Anyone Can Make a Mobile App—Including You!
Let me show you how.
👋 Hey, I’m Casandra. I share really good business ideas to help you start and grow a business. Become a Premium subscriber to access the full archive and Premium perks like my direct support.
Today, I’m going to show you how to make a mobile app from scratch—even if you don’t know how to code.
Mobile apps are a great business opportunity. We’re spending more time in mobile apps than ever before,1 and with recent advances in technology like no-code development tools and AI coding, it’s easier to make a mobile app than ever before, too.
Table of Contents
How to Design Your Mobile App
The first step to making a mobile is to figure out how you want your app to look and function. This will help you figure out which features you need so you can choose the right tool or person to help you build it. There are a few different ways to do this.
Option 1: Create a wireframe using pen and paper.
Wire framing is the process of loosely sketching out how your app will look and function, without a lot of design detail. I love to start wireframing on paper because it’s fast and easy. The important thing right now is to think through how your app will work. The visual polish can come later!
Price: Free (assuming you already have paper and a pen).
Option 2: Use an online tool to help with basic wireframing.
If you don’t like hand drawing, there are lots of great tools to help with low-fidelity wire framing without worrying about design. My favorite is Balsamiq.
Price: Free if you sign up for a 30 day free trial of Balsamiq.
Option 3: Use a mockup tool that incorporates design elements.
You can take wireframing a step further and start designing mockups that incorporate design elements like colors, fonts, and icons. There are several great tools for this:
Great for easy, highly customizable mockups that enable you to generate designs from text prompts that you can then edit.
Price: Free to get started.
Great for fast and easy do-it-yourself mockups for anyone who already has something in mind.
Price: Free to get started.
Great for designers that want robust mockups with a lot of detail.
Price: Free to get started.
Bonus: Get Feedback on Your Mock-Ups
Now is also a great time to further validate your idea. Show your solution to people who might use your app and get their feedback. Is it something they would actually use? Is there an important feature that you’re missing?
How to Make Your Mobile App 🔨
Once you have a solid understanding of the app you want to make, you can move on to the process of building it.
If you’re not a developer yourself, you have three options:
Use a “no-code” platform to build it yourself.
Have AI code an app for you.
Hire someone to build it for you
All three options can be good, but present different sets of tradeoffs.
Using a no-code platform or AI coding will cost less, but there may be a learning curve, and you’ll eventually hit technical limitations. Hiring someone will be more expensive, but it may save you time and allow for more advanced features.
I really like no-code platforms. They force you to simplify your idea as much as possible so you can launch something quickly and start getting feedback.
Remember, when starting a new business, it’s important not to overcomplicate things. The best thing you can do is focus on gaining traction to validate further investment in the business.
What Is a No-Code Mobile App Builder?
A no-code mobile app builder is a software platform that enables you to create mobile applications without writing any code. These platforms typically provide a visual interface where you can drag and drop elements, define logic, and customize an app's appearance and functionality using pre-built components and templates.
You probably use some no-code platforms already:
Substack enables people to create a website, a newsletter, and accept payments.
Shopify enables people to create an ecommerce store with a shopping cart, product collections, and shipping integration.
Facebook enables people to make a simple about me style website with photos, text, and other information.
Notion enables people to create simple websites with databases.
…all without writing a single line of code!
No-code mobile app builders democratize app development by enabling anyone to create functional and customized mobile applications.
There is a limit to what features and customization are available. For example, Substack doesn’t provide an option to format a table in your articles, so as much I wanted to create a table to compare no-code platforms vs hiring a developer, it’s just not possible.
But if I’m being honest, I think platform limitations are great. They helps users focus on the essentials without getting too distracted by frills and extras.
Best No-Code Mobile App Builders
There are quite a few no-code mobile app builders to choose from. Each excels at different things. You’ll definitely want to use a platform that supports publishing mobile apps to the app stores (vs a mobile optimized website) since that’s where you’ll acquire a lot of your users. I’m only including platforms that support mobile app store publishing here.
Draftbit (Best for most people)
Draftbit is surprisingly customizable for its low monthly price. It uses a combination of bits and blocks to enable you to build a ton of features without the need for code, while still supporting custom code as well.
FlutterFlow (Best for the tech-saavy)
FlutterFlow is one of the most robust no-code platforms. It has a steeper learning curve but it’s also more scalable and favored by developers looking to speed up their process.
Adalo (Best for the tech-wary)
If this is your first time building an app, Adalo is a great place to start. Especially if you’re not very comfortable with technology and don’t have any experience working with code. If you’re really successful, you may outgrow the platform, but that would be a good problem to have!
AppMachine
AppMachine is really simply to use and you can start for free but many people will find its set of features too limiting for their app idea.
Mobiroller
Mobiroller is very focused on growth and monetization. If you have an app idea that could leverage one of their specific templates (like fitness programming or sports betting), it’s a great option for quickly making a simple app that you can easily monetize.
BuildFire
BuildFire has a very nice user interface and a lot of customization options but I don’t think it’s the right choice for most people. It’s very expensive for what you get, you’ll be locked into their platform, and there are loads of bad reviews online.
Mobile Apps as a Service
Many platforms also offer mobile apps as a service. Typically, you’ll do some planning in their no-code tools and then leverage their team of experts for the rest of the buildout.
These are an excellent option for slightly more complicated apps, and for people who don’t have the time or interest to fully do it themselves. Rather than paying a lump sum to hire a developer, you’ll pay a monthly fee like you would for a no-code platform, but the cost will be a bit higher. There may also be a setup fee.
Draftbit: Also offers a no-code tool, so you could start on your own and then get help if you need it.
Builder.ai: Flexible pricing options.
Choicely: A Startup fee is required in addition to the monthly subscription.
BuildFire: Also offers a no-code tool, but reviews are poor.
How to AI Code a Mobile App (AKA Vibe Coding)
No-code app tools let you build an app by editing templates and using drag-and-drop features. AI coding tools let you build a mobile app like a developer…without writing any code.
LLMs have gotten so good recently that you can code an entire mobile using natural language. You simply describe what you want, and the AI agent will build it. The casual iterative nature of this prompt-driven development process has led to the term vibe coding.
How to Hire a Developer on a Project Basis Instead
Finally, if your idea is more complex or you have startup capital to invest in mobile app development, you can hire a developer (and maybe a designer) to build your app for you.
Where to Find a Mobile App Developer
If you know someone else who has started a mobile app business, ask them for a developer referral! Referrals are often how I find the best people in any field.
If not, there are lots of places to hire mobile app developers.
Before posting your job, read examples of other jobs that received a lot of applicants. This will help you figure out the best phrasing to attract more high-quality applicants to your own posting.
These are the four platforms that I like best or have come most recommended to me:
UpWork: Post your project and wait for applications or reach out to specific developers about your project.
RocketDevs: Get more personalized support hiring a freelance developer.
Clutch: Review a directory of development shops and reach out to one about your app based on their profile.
Freelancer: Post your project and wait for applications or reach out to specific developers about your project.
Tips for Hiring a Developer
Have Wireframes Ready: If you don’t have a clear understanding of how your app will work, the person you hire won’t either and you might not be happy with what you get.
Define Your Project Scope: Before you start looking for a developer, clearly define your project scope, including the features, platforms (iOS, Android, or both), timelines, and budget. This will help you communicate effectively with potential candidates.
Clearly Establish Development Milestones: Never wait for the entire app to be delivered at once. Milestones are important so you can check the work and provide ongoing feedback.
Review Developer Portfolios and Past Projects: Look for developers with relevant experience and a strong portfolio of mobile apps they developed. Pay attention to the design, functionality, and user experience of their past projects.
Check Reviews and Ratings: Read the ratings and feedback from previous clients. This can give you insights into the developer's work ethic, communication skills, and ability to meet deadlines.
Conduct Interviews: Once you've shortlisted a few candidates, schedule interviews to discuss your project in detail. Ask about their experience, technical skills, development process, and how they handle challenges.
Request Referrals: Ask to speak with previous clients. You want to make sure those clients would be willing to work with the developer again.
Evaluate Communication Skills: Effective communication is crucial for successful collaboration. Make sure the developer can communicate clearly and promptly in your preferred language.
Discuss Terms and Contracts: Clearly outline the terms of the project, including payment structure, deliverables, and intellectual property rights. Have a written contract in place to protect both of you.
Create Mockups to Skip Hiring a Designer: If you don’t want to hire a designer to work with your developer, you can create your own mockups to show them how everything should look.
Advice from Successful Mobile Apps Businesses 🚀
Before you run off and start your first wireframe, here are some case studies with tried-and-true tips for new mobile app creators.
Helpsy Source
Helpsy Source is an online clothing wholesaler that offers high-quality pre-owned and brand-new goods for resellers and thrift stores, while diverting clothing from landfills. They started in 2022 and already have 8.6K downloads and 8.2K orders placed through their mobile app.
I spoke with Chief Merchandising Officer, Jessica Rennard, and senior app developer, Devan Kraft, about Helpsy Source’s journey so far:
How did you come up with your app idea?
Jessica: We pride ourselves in creating an ease of access for resellers to be able to source inventory nationwide and remotely—without having to leave their house to go thrifting. Creating an app was our number one priority when launching our business Helpsy Source in 2022.
How did you get your first users?
Jessica: We leveraged our following on social media, specifically instagram and launched an affiliate program.
What tips do you have for people considering starting a mobile app business?
Devan: I believe that managing and maintaining the design and overall user experience of a mobile app is more streamlined compared to an online site. Mobile apps hold a distinct advantage in customer outreach, leveraging the power of push notifications. This unique marketing tactic allows direct communication with users, placing your product a tap away from purchasing. While getting downloads may be challenging, offering in-app exclusives becomes imperative for a successful strategy.
CubiCasa
CubiCasa's app simplifies floor plan creation, offering a quick and easy way for real estate professionals to generate high-quality, digital floor plans through just a smartphone scan. Their technology streamlines the listing process, enhancing property presentations with minimal effort.
CubiCasa doesn’t share any data publicly but their Google Play Store page shows they have 10K+ downloads and Sensor Tower estimates their monthly Apple App Store revenue to be $7K. It’s clear they’re off to a great start.
I spoke with John Kadias from CubiCasa about their journey so far:
How did you come up with your app idea?
The idea for CubiCasa emerged from recognizing a gap in the real estate market for an efficient, cost-effective solution to create accurate and professional floor plans. We understood that floor plans are a crucial component of real estate listings, offering potential buyers a better understanding of a property's layout. By leveraging advanced scanning technology, we aimed to democratize access to high-quality floor plan creation, making it accessible to anyone with a smartphone.
How did you get your first users?
Our first users were gained through a combination of targeted marketing efforts, industry partnerships, and word-of-mouth referrals. We focused on building strong relationships within the real estate community, attending industry events, and leveraging online platforms to showcase the value and efficiency our app brings to real estate professionals. Early adopters played a crucial role in providing feedback that helped refine and improve our app.
What tips do you have for people considering starting a mobile app business?
Make sure your app idea solves a real problem. Ensure your app addresses a specific need or challenge in your target market. A clear value proposition is crucial. Prioritize the user experience, making your app intuitive, engaging, and easy to use. Thoroughly research your market and competition. Understanding your audience's needs and behaviors is key to creating a product that resonates. Don't underestimate the importance of marketing. Developing a strong marketing strategy can help you reach your target audience and drive downloads. And lastly, engage with your users regularly. Their feedback is invaluable for continuous improvement and innovation.
Virally (via No-Code Exits)
If you’re thinking about going the no-code route, you should definitely check out No-Code Exits for some inspiring case studies.
The story of Virally is a particularly great read for mobile app creators. Some key insights that stand out:
Even though the founder, Alim, is a developer, he chose to build his app using a no-code tool (FlutterFlow) because it was faster.
Alim used his app to solve a personal pain point around posting consistently on social media and coming up with content ideas.
Alim knew his idea was already validated because there were a lot of big competitors.
Alim got a lot of users from optimizing app store search focusing on:
Keywords with verbs that are more likely to drive action and outcomes.
Keyword proven to be revenue generating (from keyword research).
Regional keywords targeting users outside of the US.
Avocation (via Better Marketing)
David Jöch shares the detailed story of how he scaled his app, Avocation, from 0 to 100,000 downloads in less than six months.
Some key insights that stand out from his story:
David spent a lot of time designing and perfecting the app’s look and function before starting to build it.
David leveraged his network for reviews which are important for app store rankings.
David worked hard to get his initial downloads by:
Figuring out where his ideal users spend time online and engaging with them there to promote his app.
Experimenting with sharing his story about building the app on a variety of platforms to see where it resonated (and drove downloads).
Then, David scaled downloads from the initial traction he had by focusing on app store optimization and translating his app to other languages to reach more people.
Building a mobile app is more accessible than ever. Whether you choose no-code, AI, or traditional development, the key is clearly defining your vision and selecting the path that best aligns with your skills and budget. With the right approach, anyone can turn an app idea into reality. My app store optimization guide will be waiting for you when you’re ready!
To endless possibilities,
Casandra
Wow! Who knew it was so simple to make a mobile App? I will definitely check out some of the no code options for some project ideas I have! Thanks!
Love this. Agree that these new platforms have made building so much more accessible. I'd add bubble to the list of great no code options as well.