No-Code Platforms to Try in 2021
The demand for no-code tools is constantly rising and will become the mainstay for all application development projects in most organizations in 2021. The reason being, to empower non-tech experts to build quality apps – bring data together and assemble software without any coding knowledge.
What has facilitated the rise?
Most businesses are looking at automation of their digital processes, which will solve technical issues, making a difference to their business growth.
Rapid digitalization has increased app development platforms, allowing people to quickly build functional apps and websites without coding expertise.
Even though low-code no-code has been around for years, its use has just recently become more prevalent. The increase is primarily due to the addition of a worldwide pandemic to the mix. Many small and medium businesses moved online during the pandemic, and for these businesses, no-code platforms were the ideal option for developing apps swiftly. In addition, no-code systems are capable of handling user interactions effectively. These systems have assured that companies can run as smoothly as possible, especially during uncertain times, by utilizing the platform’s adaptability.
Businesses that used no-code platforms before can quickly adapt to remote work environments and develop new apps to manage other processes. In addition, they may sidestep any data security risks by making use of the platform’s no-code capabilities. These no-code platforms can also bring down development and maintenance costs while also lowering security risks, and that’s a significant plus.
These no-code platforms don’t just purely mean building new startups or businesses; it also includes building workflow automation with ease, improving business processes or anything you desire to help with operations and growth.
Even something as challenging as building a website or an app can be possible thanks to no-code tools! But what are no-code tools exactly?
What is no-code?
While “No-code” doesn’t really mean no code. It is a programming style that does not require the use of code and instead relies on GUI (Graphical User Interface) tools.
Believe it or not, there are just as many types of no-code tools, those many as no-code tools.
As most of these tools are equipped with a different set of features, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for all domains.
We’ve curated the five best domain-specific no-code platforms to help you with your own and make what you need to do easier. And with the options I’m going to share here, you won’t even need to learn how to code.
Our top 6 picks for no-code platforms
1. Pixpa
Getting your site off the ground with the right website builder is the most challenging part for new website owners. But… it shouldn’t be. With a website builder like Pixpa in place, website building now isn’t an arduous task. Pixpa is an all-in-one platform for creators and small businesses to create beautiful, professional websites complete with a built-in online store, blog, and client galleries. Pixpa’s versatile platform has everything you need to showcase your work, share ideas and sell your stuff online without coding knowledge.
Pixpa offers a large selection of pixel-perfect and responsive templates. With its powerful visual style editor, you can alter the look of your site any way you want. Adding pages to your website is a breeze with Pixpa’s drag-and-drop page builder.
With a host of built-in tools like SEO manager, Marketing Pop-Ups, Announcement Bar, and more, you won’t need to worry about adding any other plugins to keep the traffic coming and convert more leads.
Pixpa’s fast and proactive customer support is one of its pillars. They offer 24/7 timely support through live chat and email, ensuring help is always at hand. A comprehensive help center is available as well, with guides and step-by-step tutorials.
Pricing
Pixpa offers all-inclusive plans that are simple and affordable with no hidden costs. Subscriptions start at just $7/month, and all plans provide ample resources, unlimited bandwidth, SSL certificates, and 24/7 support.
Verdict:
If you are in search of an all-in-one platform and need to build a website, Pixpa is your new best friend.
2. Zapier
If you’re looking for a solution that can automate your work functions without requiring you to write complex code, Zapier’s low-code platform is the right choice for you.
Zapier connects your apps and integrates your data to create a more systematic workflow and make you feel more organized without touching a line of code. It creates a seamless experience by tying together over 2000 apps like Google Suite, Slack, and Twitter for your best interest.
Its quick setup is one of the most appreciated features. The product is straightforward to use, thus saving both time and money.
Pricing
With the free tier, you get 100 tasks per month, and you can only have 5 Zaps running at once. The next tier up – Starter – costs $19.99 a month and provides you with 750 tasks and 20 Zaps.
Verdict:
If you want to connect different app platforms, automate and expedite your workflow, Zapier is your automation dream.
3. Airtable
Imagine if you could have all of the functionality of a spreadsheet plus the data manipulation capabilities of sophisticated databases without having to enter in a single formula. Airtable is a spreadsheet-database hybrid tool and is often referred to as a management app due to its productivity features.
Airtable, mainly being used for project management, is simple to use and offers many integrations with other platforms. It provides a needed workspace for all the members and makes it easy to collaborate with all your team members. Airtable is pleasant to use, in addition to the ease of use provided by the blocks and labeling system.
Pricing
You can use Airtable for free until you hit 1,200 records. There’s also a limit of 2GB of attachment space and two weeks of history in the free tier. The plus tier is the next step up, and it costs $20 per user each month. You’ll get 5,000 records, 5GB of attachment space, and six months of history with this tier.
Verdict:
If you want to make your project management experience a breeze, go for Airtable with your eyes closed.
4. Mailchimp
Mailchimp needs no introduction, and this platform has everything you need to capture customer data, analyze who they are, and communicate with them.
From Mailchimp’s all-in-one marketing platform, you can conduct surveys, execute social media campaigns, and categorize your customer databases. They also provide several no-code integrations making it easy to automate whatever you require.
Pricing
Mailchimp offers a free plan up to 2,000 contacts and 10,000 emails each month; MailChimp offers a free plan. For 500 contacts and 500k emails, the Essentials package starts at $9.99 per month. Starting at $14.99/month, the Standard plan provides advanced automation, while the Premium plan gives you access to all regions for $299/month.
Verdict:
Growing your customer base and getting in touch with them is crucial, especially in the early stages of a firm. Mailchimp makes this process faster and more innovative, just seamlessly!
5. Mixpanel
Mixpanel is a product analytics tool that assists teams in figuring out the when and whys of churn, make faster decisions, and build better products.
Mixpanel’s reports are highly customizable and will indeed transform your reports into way more meaningful CTAs. It updates data within seconds and processes real-time data. It combines ease of use with customizability, making users rave about it.
With robust customer relationship management capabilities like automated emails and push notifications, Mixpanel can help marketing teams drive trigger-based across various personas and cohorts.
Pricing
Mixpanel offers a free plan that allows you to track up to 100K monthly users; if you wish to upgrade, the Growth plan starts at $25 per month. And when you are finally ready to upgrade to enterprise, you can get in touch with their team.
Verdict:
A must-have tool for product-led growth since it allows you to analyze, measure, and repeat consumer experiences, making it a great addition to any product manager’s toolkit.
Final Thoughts
No-code doesn’t mean anti-code. These tools can surely get you far, and in some cases, the entire way. But the importance of code should never be overlooked, and developers and their expertise will always have a place. The idea here is to leverage these no-code tools in the right way, and people who don’t know how to code should still be able to launch their ideas, and build businesses. It’s equally exciting and encouraging to see the variety of no-code and low-code tools available out there for non-programmers to innovate.
And that being said, to get the most out of these tools, read through the above list of no-code options and see how they can enhance your work.
