Working with a No-Code Agency: Why and how?

What does a no-code agency do?

A no-code agency is in many ways similar to a traditional digital agency, but the biggest difference is that they work with no-code platforms to develop digital solutions. Whether you're looking for an application, a website, or automating processes, there's a no-code agency somewhere that can build it for you these days.

Most no-code agencies specialize in specific development tools such as Airtable, Bubble, Make, or Xano, and can therefore deliver customized solutions that perfectly meet your company's needs more quickly and efficiently.

The benefits of working with a no-code agency

Versus working with a traditional digital agency

When companies need a customized digital solution, they often first think of traditional digital agencies, which primarily work with code to build solutions. This approach can be complex and time-consuming. Nevertheless, no-code agencies offer a fresh, modern approach that is becoming increasingly popular and, in many cases, can be a better choice.

Faster development time

Working with a no-code agency offers a huge advantage when it comes to speed. Instead of waiting months for traditional development, no-code projects can often go live within weeks. No-code platforms offer convenient drag-and-drop functionalities and standard components that drastically reduce development time. This means that you can quickly respond to new opportunities and changes in the market. Whether you want to launch a new application or automate your processes, no-code makes it possible to achieve results very quickly. So, if you have no time to lose, a no-code agency is definitely worth considering.

Shorter lines

No-code agencies are known for their short communication lines and direct cooperation. Instead of getting lost in large, bureaucratic teams, you'll work with versatile no-code developers who master multiple skills. This means that you are often in direct contact with the person who invents, designs and develops your solution, without noise or unnecessary intermediaries. This direct approach ensures that your wishes and ideas are really heard, so that the end result perfectly matches what you have in mind.

Lower development costs

No-code development is often much easier on your wallet than traditional development. You get more functionality and value at a fraction of the cost. While traditional development quickly comes to mind costs in the hundreds of thousands of euros, no-code projects are often much more affordable, with costs in the tens of thousands, depending on the scope.

Of course, there are also larger no-code projects that cost more, but in general, no-code agencies give you an excellent price-quality ratio. This makes it an attractive choice for companies looking for smart solutions without moving their offices to a cardboard box.

Easier to maintain

Another major advantage of no-code solutions is that they are often easy to maintain. Unlike traditional code bases, which are often a maze of complex code, no-code projects are much more accessible and user-friendly. This means you can easily transfer them to another team without the hassle of bulky tutorials or technical training. In addition, you are less dependent on expensive developers in the long run. With no-code, you have more control and can make changes quickly.

It's important to emphasize that each tool has a learning curve. It is therefore not advisable to work without expertise, especially with complex applications that already play a crucial role in your company.

Versus self-development with no-code

No-code tools are intuitive and accessible, so the threshold for people without programming knowledge to develop themselves seems lower. Although it can be tempting to think that you can easily build an application yourself, in many cases it is highly inadvisable to do this without the right expertise. After all, a no-code agency offers many benefits that you won't get when you get to work yourself.

Knowledge and experience

When you work with a no-code agency, you pay for the valuable knowledge and know-how they have built up. These experts have experience with the strengths and limitations of various no-code tools and know exactly how to use them. Their backpack full of built solutions can apply directly to your business, allowing you to benefit from proven methods and techniques that have already worked for other companies.

Develop more efficiently

Starting with no-code development yourself is often associated with a steep learning curve. While you're developing, you're probably in the middle of a learning process. What can be a learning process of dozens of hours for you is routine work for a no-code agency that they can complete in a few hours. In addition, they often have a targeted process, so you can quickly get to the heart of your project without wasting time on errors and experiments.

More capacity

As an individual or a small team, you obviously have limited capacity. Maybe you don't have the resources to set up an in-house team, or you want your existing development team to focus on your core business without distractions. A no-code agency has the capacity and resources to fully focus on your project, ensuring a streamlined process and the support you need to take your project to the next level.

Higher quality

When you develop yourself while you are still in the early stages of your learning process, you run the risk of making mistakes or mistakes. This may mean that your solution is not scalable, maintainable, or expandable. In many cases, this means that you have to build the solution again at a later time, which costs time and money. By working with a no-code agency, you increase the chances of building a future-proof solution that meets the highest quality standards and is ready for further growth.

What do you pay attention to when choosing a no-code agency

Not every no-code agency is the same

No-code is more accessible than traditional code, which is great because it opens the door for many people to create their own digital solutions. But this accessibility also means that agencies were started by people with minimal experience in software development. While that's okay, they may not be the best choice for your complex project.

In addition, the no-code landscape has now become so broad that it is almost impossible to excel in all disciplines. That is why more and more no-code agencies are specializing in specific niches.

Take, for example Cut the Code, a no-code agency that focuses on creating top-notch websites and platforms. They specialize in branding, user experience, and design systems and mainly work with tools such as Webflow, Xano, and Wized.

At Optimeister on the other hand, we focus on streamlining business processes with applications and automations. Our projects are often focused on working smarter and faster, and we use tools such as Airtable, Bubble, and Make.

Both parties profile themselves as a 'No-code agency', but focus on completely different solutions. So choose a no-code agency that specializes in the type of project you have in mind, so you can make sure they have the expertise you need.

Read about the proposed tools

Transparency is key to a successful collaboration. But some agencies can have a tendency to make things rosier than they are because they want to get the job. It is crucial to do your own research into the proposed tools and their limitations. Get good advice, but also do your own research so that you have a clear picture of what to expect. No matter how good a no-code agency is, ultimately, you also depend on the tools that are used.

Know your budget

It is important to be clear about your budget and to discuss it as early as possible. The rates that no-code agencies charge can vary greatly, and it is annoying for both parties if you only find out at the quote that it is all much more expensive than you expected. By being open about your budget, you can ensure that your project stays within your financial means and you can avoid unpleasant surprises

Explain your expectations about the collaboration

If you are committed to long-term cooperation, it is wise to discuss what the service will look like after delivery. Also discuss how you prefer to contact the agency. Whether you prefer to email, like to call, or enjoy stopping by the office, make sure your expectations are clear. This helps ensure smooth collaboration and ensure that your project is successful.

Important questions to ask

Does the agency understand my challenges and wishes?

Before you start building, you want to make sure that the agency understands your challenges and wishes properly. It is important to have confidence in their approach and vision. However, don't expect the agency to be able to work out your entire project in detail without compensation, especially for large projects. It is wise not to cut corners on the discovery and design phases. This ensures that you can both put time and effort into carefully thinking out the solution, increasing the chance that the end result perfectly meets your specific needs.

Does the agency have experience with similar projects?

Experience with similar projects can make a big difference. Look at the type of solutions that the agency has built before, such as CRM systems, customer portals, or websites. It also helps if they already have experience in your sector; this can make the collaboration smoother because they are already familiar with the specific requirements and expectations of the industry. Don't forget to see if they have experience with the tools used for your project.

What does the process look like?

A clear process is often what distinguishes a professional agency from a beginner. Ask about their way of working and how they approach projects. A structured approach ensures peace and trust and guarantees the success of a project. Know how they deal with feedback, deadlines, and unexpected challenges, so you can be sure to work with a reliable partner.

Conclusion

Hiring a no-code agency can be a smart move for companies looking for efficient, cost-effective, and flexible digital solutions. This makes them an attractive choice for companies of all sizes.

Whether you choose a no-code agency because of their expertise, efficiency, capacity, or quality, it's important to select the right partner. Not all agencies are the same, and the choice depends on your company's specific needs and goals. By doing good research, being transparent about your budget, and setting clear expectations, you can start a partnership that helps you achieve your digital goals.