Ask HN: Why someone would use a nocode tool vs. a cloud CMS?

5 pointsamorsly6y ago3 comments

With the rise of the nocode movement we see a lot of services that allow anyone to build a website on top of Airtable, Notion or Google sheet. (almost a new service a day just on PH).

However non-techies have already countless of solutions to build their portfolio, their website or their e-commerce (think Wix,SquareSpace, Shopify or even Google Site). These solutions are extremely easy to setup (usually just blocks to add or remove) and at a very accessible price. Cherry on the cake: they have millions of templates and customisation possibilities that no-techie love.

So why should someone pick a no code tool for her website?

3 comments

3 comments · 3 top-level

khannavid6y ago

Every solution has its pros and cons. Based on what people actually need, they choose the most proper tools:

-If you're really not into code, Wix or SquareSpace are good choices. But they have very limited capabilities beyond static pages.

- For dynamic pages or a full control on your website's functionality, Wordpress is an excellent choice. But it's hard to implement without any coding skill! You can have a lot of functionalities but you can't customize them if you are not a developer.

- Airtable or Notion gives you a lot of customization without any coding skills. So can make a nice dynamic page based on them with the help of an external no-code tool. Their problems? Very functional but without a decent UI!

It was my experience and I could be wrong. But as a no-techie, I think my experience could be relevant!

QueensGambit6y ago

To me, it comes down to value for money. Non-techies pay for something that they can't accomplish otherwise.

As a techie, I can do it myself. Between the tools I am familiar with vs learning a new UI that I am not familiar with, I would choose the former for zero cost.

kgraves6y ago

All sorts of reasons:

Prototyping

Speed

Time to Market

Non-techies shouldn't need to care about the HTML/CSS/JS/Whatever of the website, the site just needs to look good for them to use it.

A no-code site (Wix, SquareSpace, Shopify, etc.) may just be enough for them just to get to market without looking too deep into the code.

Just get/buy a template, customise it further (if you've got the skills) and you're ready to go.