You do NOT need to be a coder to build an app in 2026.
But…
If you are not at least somewhat tech-savvy, you WILL struggle.
- AI can write code.
- AI can structure files.
- AI can guide you step-by-step.
- But AI also makes mistakes.
You’ll have to:
- Troubleshoot errors
- Fix broken imports
- Debug payment links
- Understand what you’re pasting into your project
It’s not impossible.
It just requires patience and problem-solving. so a 1 day app build is not really a thing. It takes some time. Especially if you are wanting to springboard off this into building an Ai Agency or at least have a few clients.
No gatekeeping. No course. Just the roadmap.
1. Decided the Type of App
(had lengthy conversations and bounced ideas back and forth with chatGPT - Gemini - and Claude Ai to determine what the best move was)
I didn’t start with features. I started with the market. I chose a life-structure/productivity AI app because it has universal appeal and recurring subscription potential instead of building something niche or trend-based
2. Defined the Monetization Model First
Before writing any code, I decided it would be subscription-based: That shaped everything about how the app would function.
3. Chose a Name and Brand Direction
I picked a name that sounded scalable and serious, then defined the positioning as a “life operating system” instead of just another chatbot.
4. Opened Google AI Studio to Build the Frontend
I used AI Studio to generate the base React app structure including login system, dashboard layout, and pricing page framework. (you don't have to use ai studio there are others but I found this to be the most user friendly)
5. Structured the App Layout
I created core pages: Login, Dashboard, Pricing, and Account area. I made sure user flow made sense before worrying about design polish. (Chat GPT and or Gemini can help with this if you have no coding experience)
6. Set Up Firebase Project
- (firebabse is the database that houses all your subscribers)
- Inside Firebase Console, I created a new project and enabled:
- Firebase Authentication (Email/Password)
- Firestore Database (for storing user data and chat history)
7. Connected Firebase to the App (in Ai studio)
I copied Firebase config keys into my app and initialized authentication and Firestore in a firebase.ts file to connect backend services.
8. Configured Firestore Security Rules
I set database rules to ensure users can only read/write their own data based on user ID.
9. Created Stripe Products
In Stripe Dashboard, I created two subscription products:
- Basic $9/month
- Premium $29/month
- Then generated payment links for both. (used stripe for payments)
10. Connected Stripe Links to Pricing Page
Inside my app’s pricing page, I linked each subscription button to the correct Stripe payment link.
11. Added client_reference_id to Stripe Links
I passed the logged-in user’s UID into the Stripe checkout link so I could identify which user paid.
12. Set Up Stripe Webhook (Automation Step)
Instead of manually upgrading users, I configured a Stripe webhook connected to a Firebase Cloud Function so when payment succeeds, the user’s subscription tier updates automatically in Firestore.
13. Tested Everything in Stripe Test Mode
I ran test payments using Stripe test cards to verify:
- Payment works
- Webhook fires
- User tier updates automatically
- App reflects upgraded status
14. Tested everything
in both tiers and everything on the front end and back end
15. FINAL NOTES
I know I sounded like some tech geek with all these steps but just remember Ai will walk you through all of this story ep by step if you don't understand any of this. Don't be afraid to challenge Ai decisions and play chat gpt and gemini off each other to come up with the best solutions for your brand. I hope this has been helpful and eye opening for those considering to try something like this.