So-called no-code platforms are a wonderful thing for people who have little or no programming knowledge. Because creating websites, apps and online shops is easy with no-code tools via drag-and-drop. The intuitive use of the functions of such platforms enables users without technical knowledge to create functional websites.
No-code platforms - create websites, online shops and applications without technical knowledge
Around 30 years ago, creating a website required either at least HTML knowledge or a web designer. So-called modular websites came onto the market later to use WYSIWYG tools to layout navigation, text and images. But now anyone can create their own homepage, blog or web shop with just a few mouse clicks. The method for creating websites known today as no-code is certainly a sequel to the former modular system. However, this not only allows you to create simple home pages, but also to implement really extensive web projects.
What exactly are no-code tools?
The English term “no-code” means creating websites without having to write code yourself - which, as is well known, is the actual work of a programmer. So you can create something with no-code even though you have no idea about it. Because no-code tools are virtually pre-programmed. With the tool, you can simply drag and drop the individual elements that make up a website into the desired location and fill them with “life”, i.e. with images, texts, videos, forms, social media buttons and much more.
Areas of application: What you can achieve with No-Code
For you as a user, the most interesting thing is probably what you can actually do with a no-code tool. In the no-code sector, website builders are undoubtedly a classic. With construction kit tools that are based on no-code, you become a webmaster, even though you may have no idea about programming or programming languages. While construction kit websites were still very limited in terms of design in their early days, you can now create very modern websites with them. Small companies and freelancers in particular benefit from presenting products, services and ideas on the Internet. Many professional and private bloggers use no-code tools to get their content to the reader or readers. Tools for beginners and people who have little idea of web design can use platforms such as Wix or WordPress. Webflow has a bit more offer, which is much more extensive and is suitable for users with a bit of experience.
The benefits of no-code tools
Modular systems such as WordPress, Wix and Co. are probably the best known among providers. The advantages of such no-code tools on the Internet are obvious:
- You don't need any previous experience to create a website or blog
- There is no need to spend time familiarizing yourself with the tool, as anyone who is familiar with the word processor Word can immediately create a WordPress or Wix page
- The time saved by using no-code platforms is huge
- The costs are significantly lower than for completely new programming a website
- If required, more complex applications can be commissioned and supplemented by a professional
- No-code websites usually work smoothly and quickly
- You don't have to look for a programmer and you can start creating the website right away
- In contrast to an individually programmed website, the costs are manageable and transparent
- Thanks to numerous additional tools from some providers, no-code websites are in no way inferior to individually programmed ones - Many platforms offer a free version or a free trial month to try out the tool
The drawbacks of no-code platforms
Basically, no-code works on the principle of “anyone can create a website.” Depending on the provider, there may also be certain difficulties with no-code programmed websites. These are usually reflected in terms of handling, the necessary previous knowledge and the price.
- No-code websites often incur running costs
- Depending on the service and services, this can even cost 50, 100 or even 200 euros a month
- Most platforms prevent downloading the code that was programmed in the background when creating the website, which makes it impossible to move to your own system
- Even with very extensive functional offerings, every no-code platform has its limits, so that you sometimes have to forego the desired functions
- Since every no-code platform works differently, you also have to be lucky when choosing the provider so that the intuitive operation works
- Some no-code providers require programming knowledge to be able to create a website
- You usually only recognize the limits of a no-code provider when you have already put a lot of work into creating the website
An overview of the various no-code platforms
If you are looking for a no-code tool to create a blog, a web shop or a website, you will find that new platforms are appearing on the Internet almost every day. It's easy to lose track of things, which is why you will only find the most well-known and established providers here. By the way: Some tool providers allow you to test the tools free of charge for a certain period of time or in a limited version. Accepting this offer is definitely recommended before deciding on a model in the long term.
WordPress
One of the most well-known no-code tools is offered by WordPress. More than a third of all websites on the Internet use WordPress, which is why there is already a lot of experience and a large community. And for good reason! Because creating the website and managing the content without code is pretty easy on WordPress. The operation is clear and the prefabricated designs are very attractive. In addition, any user who needs a WordPress domain can operate the website free of charge. For freelancers and entrepreneurs, however, the payment option, which is available in several stages, pays off. By the way, making changes on WordPress is easy. You can even change the topics that can be seen on the frontend as part of a re-launch of your website. To add various functions to the website, WordPress offers so-called plugins. This makes it very easy to place a contact form in the legal notice, for example.
Shopify
Shopify is highly recommended for e-commerce beginners. Because it makes it easy to create and optimize your own online shop. The management of products, inventory, shipping, and payment works smoothly, so that the entire business process is clearly comprehensible from the first mouse click to receipt of the ordered goods. Shopify also offers some free features, such as the individual design of the website and the free selection of tools. Shopify also has pretty good customer service and a Shopify Academy so that customers are really successful with their website. Shopify is constantly making updates and changes, such as recently.
Webflow
While you really don't need any previous technical knowledge for Wix, you should be an advanced user to use Webflow. In return, you get a much more comprehensive platform with many options. Webflow is therefore not a pure no-code platform, but is moving more towards low-code. By being able to use your own code, you have a great deal of freedom here with CSS. To learn more about Webflow, simply check out the guide on Webflow in the 2021 test on. Despite the many individual design options, Webflow also offers numerous free design templates and a drag-and-drop user interface.
Bubble.io
If you want to create your own app, the Bubble.io platform is the best choice. You can use Bubble.io to build a variety of apps, including community apps, project management tools, and job boards. With your own point-and-click program, you can create the app of your choice with minimal previous knowledge. You can also find out more about the platform in Bubble.io review test 2021.
Wix
Wix, a provider with which you can create your own, easy website in just a few mouse clicks, is also extremely well-known. To make this easy, Wix offers numerous templates. For small business owners and freelancers, a Wix website may well be enough.
Carrd
Designing a website with Caard is particularly easy. The no-code provider is known for its simplicity. To implement this, Carrd offers numerous templates with which you can immediately create a simple website. All you have to do is add content, such as texts and images, to the templates. Carrd also offers a number of tools to customize the blog or website.
typedream
With the Typedream website builder, you get a lot of freedom. All websites can be designed completely freely from a visual point of view. It is not necessary to use templates for this. However, there are some prefabricated elements that make construction easier. This allows you to create designs that are unique.
Adalo
The Adalo platform is also designed for creating applications for smartphones or tablets. With Adalo, mobile apps in particular can be built. However, you can also use Adalo to create web applications. So if you're looking for an alternative to Bubble.io, Adalo is the place to go. Adalo is ideal for founders who want to implement an idea quickly. The free feature is also great for quickly testing an idea.
Notion
With the Notion Notion Notion tool, you can not only create simple websites, but also other useful tools for work and everyday life, such as checklists and project management tools. It is easy to use and the project is implemented quickly.
Landbot
Landbot is a very useful tool for building a no-code chatbot. Such a chatbot is a wonderful service for customers who want quick answers to common questions. Landbot is also very easy to combine with other tools, such as Airtable, Slack and Mailchimp.
conclusion
Designing websites and mobile apps is no longer a great art today. Because there are numerous no-code platforms on the Internet that offer appropriate tools for this purpose. The most famous among them are certainly WordPress, Shopify, Webflow, Bubble.io and Wix. While small companies and freelancers benefit in particular from the fairly inexpensive offers, some tools can also be used to implement larger projects.
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