#38: Saving time and money

Why startups and non-profits should embrace no-code tools

It's a tough new financial year, and inflation is still rising. That means budget cuts. From what I’ve heard, this is the single biggest source of stress for non-profits right now. I suspect they are not alone.

So I asked myself: what’s one thing both startups and non-profits can do to save money?

There are tons of possible solutions. Today, I'm suggesting one.

Embrace no-code tools

What are no-code tools?

No-code tools are software platforms that enable non-developers to create their own software. Squarespace is a famous example. The platform allows anyone to create a website by providing a range of templates that are easy to edit and publish. I can't write code, but thanks to Squarespace, I built a slick website for my mother in a matter of hours. 

Historically, web developers built individual websites from scratch. They would code everything from the website's structure to all the images and text. The more websites they make, the more code they have to write and maintain. The same goes for apps.

When an organisation uses a no-code platform, it frees up its developers’ valuable and expensive time. The developers no longer have to work on the software’s infrastructure and maintenance.

Why else should you switch to no-code tools?

Let's continue with the website as our example. 

Running a website requires at least three core skill sets:

• User experience design

• Content creation

• Web development 

If you use a platform like Squarespace or Webflow, you can create and publish content without a full-time web developer or designer. Instead of waiting days for a developer to make a copy update, you can do it yourself.

Done right, running a no-code website should:

• Lower production costs

• Reduce dependencies

• Increase team autonomy

These benefits are as relevant for early-stage startups as for non-profits.

How can you make the switch?

First, explore the no-code movement and its available tools. 

Non-profits

My friends at Catalyst run their website on Webflow. They wrote about how the platform can help charities here. 

Startups

MKT1 has explained the benefits of no-code for startup marketing teams here. They even created an in-depth checklist for running a website.

If you're still unsure where to start, reply to this email and let me know. Alternatively:

My partner is a web developer and will happily provide advice.

Happy no-coding!

Lauren

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P.S. Have you noticed anything different about my writing this week? I've been trying to use shorter sentences. That's because of Pass It On reader Ettie Bailey-King. She's just launched a newsletter on inclusive communication. Her first issue explains why simple writing is a social justice issue and how you can get better at it. Subscribe and pass it on to everyone you know👇 🌱