Build a member community with sign up using Softr

What is it:

100DaysOfNoCode is an online learning community that helps people learn how to no-code through a combination of content, accountability, structure, personalised support and inspiration; enabling members to bring their ideas to life and become 1% better everyday.

Maker Insight:

I really enjoyed using Softr. No-code abstracts away the complexity of building but Softr essentially took it all away, because it's so simple to use. Whilst this does limit flexibility, it did allow me to focus on content and messaging for the community, instead of taking time on the build itself.

Another thing would be to just ask! If you are stuck, don't dig yourself into a big dark maker hole, when you have the friendliest and most helpful community of no-coders on your doorstep. This helped me ship quicker and meet more super talented no-code makers. Moral of the story - seek help when you need it!

What did I learn:

1. Softr is a great tool to use for a simple static webpage that enables you to quickly add a filterable dynamic list of information. What is different about this tool compared to something like Carrd, is that this feature connects to Airtable seamlessly. So that you do not have to embed a clunky Airtable base on your webpage. What I also like about Softr is it allows this information list to be paginated. Meaning, there is a "see more" button that allows you to shorten the height of the list. This is perfect to use if you have other information at the bottom of the page, like a checkout that you want the user to be able to scroll to and buy the thing that you are selling.

If you go to Max's webpage it is a perfect example to check out.

But also Softr.io gives you the tools to build a full page of different blocks on the page. This is how it stands out compared to Carrd.

2. Pricing blocks and stripe
I thought that Softr did a really nice job here of enabling users to have an easy to use checkout feature. When talking to the Maker, Max he stated it is super simple to set up. Very user friendly. Right now he has integrated with Stripe.

After some research it currently does not enable discounts/coupons on Stripe checkout. But that Softr will enable this in January which is right around the corner.

3. Community - Max uses Slack to drive his community. Right now that information to get going has to be sent via email. But Softr is adding user accounts soon. So that Max will be able to centralize all the membership information into one place once a user logs in, they will be able to access that immediately.

This may seem like a small friction point, but one of the core value props of Max's app is community. Getting them activated to experience that is essential to do as fast as possible. There would be greater drop off in getting users activated through the email sent to the user than if they were able to immediately log in upon purchasing membership.

4. Crisp is an on page help button. For the price and value and dependability that you get using it, you cannot beat it. I've personally used it on my projects and it works well. You have a mobile app available as well so that you can answer questions 24/7. All jokes aside, don't worry, nobody actually wants to be on call all the time, so you can set a snooze option to let the site visitor know that you're not available but will be back soon.

The free tier is perfect to try out if you're looking to add this to your site. I think that this is a great tool to add to your site if you are looking to see who and what type of visitors are on your page. So that you can profile them and identify who is actually thinking about purchasing your product. If someone asks you questions through the crisp chatbox, you can also ask some high level questions about what are they at trying to achieve, etc so that you can better understand who is visiting your website.