How a Social Media Marketer Built His Own App Without Writing a Single Line of Code Using AI

James Brooks has spent his career in social media marketing, working with big brands like KFC, Subway, and Taco Bell to create content and run ad campaigns. But as the economic landscape shifted over the past year, Brooks noticed those marketing budgets tightening. Brands struggled to afford ingredients, fuel, and even their own marketing teams as costs rose.

Brooks wanted to find a way to create more revenue for himself while still helping these brands market on slim budgets. He decided to build a software-as-a-service (SaaS) product that could connect brands with influencers for low-cost marketing campaigns. The only catch? Brooks didn't know how to code.

Rather than spending months trying to teach himself, Brooks decided to rely on no-code tools to build his app. He used AirTable as a database, Make to connect services, Glide Apps for the front-end, and WordPress for his website. Whenever he got stuck, he turned to AI chatbots like Magai, and Claude for instant support.

Within days, Brooks had a working prototype for Thingy Bridge, his new influencer marketing SaaS. Here's the story of how he managed to build his own app without writing a single line of code.

The Rise of No-Code for Building Apps

In the past, creating any kind of web application required extensive coding knowledge. Options for non-technical founders were limited to hiring a development team or struggling through coding lessons.

But in recent years, no-code platforms have exploded in popularity. These tools allow anyone to build fully functional apps by dragging and dropping pre-built components, connecting services, and customizing configurations. No traditional coding or programming languages are required.

Some of the most popular no-code platforms include:

• Bubble - Build interactive web and mobile apps with customizable templates and plugins.

• Webflow - Design responsive websites with CMS, e-commerce, and hosting.

• AppSheet - Turn spreadsheets into mobile/web apps quickly.

• Glide - Create mobile apps for your data in Google Sheets or Airtable.

• Adalo - Design advanced apps with unique features like AI and chatbots.

These platforms open up app development to non-technical users for the first time. Entrepreneurs and small businesses around the world now leverage no-code to turn their ideas into reality faster.

No-code is estimated to be a $13.8 billion industry already. That number could grow to over $187 billion by 2030 as the tools become more advanced and widely adopted.

For those with no coding experience, like James Brooks, no-code finally provided a way to build an entire app solo. But he still needed a helping hand to smooth out the complex backend database work. That's where AI came in.

How AI Chatbots Can Assist No-Code Builders

While no-code platforms make app development more accessible, there is still a learning curve. These tools work best for simple frontend design and prototyping. Complex or data-driven apps can get tricky, especially for newcomers.

That's why many no-code users rely on AI chatbots and virtual assistants to help fill in the gaps. Tools like ChatGPT, Claude and Magai leverage large language AI models like GPT-3 and GPT-4 to understand questions and provide detailed answers.

James Brooks took advantage of these AI assistants whenever he got stuck while building his app:

• Asking for formulas to clean up data or connect services in AirTable.

• Getting recommendations on the best plugins and customizations for his needs.

• Troubleshooting errors or unexpected issues.

• Optimizing parts of the app for performance and scalability.

• Improving workflows and processes as his app evolved.

With an AI assistant ready to provide customized solutions on demand, Brooks could build with confidence. He didn't need to spend hours digging through complex documentation or waiting for answers on forums. The AI offered instant support whenever he was unsure of the next steps.

For non-coders building their first apps, having an AI co-pilot provides the perfect boost in technical knowledge. It allows them to focus on design and creativity while the AI handles the complicated backend work.

AI-assisted no-code development also speeds up the building process significantly. Apps that would take months of development can now be created in just days or weeks.

How James Brooks Built His Influencer Marketing App in Just Days

As a social media marketer, James Brooks saw firsthand how brands were struggling with slashed marketing budgets in the tough economy. He decided to create a SaaS product, Thingy Bridge, that could help connect brands with influencers for free gifted collaborations.

With no coding skills himself, Brooks relied on no-code platforms like AirTable, Make, Glide, and WordPress to build a working prototype in just a few days. Whenever he ran into roadblocks, AI chatbots helped guide him through:

• He used AirTable to build a database of brands and influencers. The AI helped him write formulas to clean up the data and create relationships between tables.

• Make allowed him to connect everything together and build automation into flows. The AI provided code snippets and advice to optimize these connections.

• Glide Apps created a simple frontend to display the data. The AI gave design ideas and helped with styling based on Brooks' vision.

• For the marketing website, Brooks used WordPress. The AI assisted with technical challenges like custom plugins and performance optimizations.

Within a week, Brooks had a functioning beta version of Thingy Bridge ready to test. The AI augmented his creativity and design skills with the technical expertise needed to build a polished product.

After launching in April, Thingy Bridge quickly attracted brands eager for affordable influencer marketing. Brooks has continued improving the platform, now with two other apps built using this no-code + AI formula.

The Key Takeaways for No-Code App Development

James Brooks' story showcases how anyone with a creative idea can now build their own apps, even with zero coding experience. By combining no-code tools with AI assistance, you can turn visions into reality faster than ever before.

Here are the core lessons to take away from Brooks' journey:

• No-code platforms empower non-technical founders to build real web/mobile apps themselves. Options like Bubble, Webflow, AppSheet, and more make it drag-and-drop simple.

• AI chatbots provide customizable technical support whenever you get stuck. Ask large language models like Claude, Anthropic, and Magai for instant answers.

• Build the foundations with no-code tools first. Use the AI sparingly to fill in gaps, not lead the development.

• Start simple but think long-term. Choose scalable no-code platforms that can grow with your product vision.

• Don't underestimate the value of your creativity. No-code + AI is powerful, but your ideas are what drive success.

• Move fast and stay nimble. Using no-code, an MVP can be built in days/weeks instead of months. Get your product to market ASAP.

• Stay ambitious with your goals. No-code means not being limited by your technical skills anymore.

Brooks never could have built his own app before no-code and AI. Now, anyone can turn their big ideas into reality themselves, regardless of technical ability. These tools are revolutionizing app development by empowering a new wave of non-coder founders.

Why You Should Consider Building Your Own App in 2023

For entrepreneurs and solopreneurs, having your own web or mobile app unlocks huge benefits that can rapidly boost business growth. Here are some of the top reasons you should look into building an app this year:

1. Directly Reach Your Audience

With an app, you own the platform and can provide tailored experiences for your users. No algorithms or ads standing in your way. Offer users exclusive app-only features to keep them engaged.

2. Collect Valuable First-Party Data 

Gain insights into who your users are and how they interact with your app. Use this intel to improve products and target offers.

3. Increase Brand Loyalty

Apps foster stronger relationships as users can engage anytime, anywhere. Push notifications keep your brand top of mind. Loyalty programs and rewards inside the app boost retention.

4. Unlock New Revenue Streams

Add in-app purchases, subscriptions, bookings, ecommerce, and other monetization models. A well-designed app can become a significant income source itself.

5. Automate Processes

Streamline operations like inventory, reporting, customer support, and more by building workflows right into your app. Save time and money.

6. Stand Out from Competitors

An app becomes a product you can market to differentiate from competitors. Get found in the app stores by users searching for solutions.

With no-code and AI, building an app is now fast, affordable, and low risk. Don't wait - take advantage of these tools to create the app you've been envisioning and take your business to the next level.

The Future of No-Code + AI App Development

We've only scratched the surface so far of the potential for no-code platforms and AI assistants together. Here are some exciting evolutions we can expect to see in the coming years:

• More advanced no-code tools will expand possibilities for complex, data-heavy business apps without coding.

• Stronger AI assistants will provide not just technical help, but strategic guidance and ideas too.

• No-code + AI will empower individual developers to build like full teams.

• AI will help automate parts of app builds to accelerate development even faster.

• Integrations between leading no-code platforms and AI tools will improve ease of use.

• The barrier to launching an app will get even lower as no-code/AI UX improves.

• Technical co-founder roles may decline as more founders can handle development themselves.

• We may see more apps competing directly with major platforms, built by solo founders.

• Domain experts in industries like finance or healthcare can build tailored apps for their niches.

• App innovation and experimentation will flourish thanks to lower risks.

• The option to create your own app was once limited to technical experts. But as no-code platforms and AI assistants improve, that power is now in anyone's hands.

For non-coders with a vision, or coders looking to scale, today is the perfect time to start building that app idea you've been dreaming about. What will you create?

Anyways, that’s it for today’s article.

Thanks for reading till the end, I’ll see you soon with another AI Pursuits Story.