2023: The top 14 business models to take advantage of Bubble.io technology - pros and cons for you!

Bubble is a revolutionary technology that has been gaining popularity in recent years. It's a no-code platform that allows users to build, launch, and scale web applications without writing any code. Bubble.io has been a game-changer for many businesses, allowing them to launch their digital products faster and more efficiently. In this blog post, we will be exploring the top 14 business models that you can take advantage of using Bubble.io technology.

We will be using the idea maze of Balajis Srinivasan that he presented in his Stanford Startup Engineering Course in 2013. The 14 business models we will be discussing include web agency competitor, MVPs for digital transformation consultancies, coaching for domain experts, expert freelancer in a region, no-code courses and community, upwork for no-code, global expert freelancer, micro SaaS, MVP for venture scale startup, enterprise SaaS, micro SaaS in venture studio, 10x better MVPS as venture studio, Bubble.io plugins, and Bubble.io templates.

In each section, we will discuss the explanation of the model, its pros and cons, and real-life examples. By the end of this post, you will have a comprehensive understanding of the different business models that you can take advantage of using Bubble.io technology and make an informed decision for your business.

Chapter 1: Web Agency Competitor

Web agencies play a vital role in helping businesses establish their online presence and reach their target audience. However, with the advent of no-code platforms like Bubble.io, traditional web agencies are facing new challenges. By leveraging the power of Bubble.io, businesses can now build, launch, and scale their digital products faster and more efficiently than ever before.

In this chapter, we will explore the business model of becoming a web agency competitor using Bubble.io technology. The key to success in this model is to provide better customer service than your competitors. Lots of people believe that the key to winning in this industry is to offer lower prices, but in reality, it's about delivering better service. By using Bubble.io, you can fix a button in minutes, which would usually take three days with traditional development methods.

Pros:

• Faster turnaround time: The ability to build, launch, and scale digital products quickly using Bubble.io technology gives you a competitive advantage over traditional web agencies.
• Improved customer experience: By delivering faster and more efficient services, you can improve the customer experience and set yourself apart from your competitors.
• Increased efficiency: With Bubble.io, you don't need to hire a team of developers to build and launch digital products, which increases your efficiency and allows you to focus on delivering better customer service.

Cons:

• Perception of low value: Despite the benefits of Bubble.io technology, some people may still perceive no-code platforms as cheap and therefore not willing to pay a premium price for your services.
• Competition: With more and more businesses adopting Bubble.io technology, the competition in the web agency space is increasing, and you need to continuously differentiate yourself from your competitors.

In conclusion, becoming a web agency competitor using Bubble.io technology can be a great business opportunity if you are focused on delivering better customer service and improving the customer experience. While there may be some challenges along the way, the benefits of using this technology can give you a competitive edge and help you succeed in this business model.

Chapter 2: MVPs for Digital Transformation Consultancies

Digital transformation is becoming increasingly important for businesses to stay relevant and competitive in today's digital landscape. This has led to a growing demand for digital transformation consultancies to help organizations navigate this process. However, traditionally, the implementation of minimum viable products (MVPs) in digital transformation projects has had a high failure rate of roughly 90%. This is due to a number of factors, including the short project length of most consultancy projects (usually 6 weeks) and the intense nature of the work. Additionally, the development cycle of an MVP typically takes 18-24 weeks, making it difficult for consultancies to deliver results within the typical timeframe of their projects.

The introduction of no-code platforms like Bubble.io has the potential to revolutionize the way digital transformation consultancies approach MVPs. By using no-code, consultancies can communicate their vision more effectively with the development team using visual programming, reducing the risk of miscommunication and culture clashes between engineers and consultants.

Moreover, no-code allows people from different backgrounds to enter the development industry, such as individuals with a business or law background. This not only broadens the pool of talent available to consultancies, but also allows them to focus better on the business outcome of the MVP.

Pros:

• Faster development: With no-code, the development cycle of an MVP can be significantly shortened, allowing consultancies to deliver results faster.
• Improved communication: Visual programming makes it easier for consultancies to communicate their vision with the development team, reducing the risk of miscommunication and culture clashes.
• Broader pool of talent: No-code allows individuals from different backgrounds to enter the development industry, providing consultancies with a broader pool of talent to choose from.
• Focus on business outcome: No-code platforms allow consultancies to focus better on the business outcome of the MVP, rather than just the technical implementation.

Cons:

• Perception of low value: Despite the benefits of no-code, some people may still perceive it as cheap and therefore not willing to pay a premium price for the services of digital transformation consultancies.
• Competition: As more and more consultancies adopt no-code, the competition in the market will increase, making it important for consultancies to continuously differentiate themselves from their competitors.

In conclusion, leveraging no-code platforms like Bubble.io for MVPs in digital transformation projects has the potential to revolutionize the way consultancies approach this challenge. By reducing the risk of miscommunication and culture clashes, and allowing for a broader pool of talent, consultancies can deliver better results faster and with more focus on the business outcome.

Chapter 3: Coaching for Domain Experts

The idea of coaching for domain experts is to help those who have a strong background in a specific industry, like finance or insurance, to learn how to build software of their own. This educational training format aims to bridge the gap between traditional software development and the industry-specific knowledge of domain experts.

The concept is revolutionary because software development was previously seen as something that required a computer science degree. However, the advent of no-code platforms has changed this perception. Just like how Microsoft Excel opened up new opportunities for business and finance professionals, no-code platforms have now made it possible for domain experts to build software without having to become experts in coding.

By offering coaching and training in the use of no-code platforms, domain experts can now learn how to program their own tools. This allows them to create custom software that is tailored to their specific needs and enhances their ability to solve problems in their industry.

One of the main advantages of this approach is the reduction in the culture clash between engineers and consultants. The use of no-code platforms facilitates better communication between these groups due to its visual programming approach, making it easier to find a common ground. Additionally, no-code platforms have also opened up opportunities for people with backgrounds in business or law to enter the software development industry. These individuals can now focus better on business outcomes and bring a fresh perspective to software development.

In conclusion, coaching for domain experts is a valuable opportunity for those who want to expand their skillset and enhance their ability to solve problems in their industry. By learning how to build software using no-code platforms, domain experts can now create custom tools that are tailored to their specific needs, leading to increased efficiency and improved outcomes.

Chapter 4: Expert Freelancer in a Specific Region

As a new technology, Bubble.io has a growing number of power users who can leverage their expertise to offer premium services. Similar to other programming languages, these experts can serve as domain experts in their respective regions. For example, consider the rise of mobile internet and the rise of expert iOS programmers in cities like London and New York. These experts could command a premium for their services due to their expertise in the field.

Being an expert freelancer in a specific region has its advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, having a deep knowledge of the Bubble.io technology and being able to demonstrate this expertise through successful case studies and tutorials can lead to a competitive edge in the market and the ability to charge a premium for services. This is particularly true in regions where the demand for expertise in this new technology is high, such as London, Berlin or New York.

On the other hand, by focusing on a specific region, you may not be able to maximize your profits and leverage the full potential of this new opportunity. This is because you may not be able to reach a global audience and could miss out on other lucrative opportunities.

However, the upside of this approach is that there is essentially zero risk involved. By focusing on being an expert in a specific region, you can take advantage of the time advantage that comes with being an early adopter and having a deep understanding of the technology. This expertise will compound over time, giving you a competitive edge in the market.

In conclusion, if you are considering becoming an expert freelancer in a specific region, it's important to weigh the pros and cons carefully. While it may not maximize profits and leverage, it is a low-risk approach that can lead to a competitive edge in the market and a premium pricing for services.

Chapter 5: No-Code Course and Community

The no-code movement is driven by the idea of empowering people to create and build things without the need for traditional programming skills. With the rise of no-code platforms, the need for training and education has become crucial in order to unlock the full potential of these tools. This is where no-code courses and communities come in.

One great example of a no-code course and community is Buildcamp.io. They have built a solid Bubble Academy and have gathered a lot of users learning this tool. They offer a variety of courses and tutorials that cater to different skill levels and backgrounds.

The business model of no-code courses and communities is usually based on either a one-time fee for courses or a subscription model. While there are a lot of free tutorials available on the internet, offering paid courses and tutorials can help demonstrate expertise and establish credibility.

However, the challenge is that investing in the best content is crucial for driving adoption and retention of the tool. If the platform does not invest in the best content, users may simply turn to free tutorials and not fully unlock the potential of the platform.

Bubble.io, for example, operates on a Software as a Service hosting model, which aligns incentives between students and Bubble. While the business may become commoditized, if Bubble is able to reach 100 million users, it will still be a solid market.

In conclusion, no-code courses and communities are essential in driving adoption and empowering users to fully utilize no-code platforms. It is important for no-code platforms to invest in the best content in order to drive adoption and establish credibility in the market.

Chapter 6: Upwork for No-Code Platforms

The rise of no-code platforms has created a new supply of developers building applications using tools such as Bubble.io. This has led to the emergence of new platforms that focus specifically on this new breed of developers. These platforms aim to attract, vet and advertise the benefits of these individuals, thereby creating a competitive advantage for themselves. Examples of such platforms include Airdev (with a more vertically integrated model), WLNC , and Heep.

One of the key advantages of these no-code platforms is that they have the ability to build brand and expertise, attracting a large pool of developers who have the necessary skills and knowledge to build applications using no-code tools. This can provide a valuable resource for companies who are looking to develop applications quickly and with limited resources.

However, there is also a big question surrounding the role of Upwork in this new ecosystem. Upwork is a well-established platform that has been around for many years, and it has a proven track record of connecting freelancers with clients who are looking for their services. The question is whether Upwork should start a new vertical to cater to the no-code market, or whether it should continue to focus on its core platform.

There are a number of factors to consider when evaluating the potential for Upwork to enter the no-code market. On the one hand, there is a clear demand for no-code development services, and there is no doubt that Upwork could leverage its existing platform to create a new vertical. On the other hand, there are already a number of established players in the no-code market, and it may be difficult for Upwork to differentiate itself and establish itself as a leader in this space.

In conclusion, the potential for Upwork to enter the no-code market is an interesting development that is worth watching. There are a number of factors to consider, including the existing demand for no-code development services and the competition from established players. Ultimately, the success of Upwork in this market will depend on its ability to differentiate itself and establish itself as a leader in the no-code space.

Chapter 7: Global Expert Freelancer in No-Code Platforms

With the rise of the no-code movement, there is a growing opportunity for experts in the field to become global freelancers. The visual and universal language of no-code platforms like Bubble.io make it possible to provide services and promote expertise online, without the limitations of geography.

One way to monetize this expertise is through on-demand services, such as solving problems for clients at a rate of $99 per hour. Another option is to offer speaking sessions via Zoom or virtual development services. This allows for a flexible and remote-friendly way to earn income as a no-code expert.

To promote your services globally, it's important to showcase your domain expertise and build a personal brand online. This can be done through creating ebooks, tutorials, blogs, and even YouTube videos. Utilizing platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn can also help to increase visibility and build a network of potential clients.

By becoming a global expert freelancer in the no-code space, you have the opportunity to tap into a growing market and monetize your skills in a flexible and scalable way. However, it's important to constantly stay up to date with industry trends and advancements in order to maintain your status as a sought-after expert.

Chapter 8: Building a Micro Software as a Service Business with Bubble.io

The rise of no-code platforms like Bubble.io has created exciting new opportunities for entrepreneurs and small businesses. One of the biggest benefits of no-code is the reduction in the cost of creating and launching a software as a service (SaaS) business. With no-code, the cost of development has decreased by roughly 90% compared to traditional software development, which means that more people have the ability to create and launch a business with a fraction of the cost and time.

This opens up the opportunity for entrepreneurs and small businesses to quickly build a micro SaaS business, targeting a specific niche or market. The advantage of being early in a niche market is that it becomes increasingly difficult and unprofitable for other competitors to enter the market later on. This allows the early entrant to capture a significant portion of the market and establish a strong foothold in the industry.

For example, instead of building a SaaS business like Docusign, which serves the entire market, a no-code entrepreneur could focus on building a Docusign-like business specifically for the Spanish market, targeting real estate brokers. By focusing on a specific niche, the entrepreneur has the opportunity to dominate the market with 75% or more market share.

It's important to note that while the cost of entry into the market has decreased, competition will increase over the long-term. However, the short time frame and low cost of entry give early entrants the advantage to establish themselves in the market before competition becomes too fierce.

In conclusion, building a micro SaaS business with no-code is an exciting opportunity for entrepreneurs and small businesses to quickly enter the market and establish a strong foothold in a specific niche. With the cost of entry being significantly lower and the time frame being shorter, the risk of starting a business is greatly reduced and the opportunity for success is greatly increased.

Chapter 9: MVP for Venture Scale Startups

In the early days of startups, building an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) was a costly and time-consuming process, often requiring an investment of $500k or more. This led to the rise of accelerators like Y Combinator, which helped startups get their ideas off the ground by providing funding and support.

However, with the rise of No-Code platforms, the cost of building an MVP has decreased dramatically. This has opened up new opportunities for entrepreneurs and startups to validate their ideas, reach profitability faster, and iterate more quickly to achieve big winner outcomes.

The beauty of No-Code platforms is that it allows for rapid prototyping and iteration, allowing startups to validate their ideas and get to market faster. This can be especially helpful for startups in the workflow and business application layer, where the speed of iteration is key to success.

However, it's important to note that not all software startups are suited for No-Code MVPs. For some startups, the technical debt of not having a proper technical team and elegant solution engineering can be too high. For example, if you are developing a new database, No-Code may not be the best option. Many of the big outcomes in the startup world come from elegant new solutions with new technologies (such as Snowflake), and these require a higher level of technical expertise.

Therefore, while No-Code MVPs can be a great option for many startups, it's important to carefully consider whether it's the right fit for your business before jumping in.

Chapter 10: Enterprise SaaS Startups with No-Code

Enterprise SaaS startups have always been a significant part of the technology landscape, and with the advent of No-Code platforms like Bubble.io, this trend is likely to continue. One of the major advantages of using No-Code platforms for Enterprise SaaS startups is the lower input cost of development. With the increasing use of cloud hosting services like AWS, the cost of building an enterprise-level SaaS solution has been greatly reduced, allowing startups to focus on market demand and selling enterprise-level licenses much more quickly.

This early focus on market demand and validation can be very valuable in the long term. With a solid foundation in place, enterprise SaaS startups can mitigate technical debt by adding more and more microservices and software development resources as they grow. By leveraging the power of No-Code platforms, startups can quickly validate their ideas and build a solid foundation for growth, which can help them compete against larger, established players in the SaaS space.

However, it is important to note that No-Code platforms are not a one-size-fits-all solution. While they are great for workflow-based business applications, they may not be suitable for startups that require more complex, technological solutions. Startups that develop new databases or other complex technologies may still need a dedicated technical team to build their solution from scratch.

Ultimately, enterprise SaaS startups that are able to leverage the power of No-Code platforms will have a significant advantage over those that choose to build their solutions from scratch. With the input cost of development significantly reduced and the focus on market demand and validation, startups can more easily achieve their goals and build successful, scalable businesses.

Chapter 11: Micro SaaS in the Venture Studio Business Model

The world of startups has seen a new trend in recent years, the rise of the venture studio business model. In this model, instead of focusing on a single startup, the venture studio launches multiple startups over the course of 12 months or more. This allows for more experimentation, learning, and iteration, leading to an increase in the chances of success for each new venture.

One of the key advantages of using a no-code platform like Bubble.io in this business model is the ability to reuse building blocks from previous projects. This not only saves time but also ensures a higher level of quality in each new venture. Additionally, using Bubble.io reduces the input costs of development, allowing the venture studio to focus on the important aspects of their business, such as market demand and customer validation.

The compound effect of using Bubble.io in the venture studio business model is clear. With each new project, the team gains more expertise and understanding of the platform, leading to faster iteration and better quality in the following projects. This cycle of improvement can lead to significant increases in the chances of success for each new venture in the studio.

However, it's important to note that while the no-code platform provides many benefits, it may not be suitable for all types of software startups. For example, if the startup requires a new technology or database, the use of Bubble.io may not be applicable. In these cases, it's important to have a proper technical team and solution engineering in place to ensure a scalable and efficient solution.

Overall, the combination of the venture studio business model and Bubble.io can provide a powerful tool for launching multiple successful startups in a short amount of time. By leveraging the advantages of the no-code platform, the venture studio can focus on what really matters: validation, customer demand, and market success.

Chapter 12: Building 10x Better MVPs with Bubble.io in the Venture Studio Model

The venture studio model of creating startups is becoming increasingly popular, as it allows for faster iteration and a better chance of success. In this model, the focus is not just on proving an idea, but on proving the unit economics and building a massive, scalable, venture-backed market winner. With Bubble.io, building MVPs has become easier and more efficient, allowing for a much better chance of success.

One of the main benefits of using Bubble.io in the venture studio model is the ability to build 10x better MVPs. This is because the no-code platform allows for rapid iteration and the ability to perfect unit economics. Instead of spending months or even years on building an MVP, a no-code platform like Bubble.io allows you to get to market much faster, gather user feedback and make adjustments as needed.

In addition, Bubble.io also allows for the reuse of building blocks from previous projects. This not only speeds up development time, but also improves the quality of the MVP. This creates a compound effect, where each subsequent MVP is stronger and more effective than the last.

Another key advantage of Bubble.io in the venture studio model is the ability to focus on validation and perfection of unit economics. This is particularly important in the early stages of a startup, as it helps to determine if the business is viable and scalable. By using Bubble.io, you can get to market faster, gather user feedback and make adjustments as needed, all while perfecting the unit economics.

Overall, the use of Bubble.io in the venture studio model offers a number of advantages for building 10x better MVPs. With its ability to speed up development time, improve the quality of the MVP and focus on unit economics, Bubble.io is a valuable tool for anyone looking to build a successful startup.

Chapter 13: Building Paid Plugins for the Bubble.io Ecosystem

One of the most exciting opportunities in the world of no-code is the possibility of building paid plugins for the Bubble.io ecosystem. By betting on the growth of the platform and the increasing number of users, building and selling plugins can be a lucrative business. These micro-plugins, much like apps in a mobile app store, can bring value to users and provide additional functionality to the Bubble.io platform.

For example, if there is a niche market that requires a specific feature not currently offered by Bubble.io, a paid plugin can be developed to cater to this need. This not only helps solve a problem for a particular group of users, but also creates an additional revenue stream for the plugin developer.

The benefits of this model are clear. As the number of downloads and 5-star reviews increase, so does the reputation and popularity of the plugin. This creates a compounding effect and helps the plugin grow with the platform.

However, there is a downside to this model as well. Bubble.io has an incentive to integrate all paid plugins natively into the platform, as it aligns better with their hosting model. This means that the plugin app store model may not be as attractive as a more integrated solution for Bubble.io.

In conclusion, building and selling paid plugins for the Bubble.io ecosystem can be a profitable business opportunity, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. Those looking to enter this market must weigh the potential benefits and risks carefully, and always be prepared to adapt to changes in the ecosystem.

Chapter 14: Building Templates for Bubble.io

Templates are pre-built web applications that users can customize to fit their needs. They are an incredibly powerful tool for getting started with Bubble.io, as they provide a starting point for users to build their own applications. By providing a set of common functionalities and design elements, templates make it easy for users to get started with their projects and save time and effort in the process.

One of the best things about building templates for Bubble.io is that there is no shortage of demand. There is a huge market for templates, as more and more people are discovering the power of Bubble.io and the potential of no-code development. By building templates, you can tap into this market and provide value to users, while also generating income for your business.

There are a few different ways to approach building templates for Bubble.io. You can build them as standalone applications, or you can build them as plugins that can be integrated into the Bubble.io platform. Both approaches have their own advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to consider what makes the most sense for your business.

One popular approach is to build templates as Chrome extensions, like AtomicFusion, Frames, or Airdev Canvas. These are essentially templates that can be copied and pasted into Bubble.io, and they provide a convenient way for users to get started with their projects. The downside to this approach is that it requires users to manually copy and paste the code into their Bubble.io project, which can be time-consuming and error-prone.

Another approach is to build templates as part of the Bubble.io Template Store. This is a centralized marketplace where users can browse and purchase templates, making it easy to find what they're looking for and get started with their projects. The downside to this approach is that Bubble.io has an incentive to have all paid templates natively and free integrated into Bubble.io, as their hosting model is more powerful than a template app store model.

Regardless of the approach you choose, building templates for Bubble.io is a great business opportunity. There is a huge demand for templates, and by providing value to users, you can generate income for your business. In order to succeed, it's important to focus on building high-quality templates that are easy to use and provide real value to users. By doing this, you can tap into the growing market for no-code development and build a successful business for yourself.

Conclusion

In conclusion, No-Code platforms like Bubble.io have opened up new opportunities for individuals and businesses to create, validate, and launch new products and services at a fraction of the cost compared to traditional software development. This has resulted in a democratization of the tech industry, enabling non-technical individuals to take part in the creation of new businesses and services.

There are many different models for success with Bubble.io, from freelancing and providing services, to building micro SaaS businesses, to creating paid plugins and templates. Each model has its own unique advantages, and it's up to the individual or business to decide which one works best for their goals and aspirations.

What's clear is that the future of software development is headed towards No-Code and low-code solutions. The time is now to take advantage of the opportunities available and see what's possible with Bubble.io. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, a freelancer looking to monetize your skills, or just someone with an idea, there's never been a better time to dive into the world of No-Code and start building.