The Best No-Code App Builder to Make a Six-Figure Business
November 18, 2022
If you think a lack of coding skills is holding you back from becoming a six-figure SaaS founder then think again!
The no-code movement has opened the door for non-technical entrepreneurs to make their mark on the SaaS industry, helping them to build and sell highly profitable apps without having to type a single line of code.
If you don’t know your C++ from your PHP, you can use a no-code app builder to plug the gap in your knowledge and make creating an app from scratch a breeze. In fact, the hardest part of the whole process might be figuring out which no-code app builder to use.
In many cases, the most suitable app builder for your needs depends on the type of app you want to create. To make life easier for you, we’ve broken down the best no-code app builders for each type of application.
After reading this article, you’ll be one step closer to creating a no-code app that you can sell for six figures on our marketplace!
What Are No-Code App Builders?
As you may have guessed from the name, no-code app builders allow you to create apps without having to use code. They do this by writing the code for you and embedding it in visual drag-and-drop elements that you can use to construct your app.
The terms “no-code” and “low-code” are often used interchangeably, but there is an important distinction between the two.
While no-code builders are aimed at non-technical users and require no coding knowledge whatsoever, low-code applications are marketed to professional developers. Low-code builders offer the best of both worlds, allowing users to build the framework of their applications using drag-and-drop elements and then flesh out their creations with custom code.
You’re restricted to the features and functions on offer when using a strictly no-code app builder. This limits the complexity and functionality of apps, so while it is possible to build a six-figure business, you’re probably better off using a low-code approach.
Luckily, many app builder platforms advertise themselves as no-code but allow for both no-code and low-code functionality. This means non-technical founders can build a prototype of their desired app using the no-code features, and then hand it off to professional programmers to customize it within the same platform.
Once you’ve identified whether a no-code or low-code approach suits your skillset, you need to figure out which app builder is best suited to the app you want to create.
Best No-Code App Builder for Web Apps
Building a web app can be tricky. You need to create an interface that is dynamic and attractive but is also super responsive and intuitive.
If you want to create a no-code web application that can hold its own against its fully coded counterparts, then we’d suggest using Bubble.
Bubble is one of the most well-known no-code app builders and comes with a comprehensive suite of tools and integrations to help you bring your web app to life.
It allows you to create both web and mobile-friendly content with dynamic and static elements to increase engagement.
The all-in-one platform allows you to extend your app with Javascript plugins, API integrations, and analytic software. As an added bonus, Bubble will also host and deploy your app, so you don’t need to pay extra for an external web server.
Pricing:
Bubble offers a free option that includes core platform features, Bubble branding, and community support. They also offer discounted plans for students, universities, and non-profit organizations.
Paid membership options include:
- Personal: $25/month
- Professional: $115/month
- Production: $475/month
Bubble Success Story
Qoins is a platform that educates users on how to manage their finances, tackle their debt, and improve their financial habits. Qoins was built entirely on Bubble and has raised over $2.2 million in growth capital. The platform’s founders, Nate Washington and Christian Zimmerman were featured on the Forbes 30 under 30 list in the social impact category.
Best No-Code App Builder for Mobile Apps
If you’re building a mobile app, it’s important to use a no-code app builder that not only helps you to create the application but also helps to publish the finished product. For this reason, we’d suggest using Appy Pie.
Appy Pie is the go-to tool for creating multifunctional mobile apps. What really makes the platform stand out from the crowd is the ability to make real-time changes to your mobile app without having to reinstall or update your application. The platform also has offline functionality so that you can continue working on your mobile app even without an internet connection.
When your mobile app is ready to launch, Appy Pie helps you to publish your completed product to a variety of app stores, hassle-free.
Appy Pie claims to help users get their apps to market up to ten times faster than its competitors and has over 10 million users registered on the platform.
Pricing:
As one of the most reasonably priced no-code app builders, Appy Pie boasts that it cost at least 1/10th of the industry standard. You can try out a free trial version of Appy Pie before committing to one of the following pricing plans:
- Basic: $16/app/month (supports Android)
- Gold: $36/app/month (supports Android)
- Platinum: $60/app/month (also supports iOS apps)
Best No-Code App Builder for Project and Data Management Apps
If you’re looking to create an app that stores and sorts large amounts of data, then Airtable is the no-code app builder for you.
The focus of this platform isn’t on creating visually dynamic apps. Instead, the design is based on spreadsheets and focuses on helping users optimize workflows and organize data into easy-to-interpret visualizations.
With an intuitive interface designer, the ability to sync data across teams, and a variety of automation and integrations at your fingertips, Airtable is an extremely powerful data management app-building tool.
Pricing:
Airtable offers a free option for individuals or small teams who are just getting started on the platform. They also offer discounted plans for educational institutions and non-profit organizations.
Paid membership options include:
- Plus: $10/per seat/per month
- Pro: $20/per seat/ per month
Airtable Success Story
As previously mentioned, Airtable is known more for its data-sorting abilities than its visual appeal. It is best used for creating project management or workflow optimization tools.
Airtable integrates well with other app builders and was part of the tech stack used to create Makerpad, an educational platform that provides tutorials and resources that help entrepreneurs get started on their no-code journeys.
The Makerpad learning community was built using a combination of Webflow, Stripe, Zapier, Airtable, and Convertkit. Makerpad found success quickly, generating an annual recurring revenue of $400,000 from 10,000 members within just 18 months. The business was then acquired by Zapier.
Best No-Code App Builder for Enterprise-Grade Projects
To create an enterprise-level app, you’ll need the help of a no-code app builder that is robust and secure enough to handle large amounts of sensitive business data.
If your goal is to build complex systems at scale, we’d recommend using Quickbase.
Quickbase is made up of an ecosystem of applications that allow you to piece together powerful workflows and apps.
Aimed specifically at large businesses, Quickbase has a plethora of tools that help you tailor your app to suit specific industries, such as manufacturing, education, and property development, or specific business needs, such as supply chain management or CRM and sales.
Pricing:
You can try out the free 30-day trial version of Quickbase before committing to one of the following pricing plans:
- Team: $30/per user/ per month
- Business: $50/per user/ per month
- Enterprise: contact Quickbase for more info
Quickbase Use Cases
As an enterprise product, Quickbase isn’t designed to create B2C apps. Where the platform really shines is helping businesses rapidly develop new internal software and apps that help them grow to six figures and beyond.
Instead of having to hire large teams of programmers who may take months to develop your application, Quickbase allows you to build the apps you need in a fraction of the time.
Additional Six-figure No-code Success Stories
While some people in the SaaS and tech industries remain skeptical about the viability of no-code applications, there’s no denying that it is entirely possible to build a six or seven-figure business using no-code and low-code tools.
Another successful business created with Bubble, is Comet, a marketplace that connects tech and IT freelancers with potential clients who need the help of qualified experts for specific projects. Launched in the summer of 2016, the business was soon raking in more than €600,000/pm and raised €16 million in seed funding in 2018.
Adding to the success stories is Plato, a mentorship platform that pairs aspiring engineers with leaders in the industry to help fledgling engineers overcome specific challenges and forge successful careers. Plato was also built on Bubble and was accepted into the prestigious YCombinator startup accelerator program, helping the platform raise $13 million in funding.
Building a Six-Figure No-Code App Is Within Your Reach
The days of relying on developers to make your dreams of becoming a SaaS founder come true are over.
With the help of no-code app builders, you can build robust, highly profitable apps using a fraction of the time and resources that traditional coding requires. Now that you know more about which no-code app builders to use for different types of applications, you can begin to put your ideas into motion.
Alternatively, if you’d prefer not to start a business from scratch, you can buy an existing SaaS business from our marketplace. This will help you skip the startup phase and jump right into generating revenue!
If you’d like more information or guidance on how to find the right business to suit your needs, schedule a call with one of our expert business advisors.
