MicroConf On Air
MicroConf Tactics: No Code SaaS - Is It Real or All Hype?
Wed Jul 19 2023Description
The episode discusses the topic of No Code SaaS and explores its pros and cons. It highlights the advantages of no-code development, such as enabling non-coders to build technical things and providing speed for quick testing and idea validation. However, there are limitations to consider, including scalability issues and potential lack of user interface and experience. The episode also showcases successful examples of no-code SaaS apps like Teal, Userloop.io, and Betterlegal.com. It concludes by discussing the use cases of no-code, such as building step one businesses in app marketplaces and SWAS software.
Insights
No-code enables non-coders to build technical things
One advantage of no-code is that it allows people without coding skills to build technical things.
No-code offers speed for quick testing and idea validation
Speed is another advantage of no-code, as it enables quick testing and idea validation.
No-code can be a great equalizer for bootstrapping entrepreneurs
No code can be a great equalizer for bootstrapping entrepreneurs, providing opportunities to solve problems and make money.
Limitations of no-code include scalability issues at high scale
However, there are limitations to consider when using no-code tools, such as scalability issues at high scale.
Certain complex applications cannot be built with current no-code capabilities
Certain complex applications like Drip or VR headset software cannot be built with current no-code capabilities.
User interface and user experience may be lacking in some no-code tools
User interface and user experience may be lacking in some no-code tools compared to custom code solutions.
Building your business entirely on a no-code platform comes with risks
Building your business entirely on a no-code platform like Bubble or Airtable comes with the risk of being dependent on their pricing changes or system updates.
Successful examples of no-code SaaS apps include Teal, Userloop.io, and Betterlegal.com
Examples of successful no-code SaaS apps are rare, but Teal, Userloop.io, and Betterlegal.com are notable ones.
No-code is great for building step one businesses in app marketplaces
No code is great for step one businesses built in an app marketplace.
No-code offers incredible potential for millions of people in various use cases
While you may not be able to build major SaaS apps with no code, it still offers incredible potential for millions of people in various use cases.
Chapters
No Code SaaS
00:08 - 06:01
- No Code SaaS is a topic discussed in this episode of the Microcom podcast.
- The host, Rob Walling, talks about the pros and cons of no-code development.
- One advantage of no-code is that it allows people without coding skills to build technical things.
- Speed is another advantage of no-code, as it enables quick testing and idea validation.
- No code can be a great equalizer for bootstrapping entrepreneurs, providing opportunities to solve problems and make money.
- However, there are limitations to consider when using no-code tools, such as scalability issues at high scale.
- Certain complex applications like Drip or VR headset software cannot be built with current no-code capabilities.
- User interface and user experience may be lacking in some no-code tools compared to custom code solutions.
Limitations of No-Code SaaS
05:41 - 12:04
- No-code SaaS apps have limitations in terms of design and user experience.
- Building your business entirely on a no-code platform like Bubble or Airtable comes with the risk of being dependent on their pricing changes or system updates.
- Examples of successful no-code SaaS apps are rare, but Teal, Userloop.io, and Betterlegal.com are notable ones.
- Teal started as a job search management tool built on Bubble, Typeform, HubSpot, Zapier, and Airtable. They raised $5 million in funding before potentially rewriting their stack in code.
- Userloop.io is a Shopify app built on Bubble that collects customer feedback at every stage of the e-commerce funnel.
- Betterlegal.com has grown to $2.5 million in annual revenue with $700,000 in recurring revenue. While not all of it is SaaS-based, they have successfully utilized no-code tools for their platform.
Use Cases of No-Code
11:46 - 14:43
- No code is great for step one businesses built in an app marketplace.
- No code can be used to build software with a service (SWAS) where the real value lies in the advice or service provided, not just the software itself.
- Marketplaces, such as job boards or local matching platforms, are easy to build with no code tools.
- Basic mobile apps can be built using no code builders, which is much more affordable and accessible compared to traditional methods.
- While you may not be able to build major SaaS apps with no code, it still offers incredible potential for millions of people in various use cases.
- For more complex and scalable projects, learning coding or hiring developers may be necessary.