Hi Everyone, I've just joined Indiehackers and I'm loving the experience so far but I need some help with my project.
So, first of all, I'm not a software developer but I have an idea for a social media platform that I am trying to develop an MVP for and I have been looking at some no-code platforms lately. I have been considering both bubble and Appgyver but i'm at a cross-road as to which option to use.
Bubble - Their pros: They offer free hosting when you build on their platform.
Cons - They do not support native mobile apps which means that I need to convert the website developed on their platform to a responsive app (which I don't want) and then go and wrap it and convert it to a native app on a different platform. This is a long and rather expensive process. They also charge for their plans apart from the hobby option.
Appgyver - They look more more slick and provide free mobile development and hosting on their platform and they allow native mobile app development which is what I want.
Con - I don't think I can build a website on their platform which for me would have been perfect as I can do both and get hosting on one place. Does anyone know where I can get this type of service?
Also, as I am not currently in a position to work on this website and app development, I am considering enlisting the help of a development company in India to help with this on bubble and they have given me a quote of $3150 (If I buy a template to develop the website) and $3650 without the template (if they are to build from scratch). What are your thoughts on this prices please and If they are going to be developing it on sits like bubble or Appgyver, (which are meant to be faster and less expensive) what would you advise for me to pay for my project?
At this point please let me give a brief over of my project:
It is a social media micro-blogging platform which looks similar to twitter but with some unique features where there will be two status bars running through the page (one on the right and on the left) - this will be for the website and users will be able to view posts by scrolling up and down; but for the mobile UI design, the status bars will be stacked upon each other - status bar 1 on top and the second beneath it and users will be able to view posts by scrolling left and right. This is the core feature of the platform but it will have other features that tend to come with social media sites and apps. So with all these said, can anyone please tell me:
The best no-code platform to use to build the website and app quickly and inexpensively and also have it hosted for free as part of being on the site; as i'm working towards the MVP;
The best price to pay a dev for this type of project using such no-code platforms?
Also, I have been told to check out platforms like cordova, dropsource and GoNative, what are your thoughts on me using any of them for this project?
Thank you all so much for your helps.