Why I’m Building Simple Apps with No-Code
AI – Just Use It: Why I’m Building Simple Apps with No-Code
Over the past year, I’ve been encouraging people through my newsletter and social media to stop overthinking AI and simply start using it. My slogan has been AI – Just Use It.
The reason is simple: AI isn’t something to study from afar. It’s a tool. And the best way to understand a tool is to pick it up and put it to work. That’s exactly what I’ve been doing, not just in my business, but also in fun, experimental ways—building small apps using no-code platforms.
These apps aren’t about making millions. They’re about practicing, learning, and showing what’s possible when you stop hesitating and start creating.
Why Build with No-Code?
Not long ago, building an app meant hiring a development team or learning to code for years. Today, with platforms like Replit, Floot, Base44, and others, anyone can launch a working web app in days or even hours.
No-code tools let me test ideas quickly, play with concepts, and see results without waiting for perfection. The skills I gain transfer directly into bigger projects, and the apps themselves become proof that we can all leverage AI and automation in practical, creative ways.
Apps I’ve Built (So Far)
Here are a few of the projects I’ve created while practicing what I preach:
🎮 Hangman (Built in Base44): A classic word game turned into a quick app experiment.
🤣 PunQuest (Built in Replit): A pun-filled word game that shows how fun AI-assisted creativity can be.
📢 StreamPostAI (Built in Replit): A tool that helps streamline posting on streaming platforms with AI support.
✍️ Story Creator (Built in Replit): Generates stories and ideas—perfect for writers or anyone looking for inspiration.
⚡ RapidShooter (Built in Floot): A fast-paced clicker game prototype.
Each of these projects taught me something new about design, user flow, and AI integration—and each one reinforced my belief that the only way to learn is to do.
What This Means for You
Most people I talk to are curious about AI but hesitant. They think they need advanced coding skills, a business plan, or months of study before they can do anything meaningful. That’s just not true.
Whether it’s writing, art, side hustles, or small apps, AI tools and no-code platforms give you the ability to start small, experiment, and build confidence. You don’t have to launch the next unicorn startup. You just have to take that first step.
What I Learned from Building Small Apps
Every app, no matter how small, gave me lessons that apply far beyond no-code building.
Perfection is the enemy of progress
If I had waited until I had a “perfect” idea, none of these apps would exist. Launching small taught me speed matters more than polish.Every tool has strengths and weaknesses
Replit is great for flexibility, Base44 makes building super-fast, Floot and Emergent each have unique perks. You don’t need to marry one platform—experiment with many.Users value creativity more than complexity
People smiled at PunQuest not because it was complex, but because it was fun. Simplicity resonates.Confidence grows by doing
Every small project built my confidence. Now when I talk about AI and no-code, I’m not just repeating theory—I’m speaking from practice.
Simple App Ideas You Can Build This Week
If you’ve been hesitating to start, here are a few beginner-friendly ideas you can build using no-code platforms like Replit, Bubble, Glide, or Base44:
Habit Tracker with AI Motivation
Users log daily habits.
AI generates short motivational messages based on their progress.
Use it for fitness, journaling, or productivity.
Daily Gratitude Journal
A simple web app where users enter three things they’re grateful for each day.
AI suggests prompts if they feel stuck (e.g., “What’s one small win you had today?”).
AI-Powered Quiz Generator
Users enter a topic (e.g., “history of Canada” or “basic coding”).
AI generates a 5-question quiz instantly.
Great for teachers, students, or trivia fans.
Simple Recipe Finder
Users type the ingredients they have in their kitchen.
AI suggests quick recipes using those ingredients.
Mood-to-Music Recommender
Users select their current mood.
AI recommends playlists, songs, or even generates a poem/lyric to match.
These aren’t complex apps—but that’s the point. They’re fun, useful, and achievable in a weekend with zero coding experience.
How to Get Started
Here’s a step-by-step approach if you’re new to no-code and AI:
Pick a no-code platform
Start with one that feels easy to you. Replit and Base44 are great for beginners. Glide and Bubble are also popular.Choose a tiny idea
Don’t try to build “the next Facebook.” Pick something small, like a daily habit tracker.Add AI where it fits
Use AI for text generation, recommendations, or fun interactions. Most platforms let you connect to ChatGPT or similar models easily.Publish and share
Once your app is live, share it with a few friends or on social media. Feedback helps you learn.Repeat and scale
Each project gets easier. Soon you’ll be confident enough to tackle bigger ideas—or even build a business around them.
Final Thought
My message is the same for everyone reading this as it is in my newsletter: AI – Just Use It.
Don’t wait for the perfect idea, tool, or timing. Open a no-code builder, try out a free AI app, or create something silly and fun. Every experiment builds your skills and your confidence—and who knows, one of those small experiments might just turn into your next big breakthrough.
