities once tasks have been executed.

• Database and Backend: If all you need is to create a database or backend logic, try out platforms like Airtable or Xano. You’ll be able to create powerful backends to integrate with most apps. 

Below, we’ve included a list of our top 4 no-code SaaS app-building platforms to help you start your app shopping off on the right foot. 

‍

3. Building, Launching and Improving Your MVP (Minimum Viable Product)

After you’ve selected your app-building platform of choice, it’s time to start building your app. Include only the most essential features, so going back and making changes and updates is simple. 

Learning these platforms isn’t too tricky: Most have tutorials, help guides, and videos to help see you through any difficulties you might face. 

Once your test app is ready, ensure teams that’ll eventually use the app give the test version a go. Implement their feedback and slowly introduce new features. Repeat this step until your final version is polished and ready to go.

‍

Challenges of No-Code SaaS and How to Overcome Them

While building a no-code SaaS application saves you time, money, and allows you the agility to react to sudden changes, SaaS has its unique challenges, including: 

• Scalability concerns: Not all no-code SaaS platforms are built to scale. This usually isn’t a problem if you use an enterprise app builder like Blaze. But if you’ve purchased an app builder for small businesses, you’ll probably need to upgrade to a higher pricing tier that provides more bandwidth and storage space. 

• Customization limits: While no-code SaaS platforms provide a bevy of premade features and functionalities, you’re limited to their selection. Most no-code platforms don’t let you create custom frontend features with JavaScript or tinker with API and other backend settings. 

• Security considerations: Sometimes, your industry requires special security compliance. Healthcare folks know what we’re talking about, as their apps and software handling sensitive client data must be HIPAA and SOC 2 compliant. Not all no-code SaaS platforms offer these security features. 

• Vendor lock-in: When you build an app on a specific no-code SaaS platform, you most likely won’t be able to keep the source code. This means you’re stuck with the original platform, which can be problematic if it goes out of business or you just want to move your app in a new direction. 

‍

The Best No-Code SaaS Platforms: 4 Top Picks

Overwhelmed by the extensive and seemingly never-ending list of no-code app-building options? You’re in the right territory — here’s a list of our 4 favorite no-code SaaS app builders.   

#1 Blaze: The Best Overall

Blaze is an enterprise no-code app builder that’s ideal for creating internal business SaaS like inventory apps, client portals, project management tools, and much more. 

Features

• Blaze comes with high-level, enterprise security features like access control and single-sign-on, as well as HIPAA and SOC 2 compliance. 

• You won’t have to worry about hitting bumps when building, launching, or publishing your app — Blaze’s helpful implementation team will work with you every step of the way. 

• Although Blaze has a simple, easy-to-use database builder, you can connect a premade third-party database like Mongo DB, Airtable, MySQL, and others in just a few button pushes. 

Pricing

Start using Blaze for only $500/month. If you need enterprise features, go with the Custom Version — contact sales for pricing.

Pros and Cons

Blaze.tech is the best overall app builder on our list because of superior customer support, ease of use, and high levels of functionalities, but smaller and medium-sized businesses might find it outside their budgets.  

‍

#2 Airtable: For Simple Backends 

Airtable is a simple no-code backend builder that helps you organize and manage your business data. 

Features

• You can build your backend on Airtable, and integrate it with another no-code SaaS platform like Blaze, Bubble, and many others. 

• Airtable comes packed with 100s of premade templates, making it easy to kickstart your database building. 

Pricing

• Create an unlimited number of databases with 1,000 records per base with the Free Version.

• For $24/month per user, you can store up to 20 GB and up to 50,000 records in each database. 

• Airtable’s $54/month per user allows for 125,000 records, 20,000 automations, and 100GB of storage.

Pros and Cons

While Airtable is intuitive, loaded with templates, and affordable enough for most businesses, it’s not a full-packaged no-code SaaS builder, as it only allows you to create a backend. 

‍

#3 Glide: The Best in Looks 

Glide is a no-code web app builder that provides aesthetically pleasing templates, elements, and other components for a head-turning app. 

Features

• While Glide prides itself on looks, it also provides a helpful database builder and a powerful API tool, giving you a full-packaged web-app builder. 

Pricing

• Start using Glide’s free version and create an app with up to 10 logged-in users. 

• For $60/month, build up to 3 apps with unlimited logged-in users and 500 monthly updates.

• The $249/month version lets you make unlimited apps with 5,000 monthly updates.

Pros and Cons

Glide has all the components and features you need to make powerful internal business apps, but the platform doesn’t support app-store publishing.  

‍

#4 Adalo: For Native Mobile Apps 

Adalo is an intuitive no-code app builder that lets you create apps that you can publish to the web, Apple App Store, and Google Play Store. 

Features

• You won’t need to worry about creating several versions of your app for different platforms — Adalo is a responsive app builder, meaning you can publish the same version of your app to the app stores and the web. 

Pricing

Get Adalo’s free version and publish your web app. 

• For $45/month, publish to the Apple App Store and Google Play Store
• The $65/month version features GPS and send push notifications
• The $200/month plan lets you create up to 5 apps and gives you access to APIs for seamless data transfer

Pros and Cons

While Adalo is a great app builder for client-facing apps like booking tools, e-commerce, and delivery, it lacks specific functions for creating business tools and doesn’t provide enterprise-level security. 

‍

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Keep My App’s Source Code?

Most no-code app builders don’t allow you to keep your app’s source code. Blaze is one of the few no-code SaaS platforms that lets you download your app’s code directly to your computer so you or a techie team member can further develop it. 

How Much Does It Cost To Build A No-Code SaaS?

The amount of money you spend on a no-code SaaS platform depends on your specific needs. If you’re developing a no-code SaaS client portal for your small business that includes a payment integration and a simple interface, you probably won’t need to pay more than $65/month. 

Larger companies requiring complex automations and lock-down security features for HIPAA and SOC 2 compliance will pay in the $100s/month at minimum. However, this can be much more cost-effective than hiring a development team, which can cost over $100,000 and take many months to bear fruit.  

How Do I Transition From No-Code to Full-Code When Needed?

Transitioning from no-code to full-code will take a bit of time. First, you’ll need to start by learning technical concepts, like how APIs and backend logic work with databases. You can also bolster your learning by studying a programming language like JavaScript or Python. 

After a few months, check out a low-code SaaS platform like FlutterFlow or Draftbit. Low-code tools require technical knowledge, but they'll be a great challenge if you’ve studied the basics. 

Continue to study your Python and JavaScript — we also recommend you learn SQL so you can build databases and HTML markup language so you can map out and define structures of webpages. After several months of consistent effort, you’ll most likely be able to program a small app.  

‍

Launch Faster with Blaze: The No-Code SaaS Solution for Enterprises

Blaze's no-code SaaS builder lets you build an internal business app for nearly any industry, including retail, healthcare, finance, and manufacturing. Its simple drag-and-drop interface makes app building easy enough even for beginners.

After you sign up, Blaze’s implementation team will ensure that you make your app successful. They’ll walk you through all the functionalities and features so you’ll understand how to use everything. 

When you finish building your no-code SaaS app, Blaze will help you get it published. They’ll also look after it while you run your app, ensuring it always functions properly and is well maintained. 

‍Book a free demo today and check out how Blaze can bring your SaaS app to life.