No-code development is not just a new form of developing digital products. The drastic shift from traditional software development to a more flexible one brings opportunities to many people. Because of new software development, many users have the chance to create something new without coding. There’s no need to finish a bachelor’s degree and master any new programming language before creating a remarkable software product.
If you’re looking for a chance to generate lucrative business ideas, no-code is one of the available avenues online. Despite the take on no code’s lack of in-depth customisation work, there are still many products that users can create on platforms and software.
More than focusing on what no-code development can’t do, it’s better to focus on subscribing to platforms that can build business ideas that generate revenue without coding.
Building businesses can happen in many ways now. More so, the online realm presents that occasion to bring your no-code ideas to profitable online spaces and networks. Let the accessibility of no-code development give you new ways to earn. Here are 20 business ideas you can start without coding:
1. Blogging
The world is no stranger to endless blogs and high-ranking, well-known bloggers who post content regularly. Blogs have become one of the most common and frequently visited sites online for a good reason. It’s a source of information and relevant content. As such, blogs can be a very lucrative no-code business for beginners.
How to create a profitable blog
- Purchase and register a domain name for the website
- Create websites using no-code platforms such as Squarespace and Webflow
- Regularly upload optimised content such as long-form posts, videos, and other content forms
- Slowly build the blog and partner with other brands for affiliate links and product sponsorships
EXAMPLE: Create and Go by Lauren McManus and Alex Nurney
The Create and Go blog earned around $972,369.93 in 2021. According to the founders of the blog, “Here at Create and Go, we’ve been able to reach the $100,000 per month level, which is pretty insane. I’ve started and run several different websites now and I can tell you that earning six figures is possible in many different niches.”
3. E-commerce Sites
Everybody knows about some of the biggest e-commerce sites, such as Amazon, eBay and Alibaba. These online commerce giants dominate over large online retail market shares globally. E-commerce sites are beneficial in bringing out your products to further markets. No seller should miss out on creating e-commerce websites for their products.
How to build an e-commerce site
- Subscribe to no-code e-commerce site builders such as Shopify and Wix
- Reserve and purchase a domain name for the e-commerce site
- Upload goods or services and build systems of an online store in the builder platform
- Build social media presence and link the e-commerce shopping sites for online promotions
3. Online Marketplace
Online marketplaces are profitable platforms for people hosting the marketplace. Buyers and sellers can interact and bargain better. Such examples of online marketplaces are Airbnb and Facebook Marketplace. Non-coders can still make a lot of money by creating and hosting marketplaces and inviting users to host what they can offer on the platform.
How to start an online marketplace
- Build a website design with platforms that offer no-code solutions and products
- Integrate external third-party applications to handle marketplace operations such as sales, customer support, etc.
- Advertise the online marketplace site using social media
- Offer attractive platform packages so sellers will host on the site
4. Job Board
It’s possible to create a job board and host job listings using a website builder without code work. Moreover, job boards can become a very profitable source of online revenue for beginners. Not only will you gain some income from running the job board, but you will also help local economies in the job market.
How to start a codeless job board
- Choose a platform that hosts no-code automation functions like Automate
- Design and create workflows for job listing and employment processes
- Advertise the job board platform and target local employers in the area by offering hosting subscriptions
- Continue to manage and tweak the job board accordingly and offer subscription promos to employers
5. Website Development Business
If you don’t want to set up your marketplace, job board or blog, offer no-code development skills as services. Many freelance web developers utilise platforms to create sites for the client. Create the website without code work and let your clients operate their business after.
How to start your web development agency
- Subscribe to product plans from no-code development platforms such as Bubble and Creatio
- Market your agency and web development services online using social media platforms
- Use a sample website you created using the no-code platform in the business portfolio
- Get more developers as the clientele and customers increase
EXAMPLE: Cantilever Web Design and Development Agency by Ty Fujimura
Ty Fujimura’s agency earns around $62K per month. In a year, the revenue from his web development agency translates into about $750K per year. The agency began in 2011, and the founder has expanded the business globally. Users can find Cantilever across Europe, Asia and the United States.
6. Dating App
Isn’t it strange that even romantic connections are buildable online? With no-code development platforms, users can create apps that target people who want to find love online. The success of Tinder and Bumble has proven that many people are eager and excited to look for love online. In addition, it’s easier to design and deploy these matching apps now with no-code.
How to build a dating app using no-code builders
- Sign up with a no-code builder such as Builder, which optimises mobile phone use of a dating app
- Build and design the app using the no-code builder
- Focus on a specific niche and make it the unique selling point of the dating app
- Offer affordable app plans to users and modify the application on the benefits of each subscription tier
7. Automation Business
Businesses are always looking for ways to make business operations efficient. Small businesses, for example, won’t have the time to create systems and manage digital solutions. Why not use this as an opportunity to make custom automation plans for business processes?
Tools for starting an online automation business
- No code platforms that specifically cater process automation products: Zapier, a platform with more than 5000 external app integrations
- Social media sites: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to blast about the business
- Other online platforms: Mailchimp for email marketing automation
- Your very own online automated workflows, systems, and websites for the automation business
8. Online Community
Communities are essentially a group of gathered people in society. We all live in times where online communities have become comfortable spaces that can host thousands of people together. With online communities, people can also transact online and interact in a more personal approach, gaining higher sales conversions.
Tools to start an online community with zero code
- No code platforms: Glide to build an app or website optimised for mobile phone use
- Online resource sites and libraries: Makerpad for endless knowledge on how to build with no-code and build communities
- Online systems (users can also create using the no-code platforms) can help moderate community activity
- Social media platforms: Reddit and Quora to market the no-code app or to advertise to already existing communities
9. Paid Newsletter
One of the ways people can gain a lot of following online is through content creation of a specific niche or topic. Thousands of newsletters focus on random topics such as minimalism, financial literacy, or plant care. Users can earn by having a large base of paid newsletter readers through subscriptions.
How to start a profitable newsletter
10. Subscription Platform
There are hundreds of subscription platforms and applications right now. Business models on profitable subscriptions can provide people with steady income streams. Thus, no-code platforms to create subscription-based goods can provide that constant flow of revenue.
How to create a subscription business without coding
- Plan the type of service or goods you will put up for a subscription, such as coffee subscription, make-up box subscription, food plan service, etc.
- Design a website online using no-code platforms like Softr
- Integrate other no-code tools to the website for automated processes and workflows, such as Zapier and Stripe
- Launch subscription business on the internet
11. Content Writing Business
“Content is king, but context is god!” Good writing doesn’t only require expertise with words. Great writers also know how to sell their writing in the most profitable places like the web. Content writing businesses should have expertise in both areas.
One way to launch a content writing business is via an online presence like social media and official websites. Other businesses push the extra effort forward and promote content writing services via applications.
Tools for launching content writing business online
- No-code development platforms to create a website like Appy Pie, which offers app development with no-code
- Third-party applications like Workato that handle other backend business processes
- Online promotional methods such as Facebook for more extensive reach and YouTube for regular educational content about writing
- Email marketing tools that require no-code like Active Campaign
EXAMPLE: Scribly.io by Dani Mancini
Scribly.io is a subscription-based content writing agency. By providing this business, Dani’s agency earns around $37K per month. Dani started the agency Scribly.io four years ago without any experience in writing and entrepreneurship. Nevertheless, she started the agency using Webflow, Trello, Slack and Slite.
12. Marketing Consultancy Agency
We live in times where marketing mediums are vast and offer more conversions than traditional marketing tools. Many content writing services also extend into marketing consultancy to optimise website content. Marketing consultancy firms earn anywhere from 500 USD to 125,000 USD per month.
How to monetise a marketing consultancy agency online
- Build a stunning website using no-code website builders
- Market the agency using its optimised website
- Create a portfolio of clientele with high conversions online
- Offer various services such as content writing subscription or social media marketing services
13. Crowdfunding Platform
Crowdfunding is raising funds by reaching out to large numbers of people. In 2022, transaction values in crowdfunding markets are estimated to reach around 1.15B USD (Statista, 2022). While crowdfunding helps project owners reach hundreds of thousands, hosting a platform itself also presents profitable opportunities for business.
Tips on how to monetise crowdfunding business efficiently
- Invest in website development of the platform, and subscribe to no-code development for faster deployment
- Integrate online marketing tools like automated workflows that can help scale the business
- Consult with founders or other experts in the field when doing experiment funds
- Establish an organic online presence to offset paid marketing expenses in the long run
14. Online Courses
Knowledge never stops at any time. Traditional classroom-only ways of learning are becoming more flexible now with the internet. Millions of resources on the web, like online courses, can help anybody master skills faster.
Moreover, various platforms are available online to host online courses. Establishing a platform to host these online courses can form beneficial arrangements for instructors and the business running the platform.
Tips for selling online courses
- Build expertise around a subject that you are willing to teach others
- Create a platform to showcase these online course materials using no-code solutions like Bubble
- Make communities who can regularly discuss your online courses
- Entice new users to the online courses with the best price deals and regular promotions
EXAMPLE: Khan Academy
Khan Academy is a platform that provides a wide library of online courses for its users. The main audience of the platform is students looking to learn about specific academic topics. The platform earns around $3.74M monthly and has over 30 million users.
15. Online Directory
Phone directories and address books are some of the most common things in the analogue era. Nevertheless, these items are still relevant until now within online spaces. Create profitable directories for locations to keep people updated with local places. Start by building common directories like local bakeries, budget restaurants, tourist spots, etc.
Tips for monetising online directories
- Build a website for free directories using no-code tools like Appian
- Promote the website by posting free directories people need
- Make a subscription plan for paid directory and listing that people and businesses will need
- Automate processes by integrating third-party applications
16. Information Catalogue
The world is composed of anything that can be broken down into lists. Information catalogues serve as a way to guide and help people know more about various info categories. Think of an information catalogue as a broader online directory that doesn’t only cover locations. Information catalogues can be lists of specific goods and services, the contact information of local businesses, brands and locations, etc.
Tips on creating efficient information catalogues
- Invest in no-code platforms and software that specialise in data management like Airtable and Notion
- Promote the information catalogue in various product types, i.e., subscription for business owners or individual catalogue prices
- Offer services to create catalogues for other companies
- Offer paid courses on how to build efficient information catalogues on no-code platforms
17. Youtube Channel
We live in an era where a different brand of marketing, social media marketing and influencer marketing, is prominent. With many platforms available, it can be challenging to focus on growing a platform. Youtube, is one of the biggest platforms with the most engaging audiences. Youtube channels don’t require any coding but involve a lot of creativity and communication skills. Many vloggers make thousands of dollars monthly posting videos on the platform.
Tips to monetise Youtube channel
- Build a steady following count and subscribers who can watch the videos on the channel by creating compelling content
- Focus on a specific topic to gain a cohesive theme in the channel, i.e., lifestyle videos, movie reviews, makeup tutorials, or even no-code development topics
- Monetise the channel with ad partners and sponsorships
- Create a website efficiently with no-code builders and link the youtube channel to create a vlog+blog, making broader audience reach
18. Networking Sites
Networking sites help connect people and share common interests online. Create the next LinkedIn platform mock-up using no-code builders available over the web.
Other networking sites like Networking for Professionals and Meetup focus more on career networks and creating business connections. Think of networking sites as more focused types of platforms that gather user groups.
Tips to make a profitable networking site
- Build a solid networking website first that catches the appeal of the target audience, i.e., more formal designs for professional networks
- Create a mobile app version of the website with a no-code builder
- Use the site as ad space for businesses that have relevance to the target audience
- Promote both paid and free events on the platform hosted by the users on the site
19. Podcast
The rise in podcasts is evident, especially during the start of the pandemic. According to Statista, “Podcasting is an increasingly popular pastime in the U.S. and there were an estimated 120 million podcast listeners in the country in 2021.” Podcast channels allow the liberty to speak about any topic. One of the best selling points of creating podcasts is the liberty of guesting another person, e.g., an expert in the field, to speak about the subject.
Tips to make a profitable podcast
- Create an exclusive channel for paid premium podcast content
- Build a website that leads to the podcast channel
- Use social media platforms and provides snippets of records to introduce some podcast content topics
- Guest in another user’s podcast
20. No-code templates
No-code platforms offer pre-made workflow systems, designs, styles and templates. This can be an opportunity to gain revenue by creating for these platforms. Why not provide templates and premade products that the no-code platforms can, in turn, offer its users?
Notion
One example is Notion, a no-code platform that specialises in data management. There are thousands of templates on the platform ranging from focused work calendars, extensive journal templates, and large database templates.
The best thing about Notion is that all people can create and personalise templates. While some users post specific templates for free, you can build a business that focuses on creating templates for a particular purpose.
Example: The Notion Bar by Frances Odera Matthews
Notion template builder and founder of The Notion Bar, Frances Matthews, creates custom Notion solutions and templates. Matthews doesn’t only provide free Notion template samples to users. She also offers consulting services for businesses and individuals looking to build no-code systems and workflows using Notion.
How to start a no-code business today?
The internet is not a hidden gem when it comes to providing opportunities. This vast network of people currently surfing the web together means there are already existing audiences and potential customer bases for any no-code business you can set up.
If you want to start a business using no-code platforms, it’s better to try out platforms that can offer all solutions and products you need to start the business with minimal code proficiency and background.
