No-Code Interview: Building a directory app without code
Last updated
June 18, 2024
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Datazonic is revolutionizing the e-commerce landscape by providing an extensive data-driven platform for in-depth market research, and fostering powerful brand collaborations for risk-free product expansion.
What's your personal background? What motivated you to start your own company?
I've spent the past seven years immersed in ecommerce and digital marketing, founding two ecommerce brands and a marketing agency. But I always wanted to have my own SaaS platform.
The emergence and accessibility of no-code tools turned this desire into a possibility. It opened a door for me to leverage my industry experience and insights in a whole new way, leading to the birth of Datazonic.
It's been an exciting journey, and I'm thrilled about the potential impact of our platform on the ecommerce industry.
What no code tool(s) did you use to build Datazonic and what purpose did each play in the final product?
Creating Datazonic has been a journey of bringing together various no-code tools, each with a crucial role in shaping the final product:
Softr: This was instrumental in front-end development, giving our platform the intuitive and user-friendly interface it has.
Airtable: We utilized Airtable for managing our database, ensuring the data we provide is organized, accessible, and reliable.
Stripe: For secure and efficient billing, we incorporated Stripe.
HubSpot: To ensure our users can reach out to us effortlessly, we embedded HubSpot for live chat support.
EmailOctopus: Essential for running our email campaigns, allowing us to connect with our users and keep them updated.
Rewardful: We used Rewardful to manage our affiliate program, helping us grow our reach.
Apollo: This was key in our lead generation efforts, helping us identify and connect with potential users and partners.
Woodpecker: We used Woodpecker for our cold email campaigns, enabling us to reach out to a wider audience.
ChatGPT: For crafting compelling copy across our platform, we leveraged ChatGPT Plus.
Canva: Invaluable for creating eye-catching graphic designs.
SynthesiaandAnswerly: We used these for creating engaging and informative videos.
Zoho: For managing our professional communication, we used Zoho for emails.
GoDaddy: This is where we secured our domain, the cornerstone of our online presence.
BuzzSumo: This tool helped us with influencer research, an essential aspect of our marketing strategy.
Pandle: For smooth and efficient accounting, we incorporated Pandle.
Wise: For our banking needs, we relied on Wise.
Fiverr: Handy for outsourcing various tasks, helping us focus on our core operations.
Each tool played a significant role in making Datazonic what it is today - a comprehensive solution for ecommerce market research and brand collaboration.
I built Datazonic within 2 weeks, without leaving from my workspace, and without taking a single meeting. That is the magic of web-apps and no-code tools!
What were the initial costs to get Datazonic off the ground?
Starting Datazonic was a cost-effective endeavor, thanks to the numerous free plans offered by the tools we used. Our initial costs were kept under $500, making this a budget-friendly startup.
The majority of our expenditure was on Softr, the tool we used for front-end development, which was the most expensive component. We are on the highest tier of Softr because our Airtable bases have around 50000 rows each.
The rest of the costs were spread thinly across various services such as domain purchase, and the minimal costs associated with some tools that didn't offer entirely free plans. The key here was strategic utilization of resources, ensuring we got the maximum value out of every penny spent.
What was the process of building your product from idea to launching?
Building Datazonic was a clear, methodical process.
I started with outlining the entire website's structure. Then, I gathered and organized comprehensive ecommerce databases into Airtable. This structured data was integrated into Softr to create the front-end of our platform. After rigorous testing to ensure a smooth user experience, I added the final marketing touches to bring Datazonic to life, offering a visually engaging and intuitive platform for our users.
How do you attract customers?
Attracting customers to Datazonic is a multifaceted approach. I use social media to share engaging content and interact with the ecommerce community. We've also made use of Product Hunt to showcase our product to a larger user base. Additionally, I actively participate in various Discord servers and Slack channels, engaging in conversations and offering value where I can.
However, we're just scratching the surface. There's a vast landscape of opportunities to explore, from SEO and content marketing to partnerships and influencer collaborations, and we're excited to delve deeper into these in our journey ahead.
What are the biggest challenges you've overcome building Datazonic?
The most significant challenge I've overcome while building Datazonic was stepping outside of my comfort zone to embrace no-code tools. Coming from a non-technical background, navigating through these tools was a new experience for me.
However, the user-friendly nature of these tools helped me overcome this hurdle. It was a learning curve, but the versatility and power of no-code tools made it a rewarding journey, and I'm proud of what I've managed to create with them.
How much money is Datazonic making per month?
Datazonic was launched just a week ago, so we're still in the pre-revenue phase. However, I am optimistic about the future. I believe in the value we're offering, and I am excited to see the business grow and evolve in the coming months.
What's your advice for non-technical people who want to start a company?
Dive in headfirst, embrace the learning curve, and leverage the power of no-code tools. Your determination to solve a problem is far more crucial than having a technical background.
What are your future plans for Datazonic?
We have a dynamic roadmap for Datazonic. Our immediate focus is on growing our user base and launching a robust marketing campaign to amplify our reach. We're also working on adding more features to enhance the user experience.
And of course, we aim to turn these efforts into a thriving, profitable business that serves ecommerce players worldwide.
How do you think the rise of no code tools will impact entrepreneurship?
The rise of no-code tools is democratizing entrepreneurship. It's lowering barriers, making it possible for anyone with an idea to bring it to life, irrespective of their technical knowledge. This opens up a world of innovation and creative problem-solving, fostering a new wave of diverse entrepreneurs.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Just that I'm incredibly excited about the journey ahead with Datazonic. We're at the beginning of something really special, and I can't wait to see how our platform helps reshape the ecommerce landscape. Keep watching this space!