How to create an app for your business with zero coding experience

Apps are a rising force in the world of commerce. In 2021 alone, consumers spent $170 billion on apps — a 19 percent increase from the previous year. Users spend about 87 percent of their time on mobile devices on apps, and unlike websites, which are generally free to use, many apps require purchases.

These stats are not surprising when you consider the benefits of apps over web browsers. The apps are more user-friendly and visually appealing. Content fits completely different screen sizes, loads faster, and navigation is more intuitive. Some apps can also use the device’s hardware, such as the accelerometer or the camera.

Faster load times are especially important, considering that 40 percent of website visitors will leave the site if it takes more than three seconds to load. Faster loading times also make checkouts smoother from the browser. For these reasons and more, apps consume websites revenue. According to a JMango360 report, 40.4 percent of all users buy more from the company after installing the company’s e-commerce app.

The applications also reach the previously untapped customer segment. Websites receive a wide net and often amount to mere curiosity. For customers who seek richer and more interactive content, applications are more effective. Younger users are also more likely to use the apps – twice as many users over the age of 45. This is a valuable market share that you cannot ignore.

All that said, hiring someone to do mobile app development is often not practical for small businesses. In those cases, there is another option.

Related: How to Create an App When You Can’t Program

Enter the progressive web app

A newer approach is to use a Progressive Web Application (PWA). These applications have many specific advantages. It is easy to create, share and access, and organizations can use it for many purposes. It also offers automatic updates, instant downloads, and offline use. Also, unlike native apps, PWAs can be used across all devices.

Of course, PWAs aren’t the right choice for every small business – it depends on whether the app will use the device’s native functions. For example, native apps can access a device’s Bluetooth connection or camera, but PWAs can’t. If you need more security or super speed, the .File A local app might be a better option.

Given the commercial advantages of apps and the rise of Progressive Web Applications (PWAs), it seems counterintuitive that leaders of small and medium-sized businesses are racing to launch their own software. But sometimes, finding the right developer can be difficult. And even if you do find one, their fees may be too high for your budget.

Fortunately, business owners can opt for a no-token solution to get the job done without breaking the bank.

Related Topics: These $3 Million Apps Made By Non-Programmers

3 Tips for Getting Started with No-Code Apps

Before indulging in developing an app without code, here are three steps that will help you succeed:

1. Get clear information about the features you need for your app

Any project worth doing needs to be thought through carefully from the initial planning stages, to development without code no different. Consider the exact features you’ll need for your app, such as a drag-and-drop design interface, database integration, analytics and reporting features, scheduling capabilities, or e-commerce functionality. Make sure to choose a platform that uses templates, as they will help you build an app quickly and visually, which is the most intuitive approach.

Also check if the solution without code provides a way to extend the application with code in case you need a developer to modify it in the future. Nobody wants to start over at that point, and many no-code solutions can be low-code too.

2. Choose the correct app creator that does not contain code

Be sure to check the platform’s website for price transparency. Ask yourself: Can the platform expand with your company? Is it updated regularly? What companies have already used the platform successfully? Questions like these will help you gauge the suitability of the platform to your needs over time.

When choosing a no-code app builder, look for platforms that offer the features you selected in the previous step. This may also help determine if you need a native app – such as when you need to use some device functionality that PWA can’t provide.

3. Create your own integration team

App development shouldn’t happen in isolation, so get input from a wide range of stakeholders on app creation. Build what’s known as an ‘integration team’ – a group of groups from across the organization to provide input on developing an app for a particular functionality. For example, ByteDance, the company behind TikTok and other highly successful apps, has made success in this way by using Shared Service Platforms (SSPs) to foster effective teamwork.

With SSPs, ByteDance can support highly specialized and flexible teams to work on specific applications while calling business, technology, and operations-centric functions for support. This allows the company to deploy people as needed from these teams.

Related: Create cross-platform apps for your business idea with minimal coding

Join the future without code

Applications are essential to business strategy these days, and with no-code solutions available, there’s no reason not to have one up and running for your business. By doing some homework, using a PWA solution, finding a platform that fits your company’s needs, and getting a great team together, you can build an app with little or no coding and capture a greater market share.

But do not delay – the same option is available to your competitors. Fortunately, getting started with mobile app development is easy. Before long, you’ll enjoy the increased brand recognition and customer loyalty that comes with the app – without the huge expenses associated with developing a native app.