First, you'll need to identify the tasks or processes you want to automate.  Once you have recognized these tasks, you can start looking for no code tools that can help you automate them.  Many automation tools are available, so it's essential to find one that meets your specific needs.

1: Interview users to learn about pain points

Before you do anything, it is essential to interview users to learn about their specific pain points.  By understanding the problems that need to be solved, you can more effectively design a workflow automation solution.  In addition, by interviewing users, you can get a sense of their level of technical expertise and whether they will use what you build.  This will help you determine whether a no code solution is appropriate for their team.  Ultimately, by taking the time to interview users, you can develop a no code application that is more likely to meet their needs, address their pain points, and be used by the target team.

2: Gain Consensus On What Will Be Automated

The results of your interviews should produce a consensus on what processes will be automated. No one knows your business better than the people who will use the automations.  After all, they're the ones who will be dealing with the automation daily, and they may have valuable insights on how to make the process more efficient. Workflow automation can be a great way to improve efficiency but ensuring everyone is on board with the process.

3: Create a workflow diagram

Workflow automation can be a great way to improve efficiency and productivity in your business.  But before you 'drag and drop' a single module onto your no-code canvas, create a workflow diagram.  It's like in construction when they say 'measure twice, cut once'.  Diagrams are the same principle.  Diagrams allow you to plan and prepare thoroughly and carefully before anything is built.  This will help you map out the steps in your process, identify any bottlenecks, ensure that your automation will work, and save you time.  Free no code workflow platforms like Figma make it easy to create diagrams without coding knowledge.  By mapping out your process first, you can ensure that your workflow automation will be efficient and effective.

And of course, as in the previous two steps, share your diagram with users and get their feedback to confirm you are on the right path from when you completed the interviews.

4: Evaluate No Code Tools

Only after you understand your requirements should you begin to evaluate vendors.  You may already know the vendor you need to use based on experience.

If you don't have a pre-set list of vendors, you'll need to research.  Some are more obvious.  If your automation is to build a website that the marketing team can continuously modify, you'll look at Wix or Workflow. 

Start with a Google search.  Enter some of the features your automation needs to resolve, such as 'no code marketing automation', and see what platforms emerge.  Try different search terms around your desired outcome.  A consensus will begin to form around top solutions.  Note down the various vendors that can achieve your automation.

a: Visit websites

Look especially for menu items around 'solutions' or 'teams' or 'industries'.  See if any of these are a match and explore in more detail.  See what cases studies and templates they feature for any match with your solution.

b: Visit review sites

See if they are even on the review sites.  This can give you a good sense of which vendors are reputable and which ones you should avoid.  Any platform you're considering should have some product reviews.  Look at the overall rating and the number of reviews.  If there are hundreds of reviews, randomly read both the 1 star and 5-star reviews to see if themes emerge about strengths and weaknesses.

c: Pay attention to the price

You'll want to consider the cost of the platform.  While many no code platforms are fairly affordable, some can be quite expensive.  Make sure that the setup and subscription fees you'll pay over time meet your budget expectations.  This is especially true if you need multiple platforms to complete your automation.

5: Look for free templates

With some vendors in mind, start to look for the free templates they offer.  Free no code templates are a great way to get started with workflow automation.  No code platforms like Miro, Zapier, and Airtable offer a wide variety of free templates that can be used to automate common tasks, such as data entry, invoice tracking, and social media management.

Free no code templates are a great way to get started with workflow automation because they require no programming knowledge, can be launched quickly, and can be easily customized to fit your specific needs.  Once you have mastered the basics of no code workflow automation, you can move on to more complex projects, such as building a custom no code platform or integrating multiple no code platforms.

6: Consider paid templates

Free templates are ideal for more simple automations.  For example, measuring the results for a pay-per-click campaign.  However, there are now many paid pre-built templates for a wide range of use cases for businesses that need more sophisticated solutions, from HR & accounting to marketing and e-commerce.

While there's a cost, they can save businesses significant time and money. Look for pre-built templates that will solve your problems. Google search is a great place to start. In addition, your automation vendors will have some paid template options.

7: Consider An Automation Agency

The best and fastest way to launch your automation may be to look outside for a workflow automation agency.  If you decide to look for outside experts to build your workflow automation for you, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

First, look for an agency that genuinely specializes in no-code development.  This means they'll be able to build your automation without slowing the process by adding 'low code' solutions.  Second, ensure the agency has experience using the tools you'll need for your automation.  This experience will save weeks of 'figuring things out' and result in a system that meets your specific needs.  Finally, ask about pricing and availability.  You want to make sure you're getting a fair price for the work that will be done and that they have the available resources to execute.  By keeping these things in mind, you can be sure to find an agency that is perfect for your needs.

8: Use An Iterative Build Process

In keeping with the theme of including users at every phase, the best way to start building your automation is to use an iterative build process.  An iterative build process is a no-code workflow automation approach that enables businesses to quickly and easily create workflows in steps to automate their business processes.  With iterative builds, companies can define their processes once and then automatically trigger and test sequences at each stage of the process getting user feedback.  This makes it easy to rapidly build each process and make changes without relying on IT or developers.  Iterative builds can automate many business processes, from simple tasks like data entry and email notifications to more complex procedures like approvals and customer onboarding.

9: Document and Record Development As You Go

The best way to get users to adopt your automation is to have clear documentation on every step in the automation.  The best way to do this is to do video screen captures explaining each process as it's completed and then provide a library of these recordings for users to review.  Loom is a popular platform for capturing and narrating workflow processes.

10: Start Using, Get Feedback, Revise

Anyone who has ever tried to automate a process knows that getting things right the first time is not always easy.  There are always unforeseen wrinkles that can trip up even the most carefully designed system.  That is why it is important to get feedback from users as you go.  By soliciting feedback early and often, you can avoid pitfalls and revise your automation accordingly.  This process of continual refinement is a considerable advantage of no code automation, and it can help you create a more efficient and user-friendly workflow.

Conclusion

So, there you have it!  A quick and easy guide to automating your business app development process.  By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your app gets built right the first time – saving you both time and money.  And don't forget – if at any point in the process you need help, our team of experts is here to assist you.  Let's talk about how we can help automate your workflows across different use cases and get started on building the perfect app for your business. Read more about our workflow automation techniques.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is No-Code Data Automation?

No-code data automation uses software platforms that require no coding to automate data-related tasks. It can include tasks such as data entry, analysis, and visualization. No-code data automation platforms typically provide an easy-to-use drag-and-drop interface that allows even non-technical users to create sophisticated automation processes.

One of the most popular no-code data automation platforms is Airtable. Airtable provides a flexible and powerful way to automate many different types of data-related tasks. With Airtable, users can easily create custom workflows, import and export data, and visualize their data in various ways. Best of all, Airtable requires no coding, making it an ideal platform for those who want to automate their data without learning how to code.

What Is Automated Workflow Process?

Automated workflows are computer-based systems that streamline and standardize business processes. By automating repetitive and manual tasks, they help businesses to improve efficiency and productivity.

You can use automated workflows for various tasks, from human resources to marketing and sales. You can also customize it to meet the specific needs of a business. When implemented correctly, automated workflows can have a significant impact on a business's bottom line.

What Is a No-Code Workflow?

No-code workflows are a way to automate workflows without needing to write any code. It can be done using a drag-and-drop interface or connecting different software applications.

No-code workflows are becoming increasingly popular as they allow businesses to automate tasks without hiring expensive developers.

Airtable is a popular no-code workflow platform that allows users to create custom databases and connect them with other software applications. Businesses can save time and money by automating tasks, and no-code workflow platforms make this process easier than ever.

What Is the Best No-Code Platform?

There are several no-code platforms on the market, but Airtable is one of the best. It features a drag and drop interface that business users will find easy to use. Additionally, it offers a wide range of features and integrations that make it an extremely powerful tool. If you're looking for a no-code platform that can help you streamline your business processes, Airtable is worth checking out.

What Is the Difference Between Workflow and Automation?

Workflow and automation are often used interchangeably, but there is a key distinction between the two. Workflow refers to the process of completing a task, while automation refers to the process of using technology to automate that task. In other words, workflow is about the steps you take to complete a task, while automation is about using software or machines to automate those steps.

There are many advantages to automating workflows. For one, it can save time and improve efficiency by eliminating the need for manual input. Additionally, automation can help to ensure accuracy by minimizing the potential for human error. Automating workflows can also help reduce costs by minimizing the need for manual labor. Ultimately, automating workflows can help businesses achieve their goals more efficiently and effectively.

How Do I Automate My Workflow?

There are several ways to automate your workflow; the best approach will depend on your specific needs. If you're looking to automate processes related to web and mobile apps, a platform like Airtable can be a great option.

Airtable provides a flexible and user-friendly interface for managing data and integrates with several popular apps and services. You can use Airtable to automate tasks like data entry, task management, and project tracking. Airtable also offers a wide range of features for customizing your workflow, so you can tailor it to your specific needs.

What Is No-Code Workflow Automation?

No-code workflow automation is a technology that helps businesses automate manual processes. It is designed to minimize the need for coding, making it easier and faster to implement new processes. No-code workflow automation can automate tasks, including task management, data entry, and approvals. You can also use it to connect different business applications, making sharing data and automating workflows easier. By automating manual processes, no-code workflow automation can help businesses increase efficiency and allow employees to focus on more strategic tasks.

What's the Best No-Code Automation?

No code automation tools have become increasingly popular in recent years, as they offer a way to build sophisticated workflows without coding knowledge. While there are many no-code automation tools on the market, Airtable is widely considered the best option.

Airtable is a flexible platform that you can customize to fit the needs of any business, and its no-code approach makes it easy to get started. Additionally, Airtable offers a wide range of features and integrations, making it the most comprehensive no-code solution on the market.

What Are Nocode Tools?

Nocode tools are a new software category that allows users to set up business rules and processes without writing code. This is possible because no code tools provide a visual interface that lets users drag and drop components to create workflows.

While no code tools have been around for a while, they have only recently begun to gain mainstream adoption. One of the reasons for this is that no code tools are becoming increasingly powerful, with some even offering features that were once only available in traditional software development tools. As a result, no code tools are becoming an attractive option for non-technical users who want to build custom applications without learning to code.