How to choose a no-code agency to start your project

Are you looking to start a digital project or a Startup, but lack the coding expertise? No problem, that's where no-code agencies come in! These development agencies specialize in creating custom applications using no-code platforms like Bubble, Webflow, and Adalo, among others.

However, choosing the right agency for your specific needs and goals can be difficult. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of choosing the right no-code agency for you.

Understanding the no-code landscape

Before diving into your search for an agency, it's essential to understand what no-code development entails. Simply put, no-code development is building software without writing any code. This method allows for faster development times and lower costs, making it an attractive option for businesses and individuals alike.

But how does no code development work? No code development involves using intuitive drag-and-drop interfaces to create custom software applications. These platforms provide a visual interface to create the app's front end and tools to configure the app's back end. As a result, no-code development doesn't require any prior coding knowledge, making it accessible to anyone looking to create a custom app without hiring a software developer.

Benefits of using no-code platforms

No code has many benefits, especially compared to traditional development methods. One of the most significant advantages is the speed of prototype and development. No-code allows you to quickly create and test new ideas without spending much time and money on it. Consequently, you get your product to market faster and stay ahead of the competition.

In addition to faster development times, no-code platforms also offer lower costs. Since you don't need to hire a team of developers to create your software, you can save significant money on development costs. This makes no-code platforms an attractive option for small businesses and startups with limited budgets.

No-code developments also offer higher flexibility and agility. With traditional methods, making last-minute changes to your project can be time-consuming and expensive. However, with no-code platforms, you can make changes to your app in just a few minutes and with a couple of clicks. 

Another advantage of using no-code platforms is lower technical debt. Technical debt refers to the cost of fixing problems that arise from using outdated or inefficient technologies. You don't have to worry about technical debt with most no-code platforms because they are always up-to-date and use the latest technologies.

Finally, no-code platforms offer reduced risk. Traditional development methods can mean investing a lot of time and money into a product that may not be successful on the market. And even if no-code development can't stop the app from failing, you can quickly create and test new ideas without investing much time and money upfront, reducing your risk and focusing on creating products that are more likely to succeed.

Popular no-code tools and platforms

Another important step before focusing on an agency to hire is knowing the existing no-code platforms. Each of them has its unique strengths and weaknesses. Here are some of the most popular ones:

  1. Bubble: Bubble is a powerful no-code platform that allows you to create web and mobile applications. With Bubble, you can create complex applications with advanced features like user authentication, payment processing, and even blockchain.
  2. Webflow: Webflow is a popular no-code platform that specializes in creating responsive websites and web applications. With Webflow, you can create custom designs using a drag-and-drop interface and then export your code for hosting on your own server or using Webflow's hosting service.
  3. Adalo: Adalo is a no-code platform that allows you to create mobile applications for iOS and Android devices. With Adalo, you can create custom designs and publish your app to the App Store and Google Play.
  4. Appgyver: Appgyver is a no-code platform that allows you to create mobile applications for iOS and Android devices. Appgyver also offers advanced features like user authentication and push notifications.

With so many no-code platforms available, choosing the one that's right for your needs is important even before considering an agency because many specialize in one platform that may not be the right fit for you. 

ai image of a cellphone UI poping up as cubes.

Identifying your project requirements

Now that you better understand no-code, it's time to start thinking about your project requirements. Before you search for a no-code agency, you must define your project requirements since it is not the same to create a small application for your small business as to create an app that must support hundreds or thousands of users.

Defining your project goals

The first step is to establish clear project goals. What is it that you're trying to achieve? For example, are you looking to build a website to promote your business? Or are you trying to create a mobile application to streamline your business processes? Clearly understanding your project's goals will help you communicate your vision effectively to potential agencies.

It's also important to consider your target audience. Who are you building this project for? What are their needs and preferences? Understanding your target audience will help you create a project that meets their expectations and delivers value.

Assessing your budget and timeline

It is essential to understand how much you're willing to spend on your project and how long you're willing to wait before it's completed. While no-code development is often faster and cheaper than traditional development, it's still crucial to establish a realistic budget and timeline. Keep in mind that there are complex projects that, although they will not take as long as they would if they were done from scratch, can even take a couple of months to be completely ready.

When hiring an agency, they will give you an estimate of time and costs. Remember that this estimate may vary as well as the price from one agency to another, depending on the number of developers assigned to your project and their experience. Ideally, you should look for a budget that suits you and a team capable of developing your project in the estimated time.

Determining the level of customization needed

The level of customization you need can vary based on your project's goals. First, determine how much design and functionality should be customized at the project's outset. For example, do you want a simple design or a more complex user interface? Understanding your design needs will help you determine your project's customization level.

Additionally, you should consider the functionality. Is your project a basic website with a few pages or a complex application with multiple features and integrations? 

These types of decisions affect both your budget and the team you need. If you need a complex design or a more advanced UX/UI, having an agency that offers these services can be an excellent option.

Defining your project requirements is a crucial step in the no-code development process. By establishing clear goals, assessing your budget and timeline, and determining the level of customization, you can ensure that your project is a success. 

AI image of a man looking at his computer and taking notes.

Evaluating no-code agencies

With your project requirements in mind, it's time to start evaluating no-code agencies that can help bring your vision to life.

Start by researching the backgrounds and expertise of potential agencies. Look for agencies with a proven track record of success in no-code development, particularly for projects similar to yours. This research should include reviewing the partner's and experts' sites of the platform you want to use and doing some research on LinkedIn and Google. 

Comparing agency portfolios and case studies

Agency portfolios and case studies can provide insight into an agency's capabilities and demonstrate its work. Review the portfolio and case studies of potential agencies to see if they have experience developing projects similar to yours. However, remember that some projects may have privacy agreements and can't be shown publicly.

Conducting interviews with potential agencies

Once you've narrowed down your list of potential agencies, it's time to meet with them. Almost all development agencies offer you a free initial session to get to know you and your project and talk about your needs. Some can give you an estimate in that meeting; others need a second call. Ask questions about your project and evaluate if it's worth working with this agency.

Preparing a list of questions to ask potential agencies before scheduling interviews is a good idea. These questions should focus on their experience with your chosen no-code development platform and their approach to project management, client communication, and support.

Assessing communication and collaboration styles

During the interviews, pay close attention to how well potential agencies communicate and respond to your inquiries. Ensure that their communication and collaboration styles align with your own, as that is essential in maintaining a successful and harmonious partnership.

Discussing project management and support

Finally, discuss the potential agency's project management methodology and post-launch support. Again, it's crucial to ensure they have processes in place for effectively managing projects and a plan for supporting you post-launch.

By adhering to these steps, you'll be on your way to finding the right no-code agency to kick-start your project. 

Remember, collaboration and communication are key, and having a clear understanding of your project requirements and goals is essential and so is  having a team of experienced professionals willing to work with you. The no-code world is open to everyone, so ensuring you work with the best talent is always better. 

At Nocoded, we are professional developers, who use no- and low-code to create high-quality and faster-performing applications, adding value to our work and clients. So if you are looking for an ally to launch your MVP or start your no-code development project, trust multiplatform professionals and experts ready to collaborate with you.