Customer Community Software
Turn support tickets into success stories. Build a thriving
customer community that sells itself.
Support tickets down,
customer loyalty up.
RECLAIM
countless hours with a customer community platform that slashes support tickets.
BOOST
revenue effortlessly using customer success software to uncover upselling goldmines.
IGNITE
engagement as customers become experts, powered by your client portal software.
AUTOMATE
tedious tasks, letting your customer success tools handle the heavy lifting.
Is manual onboarding your hidden time thief?
Turn tedious onboarding from a time-sink into a growth driver.
Watch customers become experts on autopilot.
Self-serve success
Craft tailored digital tutorials that guide users through your community, freeing your team to focus on high-impact tasks.
Progress at a glance
Track your customer progress through onboarding journeys, identifying where they excel or struggle to provide timely, targeted support.
Onboarding, supercharged
Build interactive, multimedia courses that turn complex processes into engaging learning experiences, boosting user adoption and satisfaction.
Support tickets eating
your day?
Empower users with a customer community platform
that answers before they ask.
Smart forms, smarter insights
Deploy customizable forms across a customer community platform that captures vital information and slashes repetitive queries.
Automated query funnels
Channel questions through intuitive pipelines in your new customer success software, routing issues to the right resource or team member instantly.
Self-service central
Build a dynamic knowledge base using built-in forms and create a client portal software that empowers customers to find answers independently.
Support streamlined
Visualize and optimize your support process with Kanban-style pipelines, turning your customer success tools into a ticket-busting powerhouse.
Are you missing revenue opportunities?
Your new customer success software does the detective work. Turn user
behavior into upsell insights and learn what your users truly need.
Behavior insights unlocked
Leverage customer success tools with powerful analytics to track user behavior, revealing untapped upsell opportunities hiding in plain sight.
Segment and conquer
Group users based on behavior patterns, tailor upsell strategies for maximum impact and relevance.
Opportunity heatmap
Visualize user engagement hotspots within your client portal software, pinpointing exactly where and when to introduce perfectly timed upsell offers.
Manual processes eating your productivity?
Transform repetitive tasks into automated workflows. Focus on strategy while your customer success platform handles the rest.
Smart connections
Empower your customer community platform to communicate instantly with other tools, automating data transfer and eliminating manual input.
Seamless syncing
Set up real-time data synchronization between your customer success software and other business tools, ensuring everyone works with the latest information.
Automated actions
Create custom triggers in a client portal software that automates responses to user actions, from welcome emails to risk alerts, freeing your team to focus on strategy.
Unified tools
Seamlessly connect your customer success platform with your existing tech stack, creating a cohesive ecosystem that works in perfect harmony.
What are you waiting for? Start building your customer community platform
Leverage the advantages
of our no-code platform
Be your own developer
Fast-track your digitalization journey
Cut software development cost by 80% with no-code flexibility
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News
Top 5 B2B Community Building Ideas from The LoftOS Summit 2023
In September 2023, Innoloft transformed the Digital Church in Aachen into a sanctuary of innovation and collaboration for the annual LoftOS Summit.
A historic church turned digital hub, buzzing with tech enthusiasts, SaaS pros, and industry leaders. The air was thick with 'Aha!' moments, from interactive workshops to candid talks with our founders and team members.
If you were lucky enough to be there, this recap will serve as a delightful déjà vu. Missed it? Well, let's just say you'll want to clear your calendar for next year.
Here are the 5 great ideas from the LoftOS Summit 2023 that had everyone talking about B2B community building.
1. Building a Thriving B2B Community
Community building is more than just a catchphrase; it's a strategy, finely tuned by experts like Kevin Bruns.
Kevin, who manages 'innomatch,' has a unique approach to B2B community engagement. In this workshop, he shed light on the vital role of a Community Manager.
He emphasizes that this is not just a mere title, but a multifaceted responsibility of guiding the community's energy towards meaningful engagement. Kevin's approach of shared community management, where he teams up with select partners to co-create content, highlighting the significance of inclusivity.
His skilled approach transforms the platform into a collaborative hub, where everyone feels like they own it. It's all about that sense of shared ownership, that's what really helps create a tight-knit and engaged B2B community.
To accomplish this, Kevin leverages the 'packages' feature in LoftOS, by creating a partner package with different access rights and granting selected partners the ability to publish content on the platform, fostering a shared community management approach.
One of the challenges of this approach, Kevin mentions, is to keep partners in the loop, making sure they don't feel left out.
To tackle this as community managers, he emphasizes on the importance of making sure that no partner or stakeholder feels like you're working against them. Actually, what we want is to create a welcoming space where everyone feels valued and included.
Kevin’s talk highlighted the paramount importance of community building within an organization. It's not just about increasing numbers; it's about maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring no partner feels alienated.
Overall, Kevin's insights on community building were a hit among attendees.
2. Maximizing User Experience in B2B Communities
Another hot topic at the LoftOS Summit was all about user experience (UX). With the rise of digital platforms and SaaS users, it's essential to create a seamless and satisfactory UX design.
In the workshop "How to Achieve Your Business Goals With LoftOS" We learned that user experience ismore than just a pretty interface; it's about making every interaction count in the realm of B2B community building. Sven, our CEO, led a session that was nothing short of a masterclass in maximizing user experience within a professional community.
The spotlight was on the 'Key Transactions Theory,' a concept that urges you to focus on what really matters when it comes to B2B community building. According to Sven, t he first step is to define your user groups. But don't stop there; identify that one key transaction that adds value to each group. Is it posting jobs? Matching with mentors? Whatever it is, make it the star of the show.
The next step is to streamline the user journey for that key transaction. Cut the fluff and get straight to the point on your landing page. The goal? Let users complete that key transaction with the fewest clicks possible. And don't forget to measure those KPIs; they're your roadmap to improvement.
The usage of LoftOS packages for a tailor-made user experience
The deep-dive session reiterated the immense potential of the LoftOS 'packages' feature as a strategic tool for enhancing user experience.
Here are 3 key pointers discussed:
Earn money or leads: Packages provide an opportunity to monetize your platform. You may not be selling a physical product, but you can certainly sell value. Offering different packages such as 'Starter,' 'Premium,' or 'Plus,' each with unique features and functionalities, can attract a diverse audience. Whether you're generating direct revenue or collecting valuable leads, packages can turn your platform into a revenue stream.
Manage Access Rights: Just as Kevin exemplified in his community management approach, the package feature can also be applied to manage access rights. With LoftOS, you can customize the extent of access and control that each package offers, ensuring every user gets a tailor-made experience suitable for their needs and level of engagement.
Customize for each user group: The beauty of Packages lies in their adaptability. You can create a customized platform experience for each user group. This tailoring makes the platform more relevant and attractive to different users, thereby enhancing their overall experience and engagement.
The 'packages' feature in LoftOS is a strategic asset that can greatly level up your platform's user experience. It's all about making your users feel like they're getting the most out of your platform. In fact, this concept aligns with the Key Transactions Theory, which emphasizes the importance of optimizing user interactions to drive success.
3. Customization is King in B2B Community Building
In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, customization is no longer a luxury but a necessity, especially in the context of building business-to-business communities. And this is where LoftOS shines - delivering a platform that is as unique as your needs.
A standout session at the summit ran under the title "Tailor LoftOS to Your Needs: How Can I Further Customize the Platform?" Led by our founders Chris and Philipp B., this workshop provided a deep dive into the potential of Pages and the customization of Databases.
The first session on databases served as an eye-opener into the world of customization. In LoftOS, a database is essentially a specialized folder in each module where you can store specific types of data, such as job postings, or offers. Setting the stage for unparalleled customization in developing B2B networks.
Our founders showcased the power of Types and Attributes in LoftOS databases. Types can be assigned to specific databases and act like ultimate organizers, categorizing your data just the way you want it, while Attributes are the nitty-gritty details, capturing everything from multiple-choice questions to file uploads.
Attendees got a real taste of LoftOS by creating a "Job" database, a hands-on example that demonstrated how these elements make your platform not just organized, but also dynamic and interactive.
...And what about Pages?
Well...imagine developing your own web pages in record time without requiring coding skills .
In this session, attendees were able to learn how to tailor their web pages to match their specific needs and requirements, making the platform truly theirs. They were also shown its versatility by going through different use cases.
Whether you want to create landing pages, an event registration page, or a content publishing site, Pages is your no-code website creator tool perfect for establishing professional communities.
Pages also offers a cost-saving alternative to hiring a team of developers. With the ability to create and manage content in real-time, it's both efficient and cost-effective
To further illustrate the power of customization, take a look at how our customer Collaeb built a stunning event registration page for their Fempreneurs event using Pages. You can learn more details in our in-depth article about Pages.
4. Smart Monetization Strategies for B2B Communities
A breakthrough moment at the summit was the enlightening session on "Capitalizing on LoftOS: Envisioning Profitable Strategies for Your Platform". Attendees had a unique opportunity to delve deep into the monetization capabilities of LoftOS, engaging in vibrant discussions on prominent platform business models.
Chris and Philipp B. kicked off by discussing some general business models that are big in the platform world to provide a broader perspective on how platforms can monetize, like the marketplace model, where platform operators connect people to exchange products and services B2B networking group, and the reseller model, where operators manage supply and demand.
Second, they demoed LoftOS's first digital booking for a subscription-based business model in LoftOS based on Packages, which is the first of its kind in LoftOS and will be available by the end of this year.
This was the real meat of the session, showing what LoftOS can do right now.
Participants also witnessed first-hand how some of these models have been successfully implemented by our clients. Notably, E-world, Europe's largest energy trade fair, pivoted to a hybrid B2B networking model in response to Covid-19.
Similarly, Deutsche Telekom effectively employs a reseller model through its startup program Techboost. Curious to try out a reseller model for yourself? Check out our Reseller Platform Template to get started. Who knows? Your success story could be the highlight of our next summit!
Lastly, the floor was opened for a discussion about the future of LoftOS's capabilities. Attendees got to share their input on what they'd like to see next to make their B2B community building process ever more streamlined, making it a collaborative vision of the platform's future. This open dialogue underscored the potential of LoftOS as a powerful tool for business growth, rounding off an incredibly insightful session.
5. Event Planning Reimagined: Going Beyond the Basics
In the engaging workshop titled "Transforming Events With LoftOS," participants explored the world of event management. The highlight of this informative session was Kevin Bruns, who demonstrated how offline events could be enhanced with the concept of speed-dating in business-to-business networks.
Armed with a dedicated marketing budget, Kevin transformed ordinary speed-dating into an extraordinary experience. He introduced the idea of a "Speed-dating Kit," equipped with table numbers, name tags, and even whistles, which is a creative approach to building business-to-business communities.
Kevin takes it a step further by offering these kits to partners. The goal? To help them effortlessly host their own speed-dating events on innomatch, turning it into a ready-to-go solution for creating interactive and fun events that are sure to spark your community building initiatives.
These kits not only enlivened the discussion but also brought a tangible presence to an otherwise abstract concept.
Kevin introduced these 'Speed-dating' practical insights to the attendees:
First, we explored the strategic positioning of speed dating sessions within an event. According to Kevin, scheduling them either at the beginning or end ensured a much better response.
We also delved into the efficiency of smartphone registration. This system allowed participants to register and get their first partner pairing immediately, starting the speed-dating event without delay.
The final gem was Kevin's approach to managing unmatched participants - a challenge often encountered when participants fail to log in and check matches before the event. His smooth handling of such situations undoubtedly enhanced the overall event experience.
Why You Need to Attend Next Year
We hope that these key takeaways from the LoftOS Summit spark your curiosity and encourage you to redefine the boundaries of your potential B2B community building.
We're excited for what's to come, and even more so to have you be part of this journey. If you haven't taken LoftOS for a spin yet, why not start now? Create your platform, begin customizing, and experience the versatility and potential that LoftOS offers. And remember, we're here to support you every step of the way. We hope to see you at the summit next year, continuing this adventure together.
Best practices
Launch Faster: The Complete Guide to Configuring Your New LoftOS Platform
👋 Welcome to the beginning of your LoftOS journey! You've just unlocked a world of endless possibilities, and guess what? Customizing couldn't be easier.The purpose of this guide is to help you align your platform with your goals.Whether you're a startup looking to scale or an enterprise aiming for more efficient workflows, LoftOS has got you covered. Flexibility? It's not just a buzzword here; it's our middle name and in this guide we’ll show you how. 🗺️ To make navigating this guide easier, we've added a table of contents below divided it into bite-sized sections. First, we'll talk about basic steps when setting up your new platform, then we’ll walk you through modules and finally we’ll talk about customizing your navigation panel to your liking.Table of contents:Platform Setup - First StepsCustomizing your LoftOS Experience - General SettingsGoals and Use Cases: Your Roadmap to SuccessTurning Goals Into Actionable Configuration Steps (with an example)Mastering Module Settings: Shape Your Platform's Core FunctionsUnderstanding Databases, Types and AttributesYour Navigation, Your RulesAccess Management: Your Gateway KeeperDon't Just Customize — Personalize with LoftOS Pages Let's get started! 1. Platform Setup - First StepsIf you haven’t created your free platform yet, click here to get started and follow these steps. And if you have, you can skip ahead to the next section.Step 1: Name Your Platform & URLKick things off by giving your platform a memorable name and a URL. Don't stress; you can always change these later in the settings.Step 2: Choose a Template (Or Don't)Here's where the fun begins. LoftOS offers templates that pre-configure your platform for specific use-cases. Whether you're into Research & Education, Sales & Marketing, or even Community Management, think of them as a starting point — a quick way to get your platform up and running without breaking a sweat.For example, let's say you're focused on sparking innovation in your local community. Our "Regional Innovation Network" template is your go-to choice. It sets you up with all the essentials to cultivate partnerships and drive growth in your area. Keep this in mind: These aren't rigid, one-size-fits-all solutions. Nope, they're more like guidelines. You can tweak them,, or even build upon them to fit your unique needsBut hey, if you want to go freestyle, that's okay too. Step 3: Check Your InboxOnce you hit 'Continue,' keep an eye on your email. You'll get a welcome message from our sales team with all the details you need to get started.Alright, you've laid the groundwork. Next, we'll talk about how to make your platform truly yours.2.Customizing your LoftOS Experience - General SettingsFor starters, let’s configure your visual experience. We’re talking about colors, logo, navigation and everything that identifies your brand. Where to Go?Navigate to: Home ➡️ Admin ➡️ Platform Settings ➡️ General Settings.Step 4: Colors & LogoDial in your brand's style by setting the primary, secondary, and navigation colors. Don't forget the logo and favicon! The primary color sets the tone for your platform. This color will be used for buttons, scroll bars, and other design elements like emails, footers, etc...Navigation colors jazz up your header bar, where you find the search, messaging center, notifications and other settings. As you know, your logo is the face of your platform. It shows up in emails and updates sent to your users.Step 5: Language of PlatformChoose the languages you want your platform to be in. LoftOS lets you add multiple languages, thanks to our state-of-the-art machine translation models. The goal is to lower language barriers and promote international networking between all users in the Innoloft Ecosystem.Keep in mind that translation quality can vary by language. European languages usually come out with better quality, but for others like Chinese, the results might be a bit hit-or-miss sometimes.Heads up: On the free plan, you can only pick one language alongside English.Step 6: Contact InformationThis is where you jot down all the essentials: Organization Name, Email, Address, Phone, and any extra tidbits. This info will show up in places like the imprint and email footers. Make sure it's up-to-date!Step 7: Legal NoticeYou can either write your own or link to an external one. Your call. Step 8: Terms of UsageThe terms of usage are your platform's rulebook. They outline what's allowed, what's not, and what users can expect from your service. Good news: LoftOS has got you covered with ready-to-edit templates in both German and English.Okay, you've nailed the basics. Next, we'll dive into mapping your goals for the platform before we jump into customizing your navigation. 3. Goals and Use Cases: Your Roadmap to Success Before you dive into the nitty-gritty of configuring LoftOS modules, take a step back. What are you aiming to achieve with your platform? Jot down your goals and list every use-case you can envision. Trust us, this will make your life easier down the line.Project Background & Strategy Understanding your vision is key to configuring your platform effectively. Ask yourself:What are your goals?Are you looking to showcase innovative technologies to SMEs?Do you want to streamline customer service interactions?Or are you finding solutions to business challenges? Who's your target audience?Knowing who you're trying to reach helps tailor your platform.What value will your project provide?This could be anything from increasing efficiency to generating revenue.Who are your stakeholders?Who will be directly involved in the project/using the platform?Questions to Think About:Impact: What qualitative goals do you have? Maybe you're aiming to cut down user time spent on a specific task or increase efficiency in a certain area.KPIs: How will you measure success? It could be the number of onboarded users, generated matches, or any other metric that matters to you.4.Turning Goals Into Actionable Configuration Steps (with an example)So you've got your goals, KPIs, and target audience. Now, how do you turn these into actual platform settings? Let's dive into an example to make this crystal clear.Target Audience: Students and CorporatesValue Provided:For Students: Job offersFor Corporates: Candidate profilesPlatform Requirement: Enable corporates to showcase job offersConfiguration Requirement: Create a database for job offers in the 'Offers' module.See what we did there? We took the general aim of 'connecting students and corporates' and translated it into specific configuration steps you can implement in LoftOS.5.Mastering Module Settings: Shape Your Platform's Core FunctionsNow that you’ve decided what you want your platform to be about. It’s time to talk about modules, the heart of your platform.Where to Find ItNavigate to: Admin ➡️ Platform Settings ➡️ Module Settings.This is your platform's control center. It's where you pull the strings to make magic happen. Want to enable users to create offers, requests, or share news of your organization? This is where you make it happen.In Module Settings, you can manage databases, types, attributes, and more. It's like your platform's DNA.Default Modules You'll FindFirst off, when you open your new platform, you’ll find these modules that can be configured within the module settings:Feed: Your platform's social pulse.Offers: Where deals get made.Organizations: The who's who of your platform.Requests: What people are looking for.News: Keep everyone in the loop.Projects: Where you showcase your organization's achievements.You can configure any type of database, types, and attributes within each module, except ‘Feed’. Below, we'll dive into what this means, so keep reading!
Other Modules to Think AboutBesides these, LoftOS offers other modules like:Members: Manage your community members.Events: Create and manage live virtual events like webinars or, workshops.Groups: Create specialized ‘sub-networks’ groups within the LoftOS Network.Forms: Collect information and feedback from events or other use-cases.Programs: Run online learning programs for your users.Awards and Accelerator Programs: Foster innovation, recognize and celebrate achievements.These don't have Module Settings but are equally important to consider for your platform's functionality.6. Understanding Databases, Types and AttributesIf all of these terms sound intimidating, don't worry. We've got you covered. It's simpler than it sounds, promise!What's a Database?A Database is a folder in each module where you can store specific types of data. For example, in the 'Offers' module, let’s create a database called 'Job Database.'Once you've created a database, you can give it a unique URL, icon, header image and even decide who gets to see or edit it. Types: The Heart of Your DatabaseTypes are like sub-folders in your database. Your new platform comes with some pre-set types like 'Patent' or 'Research Result,' (within the ‘offers’ module in this example) but you’re not limited to these. You can always create your own individual types to fit your specific needs. Quick Heads-Up: It's worth mentioning that the 'Organizations' module is a bit of an exception. You can't create custom types there; you'll have to work with the default types it offers.Are you still with me so far? Ok, so following our ‘Job Database’ example above, let's say you create a new type called 'Job Openings’. Each type comes with standard sections like 'Header' and 'Target Customers' to help you present your offer as detailed as possible.Think of sections as the building blocks of your types. They help you organize the specific information you want to capture in a particular module. Section Tips:You can rearrange the order of sections by dragging them around.Toggle visibility and options on or off as you like.The position of the Header-Section is fixed, so it stays put.But guess what? You're not stuck with just the default sections. Feel free to add your own. In our 'Job Openings' example, you could introduce a new section called 'Skills Required' and add specific attributes to it.So, What Are Attributes?These are the specific questions or data points you want to capture within each section. You can choose from various formats like multiple-choice, file upload, and more.So, in your 'Job Database,' you could have a ‘Job Openings' type with a custom section for 'Employment Type’ with a single choice attribute, or you can also include a multiple-choice that filters a particular skill required.With so many customization options, you can tailor your platform in a million different ways. Remember, LoftOS isn't just a community management solution; it's a canvas for your imagination. 7. Your Navigation, Your RulesSo, you've got the hang of general settings, dabbled in module settings, and even set up some databases. Awesome! Now, let's talk about the cherry on top: navigation settings.Navigate to: Admin ➡️ Platform Settings ➡️ Navigation Settings.This is where you can make your platform feel like home. Here you can rename those entry points, link them to your databases, edit their icons, toggle on/off visibility and even add dropdowns to guide your users exactly where they need to go. Understanding 'Link' Options in Navigation SettingsIf you scroll down to the bottom of the Navigation Settings page, you'll find a section labeled 'Link.' This is where the magic happens for each of your navigation entry points.Let's break down what each option means:Database: This allows you to link the entry point to a specific database like Offers, Requests, Organizations, or News.Module: Use this to link the entry point to a specific module, such as Events, Groups, Feed, etc.Single Entity: This lets you link to a specific piece of content on your platform, like a single offer, request, group, or news article.External Link: Use this to redirect users to an external website. You can link to LoftOS forms, Pages, or any other external sites.Start a Chat with a User: This sets up a direct line to a contact person for a specific topic.Need a little inspiration?Let’s take a look at our customer Netherlands Institute for Sustainable Packaging (KIDV) and their platform Planet Reuse. In their navigation, they've got a dropdown menu called 'Marketplace' with entry points like 'Reuse Solutions' and 'Supplies and Services' connected to their respective databases. Imagine being in the food industry and finding the perfect reusable container offerings in just a couple of clicks. That's the power of a well-crafted navigation.Just like Planet Reuse did, you can tailor your navigation to fit your specific needs. Are you a startup looking to highlight your services or software? Build an offers database to connect with potential SMEs, corporations or investors. Operating a regional innovation center? How about a 'Local Initiatives' dropdown to showcase community projects? There’s no limit and the possibilities are all yours to explore.Explore More with LoftOS CustomersWant to see more examples? You can head over to our customers page to explore how others are using LoftOS to their advantage. The best part? Many of these platforms offer free access, meaning you can check out their navigation settings without even logging in.Get inspired and see what you can create! 8. Access Management: Your Gateway KeeperAlright, you’ve made it this far! You've set up your LoftOS no-code platform, tweaked the modules, and even personalized your navigation settings. Now, let's talk about who gets to see all this. Enter "Access Settings," the bouncer of your platform.When you navigate to Access Management, the first thing you'll see is "Access Settings." Here's the rundown:Private Users: Is worth noting that there are two options.The first one were users can access your platform, read data and take part in events with a private account without revealing their organization. And the second option, where your users must be assigned to an organization to use your platform.Access After Approval: Think of this as your VIP list. You'll find options that range from a total open house to a VIP-only access. Packages: The Fine Print of AccessPackages are your way of dialing in on the details. They let you specify what each organization on your platform can see and do. For example, you could set up an 'Investors' package that only allows access to the 'Organizations' module. For more details, learn more about packages on our Knowledge Base. 9. Don't Just Customize — Personalize with LoftOS PagesYour LoftOS journey doesn't stop at modules and navigation settings. Nope, we're taking it up a notch! Imagine not just tweaking settings but actually crafting web pages that are a mirror image of your brand.This isn't just another feature; it's your secret weapon to take your brand to the next level. With ‘Pages’ you can create landing pages, event registration pages, and even internal platform pages like welcome pages or content publishing hubs. The possibilities are endless. To find it, head over to Admin ➡️ Content Management ➡️ Pages and hit that "+ Page" sign at the top right corner. Once you create a custom URL you’ll be taken to our versatile web builder loaded with sleek templates for everything from Headers to FAQs.Real-World Example: Meet CollaebNeed some inspiration? Check out how Collaeb, a platform that connects entrepreneurs and startups in Aachen, used LoftOS Pages to elevate their user experience. They crafted an event registration page for their upcoming Fempreneurs event, rolled out a welcome page for their Collective Incubator Academy, and even put together a step-by-step guide for individuals to learn how to create the perfect profile that stands out.And the best part? No coding required. Curious? You should be. Dive into our in-depth ‘Pages’ article to discover how you can turn your platform into a personalized powerhouse.Your Next Chapter Starts with LoftOSYou've just had a wholesome tour of what LoftOS can do, from its powerful customization features to its flexibility as a web portal software, and trust us, this is just the tip of the iceberg. If you want to dive deeper into specific features, check our Knowledge base, where you can find detailed information on all features and modules, learn best practices, and get guided videos to understand your new platform better. From setting up your platform to customizing modules and even building your own web pages, LoftOS is as flexible as you are ambitious. It's not about fitting into a mold anymore; it's about breaking the mold and creating something uniquely yours. So, what are you waiting for? If you haven't already, create your free platform now and start turning your wildest dreams into digital reality.
Best practices
No Code vs Full Code: How To Make the Right Choice in 2024?
No code vs full code? The age-old dilemma, now with a twist.Software development is moving faster than ever, and businesses are faced with the critical choice. As no-code platforms gain traction, offering the promise of faster application development without the need for professional developers, the debate intensifies.But is no-code the right thing for you?Let's explore the nuances of the full code vs no code decision to help you understand when to leverage the power of customization through traditional software development and when to opt for the speed and simplicity of no-code solutions.We'll dive into the factors that influence this choice, from integration requirements to project type, equipping you with the knowledge to make the right call for your business in 2024.Full Code and Traditional DevelopmentWhat is Full Code Development?Full code development, also known as custom development or bespoke development, is the process of creating custom software from the ground up to follow to meet specific business requirements.This traditional software development approach involves writing code line by line, allowing for complete control over the functionality and design of the application. Full code vs no code means that developers have the flexibility to create highly tailored solutions, including unique integrations, among other things.However, this level of customization often comes with increased complexity and longer development times. But before we get into that, let's talk about the benefits of coding the traditional way. Benefits of Traditional Code (Full-Code)To begin with, custom code offers quite a lot of flexibility, allowing developers to tailor every aspect of an application to specific business needs.This development experience enables the creation of highly scalable solutions capable of handling complex development projects.Some key advantages of traditional software development include:Optimized performanceRobust security measuresSeamless integration with various systems.Access to a wide pool of skilled software engineersTraditional software development provides developers with complete control over the application's functionality and performance. This level of customization allows for the creation of unique features and the ability to fine-tune the application to their liking. However, while traditional coding offers numerous benefits, it's important to note that it also comes with its own set of challenges and drawbacks.Not all that glitters is gold, and the same holds true for custom code development.Drawbacks of Traditional Code While traditional software development offers flexibility and customization, it also comes with significant drawbacks that can impact the success of your project.Here are 5 cons of traditional development you should think about: Time-Consuming: Developing custom software from scratch typically takes 3 to 6 months for medium complexity projects and can exceed 6 months for larger enterprise solutions. This is due to the detailed planning, coding, and testing phases required, which can significantly extend the app development time.High Cost: The cost of custom software development requires a substantial investment, with mobile apps potentially costing up to $250,000 depending on their complexity. There is no fixed software development cost, as it varies based on the specific features and scale of the project.Complexity: Managing and debugging complex code can be a time-consuming task, even for skilled developers. As the project grows, the challenges escalate, with bugs potentially becoming a $10,000 problem. Complex back-end processes and integrations further add to the difficulty of the workflow.Slower Iterations: Traditional software development often results in slower iterations due to the need for thorough testing and debugging whenever changes or updates are made. This can delay the deployment of new features and improvements, hindering the ability to quickly adapt to changing requirements.Maintenance: Ongoing maintenance is a critical aspect of traditional coding, requiring additional resources and costs to fix bugs, update features, and ensure compatibility with new technologies. This continuous upkeep can be a significant burden over time, adding to the overall expense of the project.This is why we think traditional software development may not always be the most efficient or cost-effective approach.Should You Create an App From Scratch Using Traditional Development?There are certain cases where traditional software development remains the best choice. Large enterprises requiring highly customized solutions to support complex operations, scalability, and integration with existing systems should consider code from scratch. So if your project has unique features or advanced performance requirements, we say use full code. Traditional software development may be necessary to develop an app that meets these exact specifications. However, to make software development successful in today's fast-paced business environment, low-code and no-code platforms offer a compelling alternative, enabling rapid application development. Let's see explore more about no-code to help you determine the cases where no code vs traditional development solutions can be the right choice for you. Understanding No-Code DevelopmentWhat is No-Code Development?Think of no code vs full code as the difference between building a house from scratch and using pre-fabricated parts.No-code development is like the second option - it allows you to essentially code without coding.Instead of writing lines of complex programming languages, you use visual tools and drag-and-drop interfaces to create applications.This approach streamlines the development process, making it accessible to a wider range of people, not just those with coding expertise. With no-code platforms, like LoftOS, you can design your application's user interface, define its functionality, and launch it 10X faster, all without writing a single line of code. Who Are No-Code Developers?No-code platforms allow a new breed of creators to emerge: the citizen developers. These are individuals who may not have traditional software developmen skills but possess valuable domain knowledge and a desire to solve problems. They could be marketers automating customer journeys, HR professionals streamlining onboarding processes, or operations managers optimizing business process management.By empowering these citizen developers to use no-code development platforms, organizations can tap into a wealth of innovation and creativity. In fact, this democratization of software development is at the heart of the no code vs full code movement, and it's set to turn the future of software development upside down in 2024. Benefits of No-Code ToolsWe're living in exciting times when you can build an entire online business with no-code app development. From creating B2B communities and customer databases to developing learning platforms for startup programs and even marketplaces like our customer Audoora who built a network for the hearing aid community, the possibilities are endless.This no-code approach empowers users to build solutions without relying on an expensive development team. When you use a no-code platform, you can experience significant benefits over traditional software development methods, particularly in terms of speed and cost. After all, we all care about how much something is going to cost, and how fast it can be delivered, right? SpeedCoding without code is reported to be 10x faster than traditional software development, with 29% of respondents in a Statista study indicating that low-code development is 40-60% faster. This means you can potentially shave off 50-90% of development time compared to using a coding language. Plus, the cost savings are substantial.CostIt takes approximately 350–500 hours to develop a functional enterprise-grade application using traditional software development, bringing the cost to around $35,000 (without including additional costs like QA and maintenance). In contrast, platforms like LoftOS start at just €349 per month. To put in perspective, an average organization can increase in value by $4.4 million over three years by using no-code/low-code applications, and companies can avoid hiring two IT developers on average.Drawbacks of No-Code DevelopmentWhile no-code development can be a game-changer for many organizations, it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. Just like any technology, it comes with its own set of potential drawbacks.Here are 5 of the main challenges you might face when adopting a no-code approach:Limited Customization: No-code or a low-code platform offers pre-built components, but complex business rules or unique design requirements may push the limits of customization. If you need highly tailored solutions, the full code vs no code debate might lean in favor of traditional software development.Learning Curve: Don't be fooled by the term "no-code"—there's still a small learning curve involved in mastering a new development tool. Scalability Concerns: While many no-code platforms offer scalability features, highly complex or resource-intensive applications may require custom code makes for optimal performance. In fact, 25% of organizations worry about the scalability of low-code apps.Security Risks: No-code tools are often marketed to non-technical users who may lack expertise in security best practices. Integration Limitations: No-code platforms may not seamlessly integrate with every tool or system your organization relies on, which could lead to workflow disruptions.When considering no code vs traditional development, it's a must to weigh these potential drawbacks against the benefits to make an informed decision for your next project.When Should You Build an App Without Code?The best code is no code. It may sound controversial, but hear us out. Building with no code as opposed to traditional development doesn't mean compromising on quality, features, or customization.No-code is a smart choice for small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) that need quick, cost-effective solutions without the resources for a full development team.Startups project managers looking to bring products or services to market quickly can also benefit from the speed and flexibility of no-code solutions using templates and automation features.When considering full code vs no code, think about these scenarios where no-code shines:Rapid Prototyping: When you need to validate ideas quickly, no-code platforms allow you to build functional prototypes in days rather than months.Internal Tools: For creating dashboards, workflow automation, or data management systems, no-code tools often provide the perfect balance of functionality and ease of use.MVP Development: Launch your minimum viable product faster and iterate based on real user feedback, without the lengthy development cycles of traditional software development.Non-Technical Founders: If you have a brilliant idea but lack coding skills, no-code platforms empower you to bring your vision to life without learning to code or hiring expensive developers.Budget Constraints: When traditional software development costs are prohibitive, no-code offers a more affordable alternative without sacrificing quality.Still, even with the potential drawbacks, low-code and no-code software development is the future for most organizations looking to accelerate digitalization. But if you're still on the fence about whether to build or buy software, here's how to make a smart software decision. No-Code or Low-Code? What’s The Difference?The terms "no-code" and "low-code" are often used interchangeably, but thy are not quite the same thing. While both low-code and no-code development aim to simplify app creation, there's a key difference between low-code and no-code.Here's how to tell them apart:No-code platforms require zero coding skills, using visual interfaces and drag-and-drop functionality. Low-code, on the other hand, still requires you to add code, although low-code development tools significantly reduce the amount needed. The popularity of low-code and no-code solutions continues to rise as businesses look for faster, more efficient ways to digitalize their operations.While the benefits of low-code include greater flexibility and customization, no-code platforms offer lots of accessibility for non-technical users. In the no code vs full code spectrum, low-code sits somewhere in the middle, offering a compromise between the simplicity of no-code and the flexibility of traditional software development.So what's the conclusion?Full Code vs. No-Code Final Verdict: Should You Choose No-Code Over Traditional Development?In the no-code vs full-code debate, the final verdict will ultimately depend on your unique needs and resources. While traditional software development offers a high degree of customization and control, the differences between no code vs traditional development solutions make no-code platforms an attractive choice for many businesses.We do believe that if you're looking to reduce costs and accelerate time-to-market, you should strongly consider using a no-code platform for your organization. Here's a quick comparison to help you decide:Development Speed: No code vs full code - No-code wins hands down, allowing you to build applications up to 10 times faster.Cost-Effectiveness: Traditional software development can be expensive, while no-code platforms offer a more budget-friendly alternative.Customization: Full code vs no code - Traditional coding offers more customization, but modern no-code platforms are increasingly flexible.Scalability: While traditional software development may have an edge for highly complex systems, many no-code platforms now offer robust scalability options.Maintenance: No-code platforms typically require less ongoing maintenance compared to traditional software development.The Future is No Code Development According to TechCrunch, 'No code' will define the next generation of software. With the no-code market expected to reach $52 billion by 2024, it's clear that the no-code vs code debate is tilting in favor of no-code solutions. No-code app development platforms are transforming shadow IT into a next-gen technology asset, as highlighted in a recent McKinsey study. By embracing a low-code or no-code approach, businesses can empower their teams, streamline operations, and stay ahead of the curve in an increasingly digital world. But with so many no-code platforms out there, how do you choose the one that will empower you to code without coding and bring your vision to life?Getting Started with LoftOSWhether you're building a network, a marketplace, or an internal tool, LoftOS puts you in the driver's seat. Forget about those tech delays and budget-draining IT agencies.With LoftOS, you're the master of your app's destiny. Launch your web app 10x faster and say goodbye to those month-long development projects that keep you up at night.Try LoftOS for free today and experience the future of app development firsthand.
