You no longer need to be a programmer or spend months learning complex code to build and monetize mobile apps without coding. With the rise of no-code platforms and drag-and-drop app builders, anyone with a creative idea can build, publish, and monetize mobile applications. In this guide, we’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions to create, publish, and make money from mobile apps without writing a single line of code.
Step 1: Understand the Concept of No-Code App Development
No-code development platforms allow users to create fully functional mobile apps using visual editors and templates. These tools replace traditional coding with drag-and-drop components, logic workflows, and design customization. Some popular and reliable no-code platforms include Adalo, Glide, Thunkable, Appgyver, Google AppSheet, and Kodular. Most of them support APK creation or app publishing directly to the Play Store or App Store.
Step 2: Identify a Profitable App Idea
Start by identifying a niche that solves a problem or entertains users. Choose an idea that aligns with your knowledge or a specific audience’s needs. Some app ideas you can build without coding include:
- A habit tracker or daily journal
- A local business service directory
- A quiz or language-learning app
- A personal finance tracker
- A fitness routine app
- An online booking or appointment app
- A digital catalog for products or services
Your idea doesn’t need to be complex. Often, simple and useful tools with a clear purpose perform best.
Step 3: Choose the Right No-Code Platform
Here’s a list of the best no-code platforms that support free or low-cost app creation, monetization, and even APK export:
- Google AppSheet – Great for data-based apps connected to Google Sheets. Ideal for inventory, workflow, and productivity apps. No coding needed. It offers a free tier for personal use and is Google-backed.
- Adalo – Supports creating native apps with built-in databases and logic. Allows APK and iOS builds. Offers in-app purchase options.
- Glide – Best for simple, spreadsheet-based apps. Glide Pages can be used for dashboards or mobile PWA apps.
- Thunkable – Allows visual app design with logic blocks. Supports direct APK export and integrates with AdMob for monetization.
- Appgyver – More advanced but extremely powerful. Good for building highly customized enterprise-grade apps with logic and APIs.
- Kodular – Community-driven, focused on monetized apps. Allows integration with AdMob, Facebook Ads, and more. Free APK creation available.
- MIT App Inventor – Simple tool mainly for educational or prototype apps. Allows direct APK export.
Choose your platform based on app type, monetization needs, and whether you need an APK file for offline installs or Play Store upload.
Step 4: Design and Build Your App
Most platforms provide pre-built templates or start-from-scratch options. Here’s what to focus on:
- Layout and navigation should be simple and intuitive
- Keep branding consistent (colors, fonts, icons)
- Use readable fonts and easy controls
- Test your app using preview features or emulators provided by the platform
Use Google AppSheet if your app revolves around data. For example, a product inventory tracker or delivery schedule manager works seamlessly with AppSheet linked to Google Sheets or Excel.
Step 5: Add Monetization Features
Here are monetization methods that work with no-code apps:
- Display Ads
- Platforms like Kodular and Thunkable support AdMob or Facebook Ads
- Earn through impressions and clicks
- In-App Purchases or Subscriptions
- Adalo and Thunkable offer integration for selling premium features
- Stripe and Razorpay can be used for payments
- Affiliate Links
- Include product links from Amazon, Flipkart, or other networks
- Earn commission on user purchases
- Sell Digital Products
- Offer PDFs, eBooks, videos, or templates from within your app
- Use Glide or AppSheet with download links or pay-to-unlock options
- White Label Apps for Businesses
- Build one base app and customize it for multiple small businesses
- Charge a one-time fee or monthly subscription
Step 6: Publish or Export Your App
Each platform has different publishing options:
- Google AppSheet – Share app links for instant use; no Play Store upload needed
- Adalo & Thunkable – Allow direct APK and iOS export
- Kodular – Free APK export and monetization setup
- Appgyver – Offers build service for Android and iOS
If you plan to publish to the Google Play Store, you’ll need a developer account ($25 one-time). For Apple App Store, you’ll need a developer subscription ($99/year).
Step 7: Promote Your App
Even a great app won’t make money without users. Promote your app using:
- Social media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn groups)
- Blog or landing page with screenshots and features
- YouTube tutorial on how to use the app
- Email newsletters and local WhatsApp groups
- App directories and forums (Reddit, Product Hunt)
Step 8: Track Performance and Improve
Platforms like Google AppSheet, Glide, and Thunkable allow basic tracking. For advanced analytics, integrate tools like Google Analytics, Firebase, or even UTM tracking links. Monitor installs, user engagement, and revenue. Use user feedback to release updates and improve the app’s value.
Example: Use Google AppSheet to Build a Delivery Tracker App
Let’s say you run a small delivery business. You can use Google Sheets to store delivery data (customer name, location, status) and connect it to AppSheet. AppSheet will instantly turn it into a working mobile app. Add custom workflows (like status updates), and share it with your delivery staff. You didn’t write any code—and you created a real, working solution.
Conclusion
Making money from mobile apps without coding is now more possible than ever. With powerful no-code tools like Google AppSheet, Adalo, Thunkable, and Kodular, you can turn any app idea into a source of passive income. Focus on solving a specific problem, keep the app user-friendly, and choose the right monetization method. Start simple, improve constantly, and scale your app business over time.