Hiring a developer vs. using no-code tools – what are your thoughts?
I've had several startup ideas in the past which have led to me creating landing pages with no-code tools like Webflow etc. None of them have ever become profitable, not because they weren't good, but because I get bored easily. (Could have also been because they weren't good but didn't get that far to find out, haha). I figured, if I learn coding and build the product myself then I'll have more investment in it and that will help me see it through.
However, I'm starting to think this isn't the issue at all and it's actually because I haven't been that passionate about the ideas I've come up with.
There is one idea for an app that I constantly keep coming back to. I haven't done anything with it because it seems like such a huge project and much, much harder to do as a non-techie, and only using no-code tools.
I really want to push ahead with it, as I literally can't get it out of my head, but I'm unsure whether to use no-code or hire a developer. It would be great to get other IHs' thoughts on this.
I really can't think of any successful tech startups that only used no-code. I'm sure there are some out there, but none come to mind. I think, if you really want a good app, you need a developer. Of course, there are costs involved, and the usual issues with hiring someone whose job you don't understand - that's where I think the most problems arise. But, yeah, bottom line - you can use no code but if you have big audacious dreams of making it big then you'll need an expert.
I'm biased being a software engineer, but I really think you need to hire someone. There are some great no-code tools out there and they are getting better by the day but they will only get you so far, unfortunately.
If you find a great software developer that you could work with for some time. Go for it.
It sounds like that you struggle with motivation to focus on one product and there is a risk that you will quit the project when it doesn't work as intended. When involving more people you either need to pay them money or get them onboard on your journey for some time.
I have experienced problems to pay developers a descent salary or co-founders that are not committed to the project and quits.
I am an iOS-developer that right now need a backend and a web-frontend for my next project. I tried connecting Webflow to Xano and used Xanos tutorial to get it working with some simple javascript.
It works very good and I am confident that I could build a really good product with Xano and Webflow.
Good luck with your project.
As a non technical guy myself I’ve had the same dilemma.
I personally think it’s always been best for me to save that time and hire an outside team. Make sure you’ve refined your MVP and refined it again so you can save money.
Hiring a developer or someone the can solve you the problem !
When I first started out, I was a non-technical founder. Because I found it difficult leveraging my network to find a technical co-founder, I took it upon myself to learn no-code. Now, I can say confidently that I can design and build any type of web app.
I'd say start with tools like Glide, Adalo, Softr, Pory, and then when you're ready start learning Bubble. You can literally build any type of web app with Bubble, it is very powerful.
I think you can deliver a MVP with no-code tools, specially to test your product in the market. But at some point, no-code tools might block you of creating specific things or improvements that your users want.