Many aspiring entrepreneurs feel intimidated by the idea of having to learn how to code in order to get their business off the ground. With the rise of no-code platforms and tools, it is increasingly possible to create software without writing code. Here are a few tips on how to start a startup without coding:
TL; DR
To build an app or software startup without coding, first research your target audience to understand their needs. Define your unique selling proposition (USP) to differentiate your product from competitors, then validate your idea by gathering feedback from potential customers. Use no-code platforms and tools to build and launch your prototype or MVP, and test and iterate to refine your product. It's also important to seek out resources and support, such as accelerators and incubators, to help you get your business off the ground.
Identify a problem and your audience
The first step in starting a tech startup is to identify a problem that needs solving and determine how your product or service can solve it. This can be anything from a software solution to a physical product, as long as it addresses a problem or need in the market.
It is important to thoroughly understand your target audience before starting the development process for a new app. One way to do this is by creating a buyer persona, which is a fictional representation of your ideal customer. This persona should include details such as age, gender, location, job title, family size, income, and education. To gather this information, you can interact with your target market through surveys, questionnaires, and face-to-face interviews. You can also reach out to your current network, such as coworkers, friends, and clients, and consider contacting marketing companies or using social media to find qualified people to talk to. Additionally, research your competitors to see who they are targeting and what their customers like, want, need, and do.
Here are some tips on how to identify a problem that needs solving:
- Conduct market research: One of the best ways to identify a problem that needs solving is to conduct market research to understand the needs and challenges of your target audience. This can involve surveys, focus groups, and other methods of gathering feedback from potential customers.
- Look for unmet needs: Keep an eye out for unmet needs or problems that are not being adequately addressed by existing products or services. This can be an opportunity to create a new solution that meets the needs of a specific group of customers.
- Solve your own problem: Sometimes the best ideas for solving a problem come from personal experience. If you have faced a challenge or inconvenience in your own life, consider whether your solution could be turned into a product or service that could benefit others.
- Consider emerging trends: Keep an eye out for emerging trends and technologies that could create new opportunities to solve problems. For example, the rise of artificial intelligence and machine learning has led to the development of new products and services that leverage these technologies.
- Collaborate with others: Don't be afraid to collaborate with others, whether they are customers, industry experts, or other entrepreneurs. By working together, you may be able to identify problems and come up with solutions that you may not have thought of on your own.
Identifying a problem that needs solving is the first step in starting a business, and it requires a combination of market research, creativity, and collaboration. By finding a problem that needs solving and developing a solution that meets the needs of your target audience, you can set the foundation for a successful business.
Validate the idea and your USP
Now you gotta define your USP (Unique Selling Proposition). This is what sets you apart from all the other apps out there and makes you stand out in the market. Think about what makes your app unique or different – maybe it's a new feature or a fresh take on a common problem. Whatever it is, make sure to use it to your advantage and let it shine.
Here are some examples for inspiration:
- "The Ultimate Driving Machine" - BMW's USP positions their vehicles as the premier choice for drivers who value performance and luxury.
- "Just Do It" - Nike's USP encourages customers to embrace their determination and drive to succeed in their pursuits, whether they be athletic or personal.
- "Think Different" - Apple's USP positions their products as tools for creative and innovative thinking, appealing to consumers who value uniqueness and individuality.
- "Melts in your mouth, not in your hands" - M&M's USP highlights the convenience and enjoyment of their chocolate candies, which are easy to eat and don't make a mess.
- "The Quicker Picker Upper" - Bounty's USP emphasizes the effectiveness and speed of their paper towels, making them a top choice for cleaning up messes.
Once you've got your USP down, it's time to validate your idea. This is super important because it helps you figure out if your app has what it takes to be successful. Start by doing some research on the competition – what are they offering and how can you do it better? Next, talk to your target market (aka the people you want to use your app) and get their feedback. Are they interested in your solution? Finally, check out online forums and groups to see if there's a demand for your app. By doing all this, you'll have a better understanding of whether your app is a hit or a miss.
Do you want more ideas of validating ideas without building anything? Check out this case study: How to validate a product without wasting time and money : I did it with 4 hours of work and 2,000 eur in expenses. .
Explore zero-code tools
Zero code tools are software tools that allow users to create and customize applications or processes without writing any code. These tools typically have user-friendly interfaces that allow even non-technical users to easily build and manage complex systems. Some examples of zero code tools include visual programming languages, low-code platforms, and drag-and-drop app builders. These tools can be useful for a variety of tasks, such as automating business processes, creating custom databases, and building mobile or web applications.
These tools can be used to automate a variety of tasks, such as creating custom databases, building mobile or web applications, and managing business processes. Some specific examples of zero code tools include:
- Bubble: a visual programming language for building web applications without code
- Adalo is a platform for building custom mobile and web applications without writing code
- Make: a tool for automating workflows and connecting different web applications without writing code
- Tilda is a tool for creating websites without writing code.
These are just a few examples of zero code tools. There are many other similar tools available, each with its own unique features and capabilities. Consider using a no-code app builder like Bubble or Adalo if this is your first experience with zero code tools. Both offers a free plan for learning and testing purposes. To get started with Bubble, try exploring some of their available resources to build a solid foundation of skills and knowledge. For example, join our FREE startup school to get started with Bubble, Adalo, Tilda and Make.
Do you want to build your first web application in Bubble or Adalo in a couple of hours? Join our FREE Startup School and go to the "Bubble" or "Adalo" module.
Once you chose your tool, it's time to build your minimum viable product (MVP), which is a basic version of your app that can help you test and validate your idea. When building your MVP, make sure to keep it as simple as possible, as it should only include the most essential features and functions. It's also important to understand that your MVP doesn't necessarily have to be a fully functioning app – it could be an explainer video or a prototype that conveys your idea.
Do you want more information on how these tools can be used? Check out this article: MVP Case Study: How we built a startup game without developers in 12 weeks
Test and iterate
Once you have a prototype or MVP (minimum viable product), it's important to test it and gather feedback from potential customers. Testing allows you to get insights from your potential target market and beta testers, who can try out your app and provide valuable feedback. You can use services like Trymyui.com and Usability Hub to find beta testers, or use tools like Lookback.io, Crazy Egg, and Inspectlet to gather feedback from your own user base, which may include partners and friends. Make sure to ask specific questions about what users think and feel about your solution, and use this feedback to make changes, updates, or pivot your idea as needed. By the end of this step, you should have a better understanding of how your app is perceived and where improvements can be made.
Validate and automate
As a startup founder, you wear many hats and juggle a multitude of tasks on a daily basis. From sales and marketing to customer support and product development, it can be challenging to keep up with everything on your plate. That's where no-code automation tools come in.No-code automation tools allow you to build custom solutions without the need for programming knowledge. This means you can automate tasks, processes, and workflows without the need for a dedicated team of developers. This can save your startup valuable time and resources, allowing you to focus on the core aspects of your business.
One popular no-code automation tool is Make. With Make, you can connect different applications and services to automate tasks and workflows. For example, you can use Make to automatically add new customer information to your CRM when someone signs up for your newsletter or send a notification to your team when a customer submits a support request.
Slack is another no-code automation tool that can help your startup streamline communication and collaboration. With Slack, you can set up custom notifications and alerts, integrate with other tools and services, and create custom workflows to automate tasks.
Airtable is a no-code automation tool that allows you to create custom databases and workflows. With Airtable, you can create custom forms and integrate with other tools and services to automate data entry, analysis, and reporting.
Promote and launch
It's time to promote your app and get it in front of as many people as possible. To do this, you'll need to create a solid pitch that highlights your unique selling proposition (USP), target market, and the benefits of your app. Make sure to send your pitch to the right person and include appropriate links and contact information.
You can promote your app on sites like PreApps, Haro, Product Hunt, and BetaList, or do some research to find other relevant platforms. Consider hiring a temporary copywriter to help with your pitch and a virtual assistant to assist with outreach efforts.
Remember, you can pitch your app even if it's not fully launched yet – many sites accept pitches for beta versions. Once you've launched your app, continue your promotion efforts and gather more feedback from real users.
Use key performance indicator (KPI) dashboards and tools like Google Analytics to track your performance and identify areas for improvement. Keep testing new growth ideas and working on ways to increase user engagement and retention. As you continue to develop and refine your app, remember that your no-code app building skills will also grow and evolve.
Seek out resources and support
There are many resources available to help you get your startup off the ground, including accelerators, incubators, mentors, startup communities, co-working spaces. These organizations can provide mentorship, funding, and other support to help you get your business up and running.
Check out some articles that can help you out:
- Incubators & Accelerators: Everything You Need to Know to Make the Right Choice
- The benefits of mentoring for mentors and mentees
- How to find a Co-Founder for Your Startup and what to ask them
- Controversial Debate: Is a Technical Co-Founder Really Necessary for Startup Success?
Starting a tech startup without coding can be a challenging but rewarding endeavor, and with the right resources, and support, it is definitely possible. By focusing on identifying a problem and developing a solution that meets the needs of your target audience, you can successfully launch and grow your business. Even without technical skills.
