Hello again!
I was recently approached by No Code MBA asking if they could sponsor this newsletter. I have been accepting sponsorship for blog posts for a while and so was open to doing the same with the newsletter. After all, I find it a useful way to come up with topics to write about, not to mention bringing in a little cash.
However, I did pause slightly before agreeing to include No Code MBA because there is a lot of negativity around the no-code movement, especially among developers (unsurprisingly).
So in this email, I want to look at what the no-code movement is and why I consider it worth your attention, especially when it comes to creating proof of concepts.
What is the No Code Movement?
Traditionally if you want to build something online, you need a developer; somebody who can write the code.
However, in recent years, a growing number of online services allow you to deliver working web apps without the need to write code. These range from simple tools like Notion to more powerful platforms like Webflow or Shopify.
The idea is that these apps empower designers, marketers and entrepreneurs to deliver on their ideas without having to dive into the code.
Why Some Don’t Like No Code
Of course, any approach has its drawbacks and the no-code movement is no exception.
Developers point out that the code generated by these applications is often poorly optimised and can create accessibility or even performance problems in some cases. These are fair criticisms, and no-code applications are not applicable in all circumstances.
Then, there can be a pretty steep learning curve using these services, especially when integrating multiple applications.
Fortunately, schools like No Code MBA can help with this, and anyway, this can be a learning curve worth tackling if you don’t have easy access to a developer or cannot afford one.
Why No Code is Perfect for Proof of Concepts
Despite the drawbacks of using a no-code service, they can make huge sense in many situations. In fact, they are already shaking up the bottom of the market, where designers, copywriters, and marketers can easily create websites for themselves or clients without the need for development skills.
However, even in bigger organisations working on more complex projects, I believe that no-code services have their place. Sure, you wouldn’t want to build a multi-million dollar business on a no-code platform, but you should seriously consider prototyping with it.
One of the biggest challenges faced by the teams I work with is organisational buy-in. Management doesn’t see the value of what a team is proposing and is reluctant to invest the money or internal developer time in creating it.
No-code platforms offer a way to overcome these challenges by allowing you to create a proof of concept that can be trialled in the real world.
While traditional prototypes are great for small scale usability testing, their lack of underlying functionality means that they cannot be used for something like a closed beta. However, a prototype built using a no-code tool can be.
A no-code proof of concept allows you to process real transactions and lets users complete tasks in a completely natural environment. It is a perfect stepping stone between a traditional prototype and a full build.
It will give you invaluable data on real user behaviour, while also providing a usable demo to convince stakeholders your big idea is worth the investment. It does all of that at a fraction of the cost of a full build.
Get to Know the No Code Landscape
Whether you have an immediate need or not, it is worth ensuring you know what is out there. No-code tools are not just the plaything of amateurs. They are serious tools that can prove invaluable.
For example, just in sending this email, I use three no-code tools. I use Notion to write and run my editorial calendar, Convertkit to design and send my emails and Zapier to connect Convertkit to my CRM.
I also regularly use Notion to plan and test website content, and tools like Unbounce for building standalone landing pages for marketing campaigns.
If you have questions about what is out there and how you can use it, please drop me an email, and I will do my best to help. You can also check out No Code MBA for more in-depth training; they are even offering you a 50% discount, which is a great little deal.
Good luck.
Upcoming Workshops
Don’t forget my Finding Client’s Self-Learning Masterclass is opening to new students for one week only on the 22nd of February. Register to be reminded here.
Also, I have a number of upcoming online workshops that you might be interested in joining. Here is a list and where you can find out more.
- Designing Websites That Convert (16th, 17th, 23rd and 24th March)
- Customer Experience Strategy (18th March)
- Implementing Customer Experience Online (25th March)
