Building Mobile Apps Without Code: Step-by-Step Guide

You can build a mobile app without writing a single line of code. No-code platforms like Adalo, Glide, and Bubble make it possible for anyone to create apps quickly and affordably. Here's what you need to know:

• Why No-Code?
• Faster development: Days or weeks vs. months.
• Lower costs: Starting at $32–$49/month, compared to $20,000+ for traditional development.
• High ROI: Up to 80% compared to 15–17% with traditional methods.
• Top Platforms:
• Adalo: Best for visual-heavy apps.
• Glide: Ideal for data-driven apps.
• Bubble: Great for complex apps with advanced features.
• App Planning Steps:
1. Define your app's goals and audience.
2. Sketch layouts and user flows.
3. Gather materials like logos, images, and content.
• Building and Launching:
• Use drag-and-drop tools to design and add features.
• Test for compatibility, performance, and accessibility.
• Publish to app stores (e.g., Apple Developer account costs $99/year).

Quick Comparison Table:

No-code tools are transforming app development by making it accessible, fast, and cost-effective. Start small with an MVP, test thoroughly, and grow your app over time.

Getting Started with Adalo | No-Code App Builder

Picking a No-Code Platform

Choosing the right no-code platform can make or break your app-building journey. Below, we’ll look at popular platforms, compare costs, and help you decide which one fits your needs.

Top No-Code Platforms

Here are three standout no-code platforms:

• Adalo: Known for its drag-and-drop interface, Adalo is great for creating visually engaging apps. Its component-based approach makes it easy to add advanced features without any coding skills [4].
• Glide: Perfect for turning data into functional apps, Glide works seamlessly with tools like Google Sheets and Airtable [5].
• Bubble: Bubble is the go-to option for building complex apps. While it has a steeper learning curve, it offers unmatched customization and flexibility [4].

Costs and Features

Here’s a quick comparison of these platforms:

How to Choose Your Platform

To find the right platform, think about these key factors:

• App Complexity: If you’re building a simple, data-focused app, Glide is a solid choice. For more intricate workflows, Bubble’s advanced features are ideal [4].
• Integration Needs: Make sure the platform connects to the services you rely on, whether that’s Google Sheets, APIs, or other tools [3].
• Scalability: If you expect your app to grow, look at the platform’s ability to handle larger datasets. For example, Glide integrates with BigQuery, making it a good option for scaling [5].
• Budget: Consider both upfront and long-term costs. Bubble starts at $32/month and offers higher-tier plans for added resources. Adalo’s $45/month plan includes basic publishing features [4].

No-code platforms simplify app development, but the key is finding one that aligns with your app’s specific requirements.

App Planning Steps

Setting App Goals and Users

Start by defining what your app aims to achieve and who it’s for. This will help you address specific problems your audience faces [2].

For instance, a broadcaster app might feature sections for live events, stats, and team news. This ensures the content is well-organized to cater to different audience needs [2].

Once your goals are clear, you can move on to planning the app’s layout and user experience.

Drawing App Layout and Flow

Sketching out a rough layout is a great way to visualize how users will interact with your app [6].

To map out user flow:

• Identify entry points like landing pages, call-to-action buttons, or other triggers [7].
• Document the main steps users will take. For example, in an e-commerce app, users might:
• Browse products
• View product details
• Add items to their cart
• Complete checkout
• Receive a confirmation
• Plan for alternative paths. This could include different payment methods or options for creating an account [7].

These steps will help you create a seamless experience that guides users from start to finish.

Collecting App Materials

Once your user flow is mapped, it’s time to gather all the assets needed to build your app.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Logos, color schemes, and other brand assets
• Product images and descriptions
• User interface copy
• Legal documents
• Marketing materials

To keep everything organized, consider using tools like these:

If you’re preparing materials for the App Store, make sure to follow Apple’s marketing guidelines for badge artwork and product images [8]. This ensures your app meets their requirements and looks professional.

Building Your App

Starting Your Project

Decide whether to use pre-built templates or build your app from scratch. Platforms like Softr give you the flexibility to choose - offering templates or an AI app builder for customization [1]. Once you've chosen, focus on designing your app's layout to make it user-friendly.

Creating the App Design

Designing an intuitive interface is key. Navigation elements, like top or bottom bars, should be placed where users can easily find them for better engagement [9].

Here are a couple of design tips:

• Screen Layout: Arrange screens with thumb-friendly zones in mind. Place essential buttons where users can easily tap them.
• Visual Elements: Keep the design simple and uncluttered. Follow accessibility standards by ensuring good color contrast and readable text sizes. Fun fact: Adding captions to videos can boost engagement by up to 500% [9].

Adding Features

With your design ready, it's time to add functionality. No-code platforms simplify this process through visual interfaces. Jennifer Curvin, a Jotform Apps user, shared her experience: "Jotform Apps is great because I can put all of the forms in one place. If I had to send out 20 different links to all of the forms, it would be very confusing" [10].

Testing Your App

Testing is essential to make sure your app works smoothly on different devices. David Lieb, CEO of Bump Technologies, highlights its importance: "The next generation of mobile apps will solve problems in a way that the user, the customer, doesn't even have to think about it" [9].

Focus on these testing areas:

• Device Compatibility: Check performance across various screen sizes and operating systems.
• Feature Functionality: Ensure all interactive elements work as intended.
• User Flow: Confirm navigation is straightforward and logical.
• Performance: Test load times and responsiveness.

Also, don't overlook accessibility. Around 15% of the global population lives with some form of disability [9], making it vital to test with tools like screen readers to ensure everyone can use your app.

Launching Your App

App Store Requirements

Before submitting your app, ensure it meets the key requirements for app stores. For Apple, you'll need an Apple Developer account, which costs $99 annually [12]. Your app should be fully functional and offer more than just a basic mobile website [12].

Here’s what you’ll need for submission:

• A fully functional app with all final content included
• A privacy policy that complies with app store guidelines
• Original content or properly licensed materials
• An app icon and launch screen
• Screenshots and app preview materials
• A detailed app description with relevant keywords

Did you know? Around 40% of app rejections happen because of "App Completeness" issues [13]. Thorough testing is crucial - use tools like TestFlight to iron out any bugs before submission [14]. The technical steps for publishing your app are covered in the next section.

App Store Publishing Steps

To publish your app, build it using Xcode 15 and the iOS 17 SDK (or the iOS 18 SDK starting in April 2025) [11].

Apple’s review process is relatively quick: 50% of apps are reviewed within 24 hours, and 90% within 48 hours [12].

"Are you submitting a new app for the first time? Tell us about your app's concept, how to enable key features, and even describe the target audience you designed your app for." - App Store's review team [13]

Once your app is live, it’s time to focus on marketing and growing your user base.

App Marketing Basics

After launching, your priority should be increasing visibility and attracting users. Influencer marketing, for example, can deliver an average ROI of $5.20 for every dollar spent on affiliate campaigns [15].

Here are some key areas to focus on:

App Store Optimization (ASO)

• Use relevant keywords in your app title and description.
• Design engaging feature screenshots.
• Encourage users to leave reviews and ratings.

Social Media Presence

Collaborate with influencers who align with your app’s niche. With half of consumers trusting influencer recommendations [15], this can be a powerful strategy.

User Engagement

Build loyalty by implementing feedback systems, offering responsive support, and monitoring engagement metrics. You can also attract new users with promotional pricing or free trials [15].

Next Steps

After launching your app, it's time to assess your progress and sharpen your skills.

Key Areas to Focus On

Creating a no-code mobile app requires careful planning. Start by defining your app's purpose and understanding your audience. Then, pick the right platform for your goals - whether it's Adalo for more intricate apps, Glide for data-focused projects, or Bubble for turning web apps into mobile solutions.

Here are three critical areas to prioritize:

• Platform Selection: Compare costs, features, and how well the platform can grow with your app.
• Design Planning: Sketch out wireframes and user flows before diving into the build.
• Testing Strategy: Make sure to test your app thoroughly on various devices to catch potential issues.

Resources for Learning

Want to level up your no-code skills? Check out these resources:

Community Forums

• Bubble's Community Forum: Connect with other users to share tips and solutions.
• Adalo's Discord Channel: Get real-time advice from experienced app creators.
• No-Code Makers Group: Participate in live workshops and code reviews.

Skill Development Courses

• Makerpad's No-Code Fundamentals: A great starting point for beginners.
• Adalo's App Builder Certification: Learn the ins and outs of Adalo's platform.
• Bubble's Boot Camp: Dive deeper into Bubble's capabilities.

Start small with a basic MVP and gradually expand. Pay close attention to user experience and leverage no-code integrations to enhance your app. Use these insights to keep improving and building better apps.