1. Use Bolt AI and Just Get Started
Ten days ago, I was skeptical about the hype surrounding no-code tools. I assumed they were clunky, limited, and not capable of delivering real results. I was wrong.
If you’re in the same boat, my advice is simple: jump in and start building. You can’t fully grasp how transformational this is until you get your hands dirty. Bolt makes it incredibly easy—think of it like Canva, but for building apps. Bolt is where you design and build your app, but it seamlessly connects with Netlify for hosting, which means your app runs on blazing-fast servers. It’s also integrated with Supabase, an open-source database similar to MySQL, making data management easy. Plus, you can purchase your domain directly on Netlify, allowing you to go from build to deploy to live with your custom domain in record time.
2. Start Small to See Progress
When you’re starting out, build something small just so you can see it working. There’s something incredibly motivating about getting an app up and running, no matter how simple it is. That first win can fuel your confidence and help you push forward into bigger, more ambitious projects.
3. Keep Your Instructions Small and Break into Steps
When working on your app, break instructions into small, manageable steps. This makes it easier to troubleshoot issues, iterate faster, and track progress. Keeping things simple and structured will help avoid feeling overwhelmed and lead to a smoother development process.
4. Learn a Few Key Technical Concepts
You don’t need to be a coding expert, but a basic understanding of some technical concepts will go a long way:
- APIs: These allow you to pull data from different sources—your website, a news site, or even a weather service. There are thousands of public APIs available, some free, some paid.
- Local Storage vs. Online Storage: Know when to store data on a user’s device versus saving it in the cloud. Each has pros and cons depending on your app’s needs.
- WordPress REST API: WordPress has an API called the REST API that allows you to interact with WordPress sites programmatically. Here are five cool things you can do with it:
- Retrieve Posts and Pages – Fetch and display WordPress blog posts or pages inside your app.
- Create and Update Content – Add new blog posts or edit existing content without logging into WordPress manually.
- Manage Users – Create new users, update profiles, or even manage authentication through WordPress.
- Pull Custom Data – Retrieve information from custom post types or plugins, making it highly flexible for different applications.
- Integrate with Other Platforms – Use WordPress data to power mobile apps, dashboards, or third-party applications seamlessly.
A little knowledge here can help you make smarter decisions and avoid roadblocks.
5. Ask AI for Advice (But Don’t Let It Take Action)
AI is a great tool for brainstorming solutions. When you’re stuck, ask AI for advice, but explicitly tell it not to take any action—just list out the possible ways to solve a problem. This way, you stay in control and can evaluate the options yourself. It’s like having an intelligent brainstorming partner at your fingertips.
6. Embrace Mistakes and Creative Evolution
Don’t get too attached to your initial ideas. The real magic happens when you stay flexible and let AI contribute to the creative process. Many of my best ideas have come from unexpected tweaks and mistakes. Be open to evolution, and you’ll likely end up with something far better than you originally imagined.
7. Test and Iterate Constantly
Your first version won’t be perfect, and that’s okay. Regularly test your app with real users, gather feedback, and refine your design. The iterative process will help you improve functionality and usability over time.
8. Focus on User Experience (UX)
An AI-powered app should be intuitive and easy to use. Prioritize user experience by simplifying navigation, reducing friction, and ensuring smooth interactions. A great UX will keep users engaged and coming back.
9. Stay Updated on AI Advancements
AI technology evolves rapidly, so keep learning. Stay updated on new AI models, tools, and best practices to keep your app competitive. Continuous learning will help you leverage the latest advancements effectively.
10. Run a Security and Accessibility Audit
Once you’ve built your app, do a final check to make sure it’s secure and accessible. This step is often overlooked, but it’s critical. Security keeps user data safe, and accessibility ensures that everyone, regardless of ability, can use your app.
Building with AI is an eye-opening experience. It’s fast, powerful, and full of possibilities. The sooner you dive in, the sooner you’ll see the potential for yourself.
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