How to develop an app with no experience

Want to create an app but have no coding skills? Well, developing an app might seem like a task reserved for tech wizards, but that’s no longer the case. If you have a good idea, you can create a functional app without writing a single line of code, and thousands of beginners like you have already done it. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a small business owner, or just someone with a creative spark, with the right tools and mindset, you can build an app easily.

In this guide, we will walk you through every step, from brainstorming to launch. By the end, you’ll know what tools to use, what steps to follow, and how to bring your idea to life.

How to Build an App Without Experience

You might be thinking that building an app is so complicated. But you know what, with some amazing sources, it becomes easier. There are many resources, and no-code tools are available that make your work simple.

You can use platforms like Thunkable and AppMakr, you will find more than 600 no-code platforms which help you create apps with drag-and-drop features. You don’t require any coding skills, also you will feel like you are making a slideshow.

You can also watch some YouTube blogs, tutorials, and stay connected with online communities for any kind of help, like Reddit’s r/nocode, which offers free help for beginners.

It’s been seen that there is a growing demand in the no-code industry. This means more tools and support for you, even if you’ve never coded before; there are tools and platforms today that make app development easier than ever.

So here are some steps you can follow to know broadly and make your app easily

Step 1: Think of a Great App Idea

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Every app starts with a great idea. Your goal is to create something people need or love. So, before you start, try to define your idea, think about why you are going to make the app, who your target audience is, and how it will help people. You can start looking at your surroundings, and try to look at what issues people are facing, what frustrates them.  You can use  Google Trends or search app stores to spot popular topics or gaps in the market. For example, if you forget tasks, an app for reminders could be your idea.

You can see many existing examples like Uber solved the hassle of finding taxis; Instagram simplified photo sharing. So, you can think of some unique helpful ideas, write them down, and then validate them.

How to Narrow It Down:

• Write down 3-5 ideas.
• Pick one that’s simple and solves a clear problem.
• Use a tool like an App Idea Evaluation Template to check if it’s worth pursuing. This helps you define who will use it and why.

Example: Instead of a generic fitness app, create one for busy parents with quick 10-minute workouts.

Time Needed: Spend 1-2 hours brainstorming and picking your idea.

Step 2: Do Some Market Research

Research your competitors, and check the app store for similar popular apps. Search on Google Play Store or App Store for similar apps. Read user reviews to find what users don’t like, or what they like. And if you think you can make a better version of that, then go for it. For instance, if a recipe app is too complex, create a simpler one.

Well, what if you see the app you want to make already exists, don’t feel sad, remember there is a saying that there is always room for improvement. It will help you to know that your idea is justified and people need it, and you can work on more ideas, or you can find the gap to improve it.

For feedback, you can ask your family members or friends to join online groups, or you can use free surveys like Google Forms to collect opinions from others. Also, you can find people who might use your app. For a pet care app, talk to pet owners. Ask questions like:

• What problems do you have with [task your app solves]?
• Would you use an app like this?
• How much would you pay? (Give options like $1-$5/month, but don’t include free to get honest answers.)

Make sure you’re talking to the right people. For example, don’t ask a non-parent about a parenting app. You can build a list to ask these people if they’ll test your app later or buy it when it’s ready. It will save you from wasting time on an app nobody wants. It also shows you how to make your idea better. So, try to interview in person, over video calls, or even through social media and avoid yes-or-no questions to get detailed answers.

Step 3: Learn the Basics

You don’t need a computer science degree, but it requires some basic knowledge to do it. So, before you start, you can take a course like mobile app development courses or many other free and paid courses to learn HTML, CSS or app design courses. You can also learn the basics of UI/UX design, coding languages like JavaScript, and app logic.

Step 4: Plan Your App’s Features and Design

Now it’s time to plan what your app will do and how it will look. So, in these steps, you will have to create a blueprint, or wireframe, to guide your building process.  Now you have to write down everything your app needs so you don’t forget any steps. Suppose for a to-do list app, you might want:

• Adding tasks
• Setting reminders
• Marking tasks as done

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Focus on the MVP:

MVP basically stands for minimum viable product, and the theory behind it is that to get your product into the hands of real people, it is preferable to start with a small yet functional version. You can imagine the simplest version of your app that still works. And you can get feedback from people, which will help you to know what exactly people are looking for. And you can update your app based on the real users' feedback. You can repeat the process again and again to reach the perfect version of your app, and finally, you will succeed.

Sketch the Layout:

Now you have to draw the layout, how you want your app to look, and how the screen will look. Show users how they will interact, move from one screen to another.

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You can use paper and a pencil for a quick sketch because when you start sketching, you will develop new ideas, and you might have to change things, so if you use a pencil, you can erase them easily.

Or, if you are comfortable making digital design, you can use many free platforms or free tools like Sketch or Figma.

Step 5: Build Your App with No-Code Tools

This is the exciting part, if you don’t want to give any load to your brain and want to skip self-coding, you can choose No-Code tools, which will help you skip coding entirely, since you have no experience. These tools let you build apps with simple drag-and-drop features. It will be the fastest way to build your app, you can build it in days, not months. You can save thousands compared to paying developers, you don’t need any tech skills, and you just have to be creative to make an amazing app. Here’s how to get started:

How to Choose a Platform:

Firstly, try to match your needs, decide if you want a mobile app (iOS/Android) or a web app. Check the cost, many platforms have free plans or charge $10-$200/month. This way, you can save your money from hiring a developer and try to pick a platform with tutorials, forums, or customer support.

Best No-Code Platforms:

Steps to Build:

• Sign up for a no-code platform.
• Choose a template that fits your app idea
• Drag and drop elements like buttons, text fields, or images to match your wireframe.
• Customise colours, fonts, and layouts to make it look nice.
• Test your app on the platform to make sure everything works.

Other Option:

If you need advanced features, you can hire a developer from marketplaces, but remember this will cost a bit more. Or you can also team up with a coder who believes in your idea. Although this takes time to find the right person. But better you stick with no-code for your first app. It will be quick, affordable and let you test your idea without taking a big risk.

Time Needed: 2-4 weeks to build your MVP, depending on your app’s complexity.

Step 6: Test and Launch Your App

Finally, your app is built, now you have to make sure it works and get it to users. So, before launching, use the app yourself to check whether every feature is working smoothly or not. Try to share it with your testers (The people you interviewed). If you see any bugs, like buttons that don’t work or the screen that freezes, fix them and prepare it for launching.

To launch your app on Android, you have to create a Google Play Console account ($25/£ 18.7 one-time fee). They will review, and it may take a few days.

On the other hand, for iOS, you have to sign up for an Apple Developer account, which will cost $99/year (£74.04). Read the App Store Review Guidelines to avoid rejection. Common issues include broken features or missing privacy policies.

Start the submission process 2 weeks before your launch date to handle any delays or fixes.

Time Needed: 1-2 weeks for testing, plus 1-2 weeks for app store submission.

Step 6: Keep Improving Your App

Launching your app is just the start. To keep users happy and grow your app, you need to listen to feedback and make updates. If your apps don’t improve, you will lose users. Regular updates keep your app fresh and competitive.

Collect Feedback:

• Check app store reviews for user comments.
• Add a feedback form in your app (most no-code platforms make this easy).
• Ask testers for suggestions.

Make Updates:

• Fix bugs first (if your app crashes, solve that ASAP).
• Add new features based on what users want most.
• Avoid adding too many features; keep it simple.

Release Updates: Push new versions to the app store regularly to show users you’re active.

Example: If users say your to-do list app needs reminders, add that feature in the next update instead of something less requested, like task sharing.

Time Needed: Ongoing, with updates every 1-3 months.

Step 7: Promote Your App

Before Launch, try to create a simple website with Wix or Mailchimp to collect emails. And share your progress on social media.

After Launch, use App Store Optimisation (ASO) to rank higher in searches. Try App Masters for ASO tips. You can also run small ads on social media platforms like Instagram or TikTok.

Common Challenges and Fixes

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions:

1. What if I can’t think of an app idea?Well, you can think about stuff that annoys you, like forgetting errands or losing recipes. Or check app store reviews to see what people want better. Google Trends shows what’s popular.

2. Can I earn money from my app?Yes, you can charge for downloads, add in-app buys or show ads. Start free to get users, then add paid stuff later. Share your app everywhere to get lots of downloads.

3. What if the app store says no to my app?don’t worry, stores might reject apps for bugs or missing information, like a privacy note. Check the App Store Rules first. Test everything, fix any mistakes, and try again.

4. Do I need to learn coding later?No-code tools are enough for most apps. But if you want to add crazy features or just love learning, try Python or JavaScript.

5. How do I get lots of people to download my app?Be a cheerleader. Before launch, make a fun website with Wix and post on TikTok or Instagram. After launch, use App Store Optimisation (ASO) to rank high in searches. App Masters has great tips. Run small ads and ask users what they love.

Conclusion

You don’t need coding skills to develop an app in 2025. With no-code platforms like Thunkable, AppMakr, and Bravo Studio, you can turn your idea into a real app. You just have to follow these steps and choose a great idea for your apps, check if people want it, plan your features, build with no-code tools, test and launch, and keep improving. Start small with an MVP, learn as you go, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes.

Your app could solve a problem, help people, or even become a business. Take the first step today, brainstorm your idea and try a no-code platform.