Using No-Code AI Tools As a Creator (build custom stuff)
I am not a coder.
But I do love to use low-code and no-code AI tools to create custom widgets, mini apps and more.
As a blogger, creator and artist, I’ve never quite felt this type of creative freedom before. I can turn my fleeting ideas into something real and tangible all in a single weekend — no more technical barriers!
And if I’m being honest, I think creators making bespoke tools will play a serious role in the future of blogging.
For example, imagine you’re an art blogger and you have a post on the best art supply brands. Now imagine creating a free quiz or calculator that automatically creates the perfect artist toolkit for your readers, based on their input.
Say hello to more engagement, authority, SEO and backlinks (oh, and extra value to your audience).
And the best part? You can build these simple tools quickly and affordably — using plain English (no coding).
So let this be your introduction to a new way of creating.
Now let’s do this freaking thing!
What Are No-Code AI Tools?
No-code AI tools are platforms that require little to no coding knowledge to build custom tools, websites and/or apps.
In a similar vein, low-code tools are AI development tools that (more easily) let you jump in and edit or revise a project’s codebase (which of course requires more coding knowledge).
When using these tools, we’re tapping into the newest style of software development: vibe coding.
And the thing that I love most is how creative vibe coding actually is.
It’s like how blogging used to be. You just pour out your ideas and then this thing is created.
So. Freaking. Cool!
As an artist and musician, this is what got me hooked.
Building No-Code Tools As A Creator (benefits)
Boost your SEO
Get more creative
Improve your authority
Stand out and differentiate
Attract more quality backlinks
Learn a seriously competitive skill
Add more bespoke value to your audience
Make more money by building your own apps
So, What Can I Build? (examples)
Apps
Widgets
Directories
Custom GPTs
Micro-SaaS sites
Chrome extensions
Calculators and quizzes
Popular No-Code / Low-Code AI Tools
How to Build Custom Tools Using No-Code AI Platforms
1. Find Your No-Code Tool Stack
Rather than trying to learn every tool all at once, it’s smarter to just choose one to master first.
But if you really have no idea where to start, testing multiple platforms is a great way to get some clarity.
Currently, I’m mostly using Cursor, Lovable and ChatGPT.
It also helps to think about your skill level, goals, budget and preferences.
And if you find a creator you resonate with, then just use whatever tools they use so you can easily follow along.
But just remember that the best tool is often the tool that you like the best.
2. Decide What to Build — Then Wireframe It
A great no-code tool starts with clarity.
So, what do you want to build? For example, with no-code AI tools, you can create:
Directory websites
Mobile and web apps
Calculators and quizzes
Chrome extensions
Widgets
If you’re completely new, I’d recommend starting with something simple, like widgets or calculators. Trying to create a full-fledged app as your first build could be stressful.
Once you decide what to build, it’s smart to then design your project by mapping out the core features, the tool’s workflow and how everything is connected.
This is called wireframing and it’ll help guide your prompting, so your no-code AI tool better understands what you’re trying to create.
3. Ask AI for the Best Plan
Before starting a new no-code/low-code project, I first explain my idea to ChatGPT (or Claude).
This way, I’m not starting from scratch — I’m showing up with a plan.
You can think of ChatGPT in this scenario as being like an architect that makes a professional blueprint, which you can then hand off to your builder (the no-code tool in this metaphor).
When I start in ChatGPT, I get an organized and coherent project plan that’s optimized with important details, instructions and key steps for the no-code AI tool.
This improves the output and understanding of your project (rather than just sharing some short or vague description).
I recommend getting into this habit if you’re serious about no-code/low-code citizen development. Currently, this is the go-to workflow for many builders and creators.
4. Build One Feature At A Time
My first tools were terrible and full of bugs. This is for two reasons:
I had no clarity about what I wanted to build
I tried to build every feature all at once (all in one prompt)
Don’t do what I did.
Instead, build your tool one feature — one step — at a time. This way, you can test things out as you go and quickly spot bugs or errors.
While AI does the heavy lifting and speeds things up (like crazy), it’s still important to be somewhat patient.
4 Tips for Using No-Code AI Tools
1. Start Small + Simple
We can break down no-code tools into three tiers:
Simple
Involved
Advanced
It’s tempting to dive straight into the more advanced stuff (because your ideas are likely advanced and creatively epic). But it’s smarter to start small and simple (if you’re new to this stuff).
For example, let’s say you’re a blogger.
You can leverage your skills in keyword research to find “calculator” or “generator” keywords — like “side hustle generator” or “skincare calculator”.
Then, create posts or pages for those topics and add your custom tools to make them super valuable for your readers.
You can also link these tools in your footer as pages.
But whatever you decide to build, just focus on building an MVP and slowly stack your skills and confidence over time.
Eventually, you can turn all your small projects into a bigger, full app.
2. Create Test Projects for Fun
You might already have a grandiose app build in mind. But if you’re new to these tools (and haven’t validated your tool yet), it’s better to start with smaller side projects.
Here’s how I see it. Rather than building some huge app as your first project, just build out the individual features and mini tools.
You can gather data and insights about which features are the most valuable for your audience while improving your no-code AI development chops.
To put it another way, start with fun test projects rather than serious builds with advanced features.
Treat your mini projects as testing potential features for something bigger in the future.
3. Give Your No-Code AI Tool the Right Instructions
When using no-code AI tools, it’s tempting to trust that it knows exactly what to do.
But often, it misses the mark on things. For example, it won’t necessarily follow all coding best practices or comprehensively cover all required safety and security protocols.
So make sure you explicitly tell your no-code builder to do these things.
I always like to instruct Cursor to include (and check for) required legal, security and safety measures within the code and development process.
I also tell it to follow all best practices to build a perfect, lean and error-free codebase.
This becomes especially important the more complex your build gets (for example, if you’re dealing with user authentication or storing sensitive data like API keys and passwords).
But just remember, the clearer your instructions, the better the AI’s output will be.
4. Learn About Coding
You don’t need to know how to code. BUT, learning about it is seriously helpful to take full advantage of these no-code AI tools.
And the more you learn, the better you can leverage these tools — even going from no-code to low-code development.
So here are a few things to start looking into if you’re serious about no-code AI building:
How APIs work
Different coding languages
Best practices for development
Platforms like Supabase and GitHub
Safety, security and legal requirements
FAQs
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If you want to make a full app (user authentication and all), then yes, there is a learning curve. But it is FAR from impossible and anyone can do it (no coding required).
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The best tool is the tool you like the best. That being said, here’s a brief breakdown:
For coding control: Try Cursor or Windsurf
For no-code mobile apps: Try Adalo or Glide
For full web apps: Try Bubble
For total newbs and simple tools: Try Lovable or Bolt
For websites and directories: Check out Unicorn Platform
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The best way to learn no-code tools is by building projects and using these tools. Learning about them by watching videos or reading blogs is super helpful, but you’ll always learn more by doing.
So create test projects and have fun. See what works and learn a little bit each day.
