Building MVPs with no-code at the GUILD

In this interview, we invited January Edward to share her experience with no-code tools with the GUILD members. January was a participant in the second cohort of the 8-week GUILD Academy program in spring 2020 and explored business models to bring her expertise to more first-time entrepreneurs.

Before we jump right into the interview, let's define the term "no-code tools"

“No-code” tools are software development platforms that allow even non-technical employees to build and deploy their own applications without writing a single line of code. ... No-code platforms can build software without the user having to modify the underlying codebase.

You know a lot about no-code tools and how to build products without having to code. How come this is your passion?

It’s really about the value of no-code tools. The fact that creators, innovators, and literally anyone can bring their idea to life without spending a ton of resources is amazing! People can actually spend more time defining and communicating the value they offer rather than sourcing funds before validating their product ideas.

Back in 2013, I had an idea for a wellness app but I couldn't go through with it because I had no idea where to start from in terms of the tech involved and also in terms of capital. I’ve also met people with innovative ideas for existing customer problems but the solutions remained ideas.

Being in the tech industry and finding simpler and easier ways to get things done exposed me to the world of no-code. After obtaining a more in-depth knowledge in business strategy through my MBA, and working in product management, I've learned to simplify the process from ideation to launch and I would like to help non-technical founders who were like me execute their product ideas and create impact.

For a while, it kind of felt like building digital products was only for people with the technical know-how or resources to hire a technical team. Now, it’s changing and with the rise of no-code tools, founders will be able to concentrate on providing value through their expertise and quickly validating their ideas. Subject matter experts can test ideas in their field of focus, employees can build their side project while working full time. The opportunities that no-code tools bring will open the doors to a new breed of makers, entrepreneurs, and innovators. The playing ground is already leveling up.

Can you give an example of a no-code tool and what’s the benefit of using it vs. hiring developers?

There are different no-code tools for various use cases but one amazing no-code tool is Webflow. Webflow enables users to build beautiful and responsive websites without writing a line of code. With drag-and-drop features, you can build a website that can compete with a fully coded website. If you like designing, you can bring your mockups to life. You can build a SaaS website or even an e-commerce shop with Webflow.

I like Webflow because it is easy to use, you don’t have to spend a lot of time learning it. You also have templates that you can customize and tutorials to get you started quickly.

One of the main benefits of using no-code tools is the ability to quickly validate your idea without spending a lot of resources and this includes money, time, and effort.

You spend less time building your MVP and validating it with no-code than you do finding skilled developers that can understand your vision and idea. Especially if you don’t have a network of developers or technical professionals that can help with recommendations.

In some cases, you can already start making money from your MVP and that can add to your resources in scaling your startup.

You can always go ahead and hire developers when your product starts to scale. But by this time, you would have more confidence in your idea, proof to show to investors (if you are seeking funding) and a bit more experience in the technology needed. When you start to hire developers, you would know exactly what to communicate with them. And you have a bit more time to ensure that you have the right team behind you.

How much time does it take to “learn” a no-code tool and how can one decide which one is the right tool?

The time it takes to learn a no-code tool depends on a number of variables. From the individual to the time available and of course the tool itself. Some tools are more robust than others but in general, it could take from a few hours to a few days. Also, the no-code community is growing with places like Makerpad, and tutorials, you can always find help online if you are stuck.

Choosing a no-code tool or set of tools depends on your use case. There are no-code tools for different purposes - building websites, web apps, mobile apps, IoT data processing, and even for workflow automation.

If you are building a web app, for instance, you might want to try out Bubble. If you plan to turn your database on Airtable or google sheet into an app, you can use tools like Softr or Glide. If you would like to improve your business processes and operations, workflow automation no-code tools like Zapier would be a great help, especially for solo founders as it can help them save time. For a more complex use case like real-time data processing, you have Streamsheets.

But I think what is important is actually figuring out the best way to deliver your product to your users in a way that maximizes value. Once you have this step figured out, picking the no-code tool would be way easier.

How can entrepreneurs who don’t have a background in Computer Science and who don’t know the no-code tool and its limitations decide if a no-code tool is sufficient for what they are trying to simulate with their MVP?

Software tools in general are built for specific use cases. The first step is to figure out what you plan to do and how you plan to deliver value. 

No-code platforms usually have templates where you can already see what is possible with their platform. Sometimes you can do more with a particular tool if you add in some integrations.

A product that can be delivered in form of a market place for example is easier to figure out. But if you have an idea that requires a high amount of funding to even build an MVP, you can start by building out a landing page that communicates the value you aim to provide. You would already start collecting contacts of people that could be interested in your solution. You can easily build a landing page in one day with a no-code tool.

The no-code movement is still growing and it could possibly get to a point where you can scale with just no-code tools. But as soon as you have your idea validated and start seeing some traction, you should already start making plans to scale your tech platform. There are still tools like the workflow automation tools that you can continue to use even as you scale. If you only need a website, you can build, grow and scale using Webflow.

Do you have any success stories you want to share by founders using no-code tools and gaining traction with their business model?

I’ve seen a lot of indie makers building products with no-code tools and making up to $ 10,000 MRR but one founder that comes to mind is Tara Reed, founder of without code. She built her first app, kollecto without code, and went ahead to start Apps without code. Using the online course business model, she has thought over 40,000 entrepreneurs how to build software apps without coding.

I came across Makezu the other day. It is a Twitter automation tool built with Bubble and an artificial intelligence API. The website itself is built with Webflow.

What happens when the company outgrows the no-code tool and moves to a fully developed solution? How can entrepreneurs best prepare for that transition?

My advice for founders is that you shouldn’t wait until your company outgrows your no-code tool. As soon as you start getting traction, you should start looking into hiring a technical team. By this point, you have more understanding of your customers, what they need and how you can fulfill that need. The developer would already have a clear experience of your product and it would therefore be easier in communicating your ideas. This would save you a lot of time as you transition to a more custom platform.

Technical teams would be more eager to get on board with an idea that is already validated and getting traction.

On the side of your users or customers, getting an upgrade that makes your solution even easier would be a welcome change. Just don’t wait until your users start having issues or a bad experience with your product to transition. Software companies are upgrading their software, branding, and even ownership every day. The change is not the issue, as long as it is a welcome change. This is why you should always talk to your customers and listen to them.

About January Edwards

I’m January Edward, a digital marketing specialist at Cedalo where I work on Streamsheets, a no-code software for real-time data processing. I have an MBA in International Management and I am always looking for the best and simple way to align the product management processes with user needs and marketing strategies. With 5 years of experience in implementing marketing and product strategies, I am happy to have found my passion in the intersection of product, marketing, and technology.

January's GUILD Academy Experience

I’ve been in the business world for over 5 years now and I’ve come across different courses and program that aims to help founders in build and grow their business. After going through the GUILD Summer Academy, I can definitely say that the GUILD is amazingly different!

The modules contain just the right amount of material and information you need to go through every phase of building a startup. There are lots of added benefits like the community of supportive and inspiring founders, 4-week sprints, and amazing events from thought leaders. My 1:1 session with Anne, really helped me streamline and define my interest and passion. I can’t recommend the Guild enough and Anne is just wonderful! Oh and I got to know about the GUILD via a recommendation. Goes to show how much members really value what the GUILD offers.

If you, too, want to launch your business Silicon-Valley Style, sign up for the next program at letsguid.com/academy

The GUILD Academy includes a toolbox with dozens of no-code tools and other SaaS tools we recommend for small business owners and startup founders.