You can score 17% off annual plans. That can save you up to $538, which is not bad at all.

1. Softr is essentially a no-code platform that lets you build web applications and client portals from Google Sheets or Airtable data, surprisingly quickly. Think of it as the glue that binds your spreadsheets and databases to a user-friendly interface. I know, I know, "no-code" is bandied about all the time, but Softr actually delivers on that promise.

So, why should you care? Well, for starters, if you're juggling multiple spreadsheets and desperately need a way to surface that data for your team or your clients, Softr can be a lifesaver. Instead of endless email chains with CSV attachments, you can create a slick, secure portal where people can access the information they need.

We all know the pain of needing custom software built, but not having the budget or the dev resources to make it happen. That’s where these no-code development platforms come in. I have used it myself to quickly launch internal tools without needing to get our dev team involved, freeing them up to focus on the core product.

The real magic lies in its simplicity. You don't need to know a lick of code to get started. If you can use Google Sheets or Airtable, you can use Softr. You simply connect your data source, choose from a range of pre-built blocks, and customise the look and feel to match your brand. You end up with a professional-looking web app in a matter of hours, not weeks or months.

One of the key strengths of Softr is its versatility. You can use it to build a wide range of applications, from simple client portals and internal dashboards to more complex membership sites and online directories. It’s particularly useful for startups and small businesses that need to quickly iterate and adapt to changing market conditions.

"No-code platforms empower businesses to rapidly prototype and deploy solutions, reducing development time and costs," that's what Gartner says, and I tend to agree. For startups, every penny counts, and every hour saved is an hour that can be spent on growing the business.

The platform is particularly useful if you're looking to build internal tools. Need a better way to manage your sales pipeline, track customer support requests, or onboard new employees? Softr can help. It lets you create custom dashboards and workflows that are tailored to your specific needs.

Of course, no platform is perfect. Softr is still relatively young, so it doesn't have the same level of maturity as some of the more established no-code platforms. This means that you might occasionally encounter limitations or bugs. However, the team behind Softr is constantly releasing new features and improvements, so it’s only getting better.

One potential drawback is the learning curve, though it's a gentle one. While you don't need to know code, you do need to understand how data structures work and how to design a user-friendly interface. However, Softr provides a wealth of documentation and tutorials to help you get up to speed.

If you're looking for a way to build web apps and client portals without writing a single line of code, Softr is definitely worth checking out. It’s a powerful, flexible, and surprisingly easy-to-use platform that can save you time, money, and a whole lot of headaches.

I've used Softr a number of times over the years, to build listing websites, as well as internal tracking systems and portfolio management systems. It's been a great way to quickly get something out without the need to bring an army of developers and designers in.

The initial setup was surprisingly smooth. Connecting to our Airtable data was a breeze, and I was able to whip up a basic dashboard in a couple of hours. The pre-built blocks are a real time-saver, especially the list and form blocks. I was able to customise the look and feel to match our brand, which is always a plus.

What I really like about Softr is its simplicity. I was able to build a functional application without writing a single line of code. It's great for quickly prototyping ideas and getting something up and running fast. I last used it for an MVP of a new product that we launched, which was fantastic.

However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. Softr does have its limitations. It's not as flexible as a full-blown coding environment, so if you need to do anything really complex, you might hit a wall. Also, the free plan is quite limited, so you'll likely need to upgrade to a paid plan if you want to build anything serious.

One thing that I found a bit frustrating was the lack of granular control over the user interface. While the pre-built blocks are great for getting started, they can be a bit restrictive if you want to create a highly customised design. That said, I am probably being really picky here.

I'd recommend Softr to anyone who needs to build web applications quickly and easily. It's particularly useful for startups and small businesses that don't have the resources to hire a team of developers. Just don't expect it to solve all your problems. It's a tool, not a magic wand.

What is Softr used for?

Softr is primarily used to build web applications and client portals without coding. It's ideal for creating internal tools, membership sites, and directories.

Can I use Softr with my existing data?

Yes, Softr integrates seamlessly with Google Sheets and Airtable, allowing you to build apps directly from your existing data.

Do I need to know how to code to use Softr?

No, Softr is a no-code platform, meaning you don't need to write any code to build applications.

What kind of applications can I build with Softr?

You can build a wide range of applications, including client portals, internal dashboards, membership sites, online directories, and more.

How much does Softr cost?

Softr offers a range of pricing plans, including a free plan with limited features and paid plans with more advanced features and higher usage limits. Check their website, but it's a pretty standard SaaS pricing model.

Can I use my own domain with Softr?

Yes, Softr allows you to connect your own custom domain to your applications.

Is Softr mobile-friendly?

Yes, Softr ensures that your applications are fully responsive and look great on any device, from desktops to smartphones.

Does Softr offer integrations with other services?

Yes, Softr integrates with a range of third-party services, such as Zapier, Integromat, and Google Analytics.

How secure is Softr?

Softr provides robust security features, including user authentication, role-based access control, and data encryption, to protect your data.

What kind of support does Softr offer?

Softr offers comprehensive documentation, tutorials, and customer support to help you get the most out of the platform.

Data Source Integration: Connects seamlessly with Google Sheets and Airtable, allowing you to build apps directly from your existing data.

Pre-built Blocks: Offers a wide range of customisable building blocks, such as lists, forms, charts, and user authentication, to speed up development.

User Authentication: Provides robust user authentication features, including login, registration, and password management, ensuring secure access to your applications.

Role-Based Access Control: Allows you to define different user roles and permissions, ensuring that users only have access to the data and features they need.

Custom Domain & Branding: Lets you brand your applications with your own logo, colours, and custom domain, creating a professional and cohesive user experience.

Templates: Offers a library of pre-designed templates for various use cases, such as client portals, internal dashboards, and membership sites.

Integrations: Integrates with a range of third-party services, such as Zapier, Integromat, and Google Analytics, extending the functionality of your applications.

Mobile-Responsive Design: Ensures that your applications look and function perfectly on any device, from desktops to smartphones.

Real-time Updates: Reflects changes in your Google Sheets or Airtable data in real-time, ensuring that your users always have access to the latest information.

Customer Support: Provides comprehensive documentation, tutorials, and customer support to help you get the most out of the platform.

• Head to Softr.io: Click on our special link that we've got here at Foundra.io. This ensures you're tracked for the deal.    
• Create an Account: Sign up for a new account. You can usually sign up via Google.    
• Pick a Plan: When you're ready to get stuck in, choose one of the annual paid plans. This is where the discount kicks in and will be automatically applied.    
• Start Building: Now you can connect your data source (Google Sheets or Airtable), choose a template or start from scratch, and begin building your application.