Something great about the rise of technologies in the Internet era is democratization. While social media gives everyone the possibility to express their opinions and have a voice through their own platform, new technologies such as no-code tools give founders the chance to build and launch their startup ideas in no time.
Joshua Tiernan, who founded Remote Circle—now acquired by WeWorkRemotely—is one of many entrepreneurs who choose to build without code. Now, he runs an online community with over 11K creators building with no-code.
In today’s interview, Joshua shares his experience running the community NoCodeFounders, which aims to help other entrepreneurs build and launch amazing products.
No-Code Automation Tools are Changing the Way We Build
Unlike traditional technologies, no-code tools allow people to create applications, platforms, and other types of software without having to learn how to code.
In this sense, no-code automation tools have the possibility of democratizing the way startup founders and business professionals create their platforms. As they don’t have to depend on expensive developers to create their tech product or service platform or app.
In turn, low code tools are designed to help programmers save time. Unlike no-code, this approach requires a basic level of coding knowledge, but it doesn’t mean you have to build something from scratch.
Some key differences between no-code and low code tools are the programming knowledge we mentioned before, automation design (in low code tools there is a greater dependence on code to design automated processes), and developer dependency.
While low code tools allow non-technical users to automate processes, no-code automation tools give total independence. As a no-code developer, you don’t need any programming skills to build and launch your ideas.
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Building Alone: The Challenge You Always Face as a No-Code Startup Founder
Technology is indeed helping indie makers launch faster than ever. But still, isolation is a challenge even for the most successful solopreneurs.
But as the trend for online communities and niche networking groups arises, new spaces to build and test show up. Nowadays, it is a must to be part of an online group if you’re building something. Otherwise, you’re missing the chance to connect with people who have already been in your shoes. Experts in your field are willing to give their priceless feedback for free.
Such spaces are great for growing your network, learning new skills, and building in collaboration with others. In addition, many projects were born in networking groups. Entrepreneurs join to find cofounders and match with investors willing to fund them.
NoCodeFounders is one of the best options if you’re building no-code products. As the community focuses entirely on the needs of developers who don’t code, it’s the perfect place to learn, ask for feedback, make new connections, and improve your craft.
Interview With Joshua Tiernan, Founder of NoCodeFounders
Joshua told us how he runs a community with almost 12K members, and why no-code communities are essential in the process of building and launching a startup without using a single line of code.
How did you come up with the idea of starting a community and what were your first steps?
The idea for No Code Founders came from my desire to meet other founders in a similar situation to myself. Prior to setting up NCF, I’d tried my hand at starting an online business for 8 years with little success. Until I discovered Bubble.io and built remotecircle.com which was very quickly acquired by We Work Remotely.
Related 👉 How to Build Community in a Remote Workplace
This acquisition opened my eyes to the possibilities of no-code. And it made me realize that I could build a real tech business with no code.
I started No Code Founders as just a Slack community initially and built it to 100 members within the first 2-3 months. And then from there, it has pretty much grown organically.
Which tools do you use to manage NCF?
In the beginning, it was just Slack. Since then, I’ve built the nocodefounders.com site which manages all the other aspects of the community. Such as events, deals, and our tools database.
Which are the benefits of joining No Code Founders?
It’s all about finding the resources and people you need to utilize the power of no-code. That includes tutorials, perks, webinars, events, our tools/startups database, and of course access to the Slack community. We’re working hard to make connections and help the community grow together.
What are your suggestions for building and sustaining an engaged community?
I think the main thing is to set up your community management processes at the very beginning and stick to them. Changing things once you have started can slow things down. So it’s best to have a good idea of the tools and processes you will follow to manage your community. This includes the type of culture you want to build, your onboarding processes, weekly events, etc. The more you have planned out, the easier it is to get everyone on board straight away.
What makes NCF unique from other No Code communities?
I think the key thing is that we focus on founders. Other no-code communities may focus more on the building side of things. Whereas we are really all about the business side of no-code and using these tools to help your business grow.
What do you think the future holds for the NCF community? What changes should members expect in the next few months?
My focus now is to build up the resources and community initiatives that will help founders grow their businesses using no-code. I think that’s the main thing that founders should expect over the next few months.
NoCodeFounders is one of the communities that help entrepreneurs build and validate digital products using no-code tools. Regardless of your experience, if you have an idea, then the community is here support you with learning resources, tools, and peer wisdom. Join them now!
