If you're struck with a brilliant idea for a web app, you might think the next step is diving into complex coding. But there's a more accessible path forward — building a no-code web app.
Forget the need for intricate programming skills. With WeWeb, we simplify the process for you. You'll still need to follow web development best practices to build secure web-apps that scale, but we'll teach you those along the way. Our user-friendly visual builder allows you to create a unique, customizable web app, regardless of your coding background.
Dive into this guide to learn how to build a web app that respects the standards of code, without writing code.
Understanding the distinction between a web app and a website is key to choosing the right no-code tool for your project.
A web app is dynamic. The user is meant to interact with it. Think Airbnb, Facebook, or Typeform. Web apps can be powerful tools for internal business processes, non-profit organizations, personal projects, and more. They can handle tasks like managing internal workflows, engaging community members, tracking personal fitness goals, or organizing volunteer activities.
On the other hand, a website typically consists of static web pages. Though it can incorporate some dynamic elements, websites generally serve as informational platforms, offering a more one-way interaction with the visitor. Think news media, marketing website, Wikipedia.
Both websites and web apps run on web servers and are accessed via web browsers.
However, while websites primarily focus on providing content and information, web apps offer a more interactive experience, like reacting to new comment notifications on Facebook or booking a house on Airbnb. This fundamental difference shapes their respective purposes and functionalities.
There are two ways to build a web app: the traditional way and the no-code path. Let’s unpack each below.
Traditional web app development can be time-consuming and requires coding expertise or having a team of developers at your disposal.
This traditional approach demands a high level of technical knowledge, with significant time and effort invested in building each component from the ground up. Key tasks include crafting user interfaces, architecting databases, and developing intricate backend logic. The process, while time-consuming, allows for a high degree of customization and control over the web app’s functionalities.
No-code development opens the door to creating a web app to more people.
Entrepreneurs and hobbyists with an appetite to learn about building digital products can build MVPs in full autonomy but no-code allows for more than just MVPs.
More experienced no-coders and traditional developers with coding skills who might not have the time or resources to work with an extended team can work with no-code/low-code platforms to build production-grade apps faster.
Your innovative idea remains central, and it helps to have some understanding of how web development works, but tools like WeWeb streamline the entire web app-building process.
Instead of starting from scratch, you'll find a range of templates at your disposal. These templates enable you to construct and style your layout through drag-and-drop elements. With built-in no-code actions and the capability to connect to various data sources, WeWeb ensures that no-coders have the tools and resources at their disposal to create a customized web app.
If you’re looking to create a web app, the first thing you’ll need is a clear idea.
Most successful web apps are born from a desire to solve a particular problem. For example, Canva makes it easy to design thumbnails, social media graphics, and presentations for those with limited graphic design experience.
Your concept should target a well-defined audience. Imagine, for instance, a web app dedicated to promoting four-day workweek jobs, tailored for professionals of a specific industry and experience level. Gathering candid feedback on your idea is crucial, as is devising strategies to effectively market your web app and build its user base. By focusing on utility and relevance, your web app will not only be practical but also deeply connect with its users.
Your idea could span a wide range of possibilities, from a dog walking app to a house cleaning service platform, a dating app, or something entirely unique.
By the way, you can start with an audience of one. Say you want to build a habit tracker or an app to set and track OKR goals. You could build a quick prototype and start using it for yourself in just a few days. If you don’t like using your own app, chances are others won’t either!
Begin shaping your web app by crafting a mockup, which serves as a blueprint for your design. The creation of a wireframe is a crucial step in visualizing your concept; it helps in laying out a user-friendly and easily navigable interface. Think of this as the rough draft of your web app.
For instance, you can take a design you created in Figma and integrate it into WeWeb. From there, you can connect data sources and add frontend logic and authentication systems. It's important to ensure that your design is user-friendly, paying special attention to elements such as the navigation bar, which should be placed intuitively for ease of use.
Choosing the right tech stack for your no-code web app is crucial to ensure efficiency and scalability. Some tools are an excellent fit for straightforward, low-complexity projects. Others, like WeWeb, provide you with more flexibility and scalability options.
Here are some key questions that will help you evaluate your code, no-code, and low-code options:
Ultimately, your choice should be based on your web app project's complexity, your team's technical expertise, and your long-term goals. Evaluating the specific requirements of your project is essential to determine the most suitable tech stack.
WeWeb empowers you to create a secure, scalable web app without writing a single line of code (though you can if you want to ^^). You can set the stage for a powerful, flexible application by building your front end in WeWeb and your backend in low-code backends like Supabase or Xano. We also propose Xano snippets and Supabase scripts so you don’t need to build your backend from scratch.
Start your build using our WeWeb templates, tailored to your expertise level. Opt for a blank template if you have coding experience or choose to duplicate one of our existing templates, customizing it to your preferences. Below, we’ll guide you through this process.
You’ll want to begin by creating an account on WeWeb. To get started, go to weweb.io, where you can either sign in or explore our platform with a free trial. If interested, you can also sign up for a plan that works for you. Once you've set up your account and logged in, you'll land in your personal workspace.
To start creating your no-code web app, click on ‘+ Create or Duplicate project.’ For this example, we’ll use our ticket web app template. Scroll down to the Ticketing App and press ‘Select ➡️’ to get started. From there, you can name your project and select a default language.
An essential aspect of building your web app is ensuring compatibility with your chosen tech stack, or making sure it integrates seamlessly with your existing tech stack.
While WeWeb will take care of frontend development, you’ll still need to manage the server side of your app through backend development. To do this, you can use full-coded solutions like MongoDB or Django or low-code solutions like Airtable, Xano and Supabase.
Your setup might be a hybrid, combining cloud-based and on-premise solutions. WeWeb offers flexibility in connectivity, allowing it to seamlessly integrate with almost any system with a REST, SOAP, or GraphQL API, ensuring a smooth flow of data and functionality between your frontend and backend components.
When selecting a tech stack, choose tools that you and your team are experienced with.
If you wanted to integrate with a GraphQL API for example, you’ll select ‘Plugins’ in the navigation bar. From there, under Categories, you can select ‘Data sources’ and add your GraphQL plugin. Note that you can add as many different data source plugins as you want in a WeWeb project.
To add an authentication plugin, you’ll select ‘Plugin’ in the navigation bar. Next, you’ll select ‘Authentication’ under Categories. From there, you can select your preferred authentication method and add the plugin.
For example, you could select ‘Token Based Auth’ and add the plugin. You would then be invited to select the Auth type (for example bearer token), a user endpoint, and landing page for users who are not authenticated.
Building out your pages and layouts is a major component of what will make your app both visually appealing and functional. Using WeWeb's drag-and-drop interface, you can arrange and customize elements like text, images, buttons, and forms directly on your web pages.
WeWeb also offers responsive design features, ensuring your website looks great on both desktop and mobile devices, making it an excellent choice for those looking to create a polished and professional web presence.
To start building your layouts, simply open the "Add" panel and click on “Layout” to explore the ready-made page layout options available to you like the top navigation bar and side menu:
Once you have dragged-and-dropped elements on your page, you can select them in the "Layout" panel on the left to customize their look-and-feel in the styles panel on the right:
You may have a style guide with specific typographies, colors, and spacings you want to use in your web app. In the "Libraries" tab of your project, you can:
Once you've finished customizing your no-code web app, you’re ready to hit publish. Simply click the "Publish" button in the top right corner, and then you're ready to share your web app!
It's important to rigorously test your web app before releasing it to the public, ensuring its security and functionality is paramount. Take the time to walk through your published app on different devices before sharing it with the world. Don’t overlook the interactive elements — they need to function seamlessly for an optimal user experience. After thorough testing, your web app will be fully prepared for its launch.
If you're holding onto an amazing idea that's ripe for transformation into a web app, the journey begins with careful planning. Take the time to breakdown your concept, understand your target audience, create a mockup, and then dive into customization. Testing your creation thoroughly is crucial before you unveil it to the world.
WeWeb is here to streamline this process for you, turning even the most novice user into a no-code expert. Start crafting your no-code web app with WeWeb today. Our platform not only simplifies the process but also supports you with video tutorials, community office hours, and personalized support every step of the way.
Sign up now, pay when you're ready to publish.
