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Building websites is a fantastic use-case for no-code. In almost all cases, building basic websites with no-code is a better solution than using code.
Webflow is a versatile tool, which makes it a great option for many types of projects.
For general websites, it's my top pick because it can be fully customized and has a built-in CMS to dynamically create pages (for example, you could create a page for every project in your portfolio automatically). Squarespace is the most similar for general websites - it's easier to use but less powerful.
For basic landing pages, tools like Umso and Carrd are easier to use but also less customizable.
For web apps, Webflow integrates with Memberstack to build paid membership apps. This is great for sites with premium hidden content such as No Code MBA.
For marketplaces, Webflow is great if you charge a subscription to access all content. If you need to handle payments directly to vendors, I'd suggest ShareTribe.
For e-commerce stores, Webflow is a great option if you want to prioritize design over more complex e-commerce functionality. In almost all other cases I'd suggest Shopify as it's easier to use and has a larger app ecosystem and community for e-commerce.
For web apps with more complex logic, I'd recommend Glide or Bubble.
Squarespace is a good option for simple business websites (imagine a 5 page website for a doctor's office). It's a nice sweet spot between easy to use and functional website.
For higher quality websites with more customization and a CMS, I'd go for Webflow. The benefit of Squarespace over Webflow is Squarespace is easier to use.
For simpler websites and landing pages I'd go with Umso or Carrd because they are even easier to use.
Carrd is best for simple one-page websites. It combines an easy learning curve with high customization. It's perfect for testing out an idea.
Another great option for this use-case is Umso.
You can also use tools like Webflow and Squarespace, but for simple sites those tools may be overkill.
Umso is great for building a good-looking site quickly, even if you have no design sense. It's perfect for creating a landing page or simple website for your business.
Another great options for this use-case is Carrd, but Carrd has a higher learning curve and requires more design talent to make your site look good.
Tools like Webflow and Squarespace can also be used, but I wouldn't recommend them for very simple sites in most cases.
Using no-code is a great way to build your app's MVP. You'll save $20k+ in developer costs, iterate more quickly, and build in days, not months.
Glide is best for building MVPs for your business, or for building internal apps.
You can create user accounts, store and display data from a database, and build complex logic. You can build apps like Tinder, Zillow, Headspace and more using Glide.
For more apps that need to be in an app store or connect with APIs I'd use Adalo.
If you want to build a web app with more customizable design and API access, I'd recommend Bubble.
In all other cases, I love Glide and think it's a great option for your no-code app.
Adalo is best for building mobile apps that require one of the following: being published in an app store, in-app purchases, or connection with APIs.
In most other cases, I'd suggest Glide as it's easier to use and runs faster for end-users.
Softr is best for building simple membership sites and websites that work well out-of-the box. You don't want to customize everything about how your site works, but you want it to work right away.
If you want more control over the design and more complexity, I'd recommend Webflow connected to Memberstack for a membership site, but that also comes with a higher learning curve.
If you're looking to build a web app with more complex logic I'd recommend checking out Bubble or Glide.
Bubble is best for more complex web app MVPs and for building scalable web apps.
It's a really powerful tool that can build just about any web app, but also comes with a higher learning curve.
I’d use Bubble in cases where your use-case is too complex for Glide or Webflow.
If ShareTribe Go fits your use-case, it’s the absolute best way to get your marketplace off the ground.
For marketplaces where you have more complex needs, I'd suggest building a custom marketplace in Glide, Bubble or ShareTribe Flex (based on your needs).
Like building a basic website, for e-commerce I'd always recommend using a no-code tool. Shopify is the gold standard here, used by small entrepreneurs as well as large brands like GymShark, Heinz, and Lady Gaga.
Shopify is the absolute best option for e-commerce stores.
Gumroad, Squarespace and Webflow also have e-commerce functionality, but it’s more limited than Shopify. In almost all cases I'd recommend Shopify.
Gumroad is the best option for selling digital products online.
For selling physical products, Gumroad is a great simple option, but if you want a scalable e-commerce solution for physical products I'd recommend Shopify.
Squarespace and Webflow also have e-commerce functionality, but it’s more limited than Shopify.
Using no-code for automations is a superpower. You can create internal apps, connect data from different apps together, and much more.
Airtable is similar to using Google Sheets, but more structured and includes lots of features to help with productivity.
Some examples of use-cases areas a CRM for leads, a content planning tool, and a project management tool.
Another great use is as a database for a complex Webflow site. You can use Airtable as the database for your site, and use Zapier or PowerImporter to sync your Airtable database to your Webflow database.
Make's biggest competitor is Zapier, and vice-versa. Both are great tools, and I use both depending on the use-case.
I find Zapier easier to use, so for simple automations I tend to use Zapier.
Zapier also has more integrations, so I'll use Zapier if the app I'm looking for isn't integrated with Make.
In general, Make is more powerful and less expensive, so I recommend people start with Zapier, and move over to Make when they are ready for something more powerful but with a higher learning curve.
Since Zapier and Make are so similar, all the recommendations from Make's section apply here!
In general, Zapier is easier to use and has more integrations, but is more expensive.
Make is more powerful, has less integrations and is less expensive.
I recommend people start with Zapier, and move over to Make when they are ready for something more powerful but with a higher learning curve.
Retool is a fantastic tool for building internal apps at your business.
Where Retool really shines is allowing non-technical people to build apps that interact with a live database without needing to use developers.
Retool is the best tool for this use-case.
Coda is a great tool for working collaboratively with your team, as well as for building automations for internal processes.
It has a much easier learning curve than something like Retool, but is less powerful and connects to less data sources.
It also has somewhat similar functionality to Airtable, but is less optimized for large data sets (10K+ rows).
Where I'd recommend Coda is to replace Google Sheets and Google Docs as much as possible, and build lightweight automation for internal processes.
