Bootstrap Your Side Business with No-Code Tools

If you have little free time to start a business, there is no better way to start than using no-code tools.

Coding your software might bring more scalability, but they are at least 10x slower and more expensive to develop. Nowadays, with so many no-code options, unless you are a VC-founded startup completely innovating a field, there is no reason not to take advantage of it.

And I say that as an experienced software developer.

Why Bootstrapping?

Bootstrapping for a long time was the only way to start a business; then, the VC-founded startup world began, and those sexy big investment numbers made everyone forget about it.

But starting a new venture from the ground up with your resources has its advantages.

It allows you to retain control of your time and the business, allowing you to decide how big you want it to get and, more importantly, for Sidepreneurs, how fast you want it to move. And if you want an investor after some time, I guarantee you will get a much better deal if the business is up and running, even with only a few clients.

Why No-code?

No-code tools allow you to create digital products — apps, websites, automation systems, and more — without writing a single line of code, making it accessible to non-technical entrepreneurs to start businesses with little money and no help.

The Universe of No-Code Tools

The ecosystem of No-Code tools is vast and varied, with something to cater to almost any kind of project you can conceive.

Here are some key categories and a few standout tools that could pave your path to success.

Website Builders: Tools such as Carrd, Squarespace, and Webflow make creating beautiful and professional websites quick and easy. With their pre-made templates and drag-and-drop interfaces, even those with zero design background can craft an impressive online presence.

Web App Builders: Bubble is leading the pack here, but we have other options like WeWeb and Buildr. They provide a platform for you to build web-based apps as powerful and complete as any web application.

Mobile App Builders: FlutterFlow and Adalo are the way to go in the no-code app space. They provide a powerful but simple platform to build professional-looking mobile apps without learning Android or iOS Development.

Automation Tools: Services like Zapier and Make can automate repetitive tasks by connecting the different tools you use for your business. They effectively create a flow of information between platforms, reducing manual work and improving efficiency.

E-commerce platforms: Shopify and BigCommerce have democratized online retail, offering comprehensive online store management platforms, from inventory to payments and shipping.

Many other specialized solutions exist, from tools to build chatbots to directory listings. So if you have an idea and it’s not on my list, a quick Google search will probably surprise you. Or send me a message, and I would happily recommend something.

No-Code Success Stories

To better illustrate the potential of no-code, let’s consider two stories of successful businesses built using popular no-code tools:

Comet, a freelancing marketplace for tech talent, was launched using Bubble.io by its non-technical founder, Charles Thomas. The platform quickly scaled, delivering 300+ projects and registering an average MRR of $800k.

Scribly.io, a content service platform started by British freelancer Dani Bell, is another testament to no-code tools' power. Built entirely with Webflow, Airtable, and Zapier, Scribly was ready to launch in 6–8 weeks and achieved an impressive MRR of $30K within its first year.

Understanding the Limitations

While no-code tools present a promising opportunity, recognizing their limitations is equally essential.

Limited Customization: No-code tools have pre-set functionalities and templates that can hugely accelerate development. However, this can be a limitation when you require particular functionalities. Although many no-code tools offer some flexibility, their ability to handle complex or niche customizations varies.

Scalability Issues: As your business grows, your operations' complexity might outgrow your no-code tool's capabilities. At that point, consider migrating to a custom-built solution.

Platform Dependency: While you retain ownership of the content you create with no-code tools, you’re ultimately bound by the platform's terms of service. If a no-code service shuts down, you could lose your work, and switching platforms may not be straightforward.

Performance Concerns: No-code tools might not always provide the same level of performance as code-built solutions. This could be a significant drawback if your business relies heavily on speed or processes a large volume of data.

No-code tools are reshaping the entrepreneurial landscape, providing an unprecedented opportunity for bootstrapped businesses.

Starting a business has never been more accessible.

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