What is a no-code tool? Introduce how to choose and recommended tools by type

Programming knowledge is essential for creating sites and apps , but if you have no-code tools, you can create even with little knowledge .

However, there are many types of no-code tools. If you don’t choose something that fits your purpose and budget, you can’t use it efficiently. Therefore, we will introduce recommended tools by type along with the basic knowledge of no-code tools .

Table of contents

1. What is a no-code tool
2. Advantages and disadvantages of no-code tools
3. 4 points when choosing a no-code tool
4. 4 recommended no-code tools for website creation
5. 2 recommended no-code tools for EC site creation
6. 2 recommended no-code tools for app development
7. 3 no-code tools recommended for business efficiency
8. Accelerate your business with the best no-code tools

What is a no-code tool

No-code tools are tools that allow you to develop sites and apps without programming . It is a tool that can be used even by those who do not have programming knowledge, and site construction can be done with intuitive operations such as drag and drop.

Engineers are required to develop websites and EC sites by coding, but if you do not have the right personnel in-house, we recommend introducing a no-code tool .

Types of no-code tools

The main types of no-code tools are:

• app development
• Website production
• EC site production
• Business efficiency
• Customer management
• Talent matching

There are many no-code tools for each type, so you need to choose according to your purpose. Also, even if you take one app development, there are many types such as mobile apps and business apps , so choose according to your purpose.

Differences from low-code tools

No-code tools allow you to develop sites and apps without source code , but low-code tools require a minimum amount of code .

A system can be created by combining the necessary parts with simple operations, so specialized knowledge is not required to use it. However, it requires some knowledge and can be difficult for beginners.

However, low-code tools are characterized by a higher degree of freedom than no-code tools. If you want to develop highly customizable sites and apps in-house , consider low-code tools as well.

Advantages and disadvantages of no-code tools

No-code tools have various advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a closer look at each of these here.

Advantages of no-code tools

First, I will introduce three advantages of no-code tools.

● Can be built without programming knowledge

It takes time and money to acquire programming knowledge and hire engineers, but with no-code tools, you can create a site without programming knowledge.

In addition, no-code tools not only allow you to build websites and e-commerce sites without source code , but also feature intuitive operations that make it easy to create the desired finish.

● Rapid development

No-code tools do not require source code and can be used intuitively, making it easy to complete development quickly . Therefore, it can be used conveniently when you want to finish in a short period of time. If you have a site that you want to build in a hurry, it is recommended to actively incorporate it.

● Costs such as cost and time can be reduced

Using no-code tools can save you a lot of money, time and money. Development that requires programming requires hiring an engineer, and development takes a certain amount of time.

However, if you use a no-code tool, you can start development immediately without having an engineer in your company, and you can create it in a short period of time because there is no need for programming.

There is a cost to using no-code tools, which is often cheaper than the cost of labor and training.

Disadvantages of no-code tools

Next, let’s look at the disadvantages of no-code tools. Knowing the pros and cons will help you use the tool more efficiently.

● Low degree of freedom

Since no-code tools are developed with already created code, they are good at developing standard sites and applications . Therefore, compared to developing from scratch, the degree of freedom will decrease and the flexibility will be poor. For those with programming knowledge, this can be frustrating.

If you feel that the degree of freedom is too low, you can also use low-code tools . Low-code tools give you the right amount of freedom and are less hassle than developing from scratch.

● May be platform dependent

Developing with no-code tools can be somewhat platform dependent . For example, if each tool raises the usage fee, we have no choice but to comply with that fee. Also, if the service ends, it will take time to migrate.

In some cases, you have to recreate it at the migration destination, which will require a lot of time and effort.

● Unsuitable for complex and large-scale development

Although no-code tools are convenient, they have a low degree of freedom and are not suitable for complex and large-scale development . There is a high possibility that no-code tools that can be developed by drag and drop will not be able to handle complex development, so consider system development separately if necessary.

4 points when choosing a no-code tool

Next, let’s look at four points when choosing a no-code tool.

1. Pick a tool that fits your purpose

There are various types of no-code tools, so please choose a tool that suits your purpose. Each site creation tool has different features and prices. Choose the one that suits your requirements and cost .

2. Choose tools that work with mobile devices

Choosing a tool that supports mobile devices is also a point when choosing a no-code tool. Since many users use smartphones and tablets to browse sites and shop online , it is essential to support mobile devices .

3. Choose a tool that supports Japanese

Some no-code tools from overseas do not support Japanese. It takes time to understand that it is a tool in a foreign language, and it is easy to incur extra costs .

If you want to develop quickly and receive appropriate support, we recommend choosing a tool that supports Japanese.

4. Choose what fits your budget

No-code tools are expensive to use, but many offer free trials or introductory plans.

Especially if you are using a no-code tool for the first time, choosing a tool that offers a trial is convenient because you can grasp the feeling of use before full-scale introduction.

Since it is necessary to continue to pay the usage fee for the no-code tool, it is recommended to look for a reasonable amount in the long run . The more expensive the better, and the cheaper the better, so it’s not a bad idea.

4 recommended no-code tools for website creation

Here are some recommended no-code tools. First, let’s take a look at the recommended no-code tools for site creation.

ferret one

● Tools specialized for BtoB marketing

ferret One is a no-code tool that can be used for various purposes, specializing in BtoB marketing . ferret One CMS solves the issues of site creation and updating, while ferret One MA can solve the issues of marketing measures and operations.

Ferret One Consulting also provides support from strategy creation. It is attractive that you can easily create LPs without coding, and you can easily operate and update information. Services such as access analysis and customer management are also resolved by services within ferret One .

• Fee: Initial cost 100,000 yen, monthly cost 100,000 yen ~
• Free trial: None (free demo experience available)

Peraichi

● You can create a site just by choosing a template

Peraichi is a no-code tool that allows you to easily create a site just by choosing a template. It is especially recommended for beginners because it is easy to create sites that support apps with intuitive operations .

Various functions such as online payment, reservation system, mail magazine distribution, etc.

• Price: Monthly fee from 1,465 yen (free plan available)
• Free trial: Yes (30 days)

STUDIO

● A no-code tool with a high degree of design freedom

STUDIO is a tool that allows you to freely create sites without relying on codes or templates . You can create a site that is unique to your company because you can create it freely with intuitive operations. It is also attractive to be able to collectively manage from site creation to operation and storage.

• Price: Monthly fee from 980 yen
• Free trial: None (free plan available)

Webflow

● Versatile tools for advanced users

Webflow is one of the most versatile no-code tools and can even export code . Since the rough parts can be created with no code and the fine parts can be adjusted using programming, you can create a website with a higher degree of freedom. However, the basic explanation is written in English, so be careful.

• Price: Monthly cost from $14
• Free trial: None (free plan available)

2 recommended no-code tools for EC site creation

Next, we will introduce two recommended no-code tools for EC site creation.

▼ EC site building tools are explained in detail in the following article
18 recommended EC site building tools! Introducing how to choose a must-see tool for EC businesses

Shopify

● A platform that can handle small to large scale

Shopify is a tool that can develop a wide range of EC sites, from individuals to large corporate EC sites. It is characterized by consistent management without the need to switch platforms according to the scale of the site .

There are many apps that can be linked , so you can speedily start up and operate . The price is also reasonable, so it is also recommended if you are launching an EC site for the first time.

• Price: Monthly cost from $25
• Free trial: Yes (3 days)

BASE

● Compatible with mobile devices! Easy-to-use tool for smartphones

BASE is well-known and popular among no-code tools for EC site development. Not only is it compatible with mobile devices , but it is also characterized by the fact that the operation itself can be easily performed with a smartphone.

There are plenty of template designs, so you can use them according to the genre of the product. It is also recommended for beginners because it supports cooperation with SNS and has marketing support.

• Fee (standard plan): Initial cost and monthly cost are both 0 yen, service usage fee 3%, settlement fee 2.9%
• Price (Growth Plan): Initial cost 0 yen, monthly fee 5,980 yen, settlement fee 2.9% ~

2 recommended no-code tools for app development

Next, I will introduce two recommended no-code tools for app development.

Click

● Security is assured by domestic management

Click is a safe tool in terms of security because databases and servers can be managed in Japan . It is used in application development classes held at universities and high schools , and is known as a reliable tool.

Since it supports Japanese, it is easy to use and can be used even by beginners in application development. You can also develop apps for BtoB such as inventory management , so it will be convenient to use.

• Price: Monthly fee from 1,480 yen
• Free trial: None (free plan available)

Adalo

● Easy development of native apps and web services

Adalo is a tool that makes it easy to create native apps and web services with no code. Intuitive operations such as slide and drag & drop are the main operations, so there is no need for difficult operations or knowledge.

It is also an advantage that it can be used as a business automation tool by linking with the payment tool “Stripe” and the no-code tool “Zapier” .

• Price: Monthly cost from $36
• Free trial: None (free plan available)

3 no-code tools recommended for business efficiency

Finally, let’s take a look at three no-code tools we recommend for improving work efficiency.

Notion

● All the tools you need for work in one workspace

Notion is a tool that covers the essential functions for improving work efficiency, such as document creation, search, database , and task management . We support a variety of requests, such as collecting scattered information and building systems.

It is attractive that it is simple to use and easy to handle, and it also supports support in Japanese . It can be used in a wide range of applications, so it can be used in a wide variety of ways.

• Price: Monthly cost from $8
• Free trial: None (free plan available)

Anyflow Embed

● API linkage of frequently used tools in as little as one week

Anyflow Embed is an embedded iPaaS ( integration Platform as a Service).

By outsourcing API linkage, which tends to take development man-hours, to Anyflow Embed, you can greatly reduce running costs .

• Fee: Inquiry required
• Free trial: free demo available

kintone

● Cloud-based business improvement platform

kintone is a cloud-based business improvement platform . You can develop applications that can manage schedules, inquiries, customers, recruitment, etc. without programming knowledge . Development is possible with intuitive operations such as drag and drop.

• Price: Monthly cost per user from 1,500 yen
• Free trial: Yes (30 days)

Accelerate your business with the best no-code tools

No-code tools are appealing because they allow you to create sites and apps quickly with intuitive operations that do not require coding .

It not only enables high-quality development at low cost , but it is also easy to operate and can be used by anyone.