How to Build a Food Delivery App for Free: Step-by-Step Guide
                     How to Make a Food 
Delivery App for Free
 The food delivery industry's rapid growth presents a 
golden opportunity for businesses. Developing a food 
delivery app from scratch can be expensive, but you can 
create one for free or significantly reduce costs by 
using open-source code, no-code platforms, and smart 
strategies. This guide provides a step-by-step approach 
to building a custom food ordering app without breaking 
the bank. We will also discuss mobile app development 
services that can help you create a more robust and 
scalable app.
Choosing the Right Free 
App Development Platform
Several no-code and low-code platforms enable you to build a 
functional food delivery app without coding knowledge. Some of 
the best free platforms include:
Thunkable – A user-friendly, drag-and-drop app builder with 
templates for delivery apps.
AppGyver – A powerful no-code platform ideal for small businesses.
Kodular – Great for building Android-based food delivery apps.
Glide – Allows you to turn a Google Sheet into a working food 
delivery app.
Adalo – Provides a visual interface to create a custom food ordering app.
 For a more robust and scalable approach, consider professional 
mobile app development services.
Defining Your Business Model
Before developing your food delivery app, define how your business will operate. The most common models include:
Aggregator Model: Connects multiple restaurants with customers, like Uber Eats or DoorDash.
Restaurant-Owned Model: A custom app built for a single restaurant to manage its own deliveries.
Cloud Kitchen Model: Focused solely on delivery-only kitchens, operating without a dine-in option.
Identifying your target audience and business model helps you select the best features and 
integrations for your free food delivery app. Consider mobile app development services to tailor 
your app to your specific business needs.
Designing an Engaging 
User Experience (UI/UX)
A well-designed user interface is crucial for the 
success of your food delivery app. Your app should be 
visually appealing, intuitive, and easy to navigate. A 
good UI/UX design should include:
• Simple navigation for browsing restaurant listings 
and placing orders.
• A responsive layout that adapts to different screen sizes.
• A clean and professional look that enhances user experience.
• High-quality images of food items to attract customers.
A seamless user experience ensures higher engagement and 
encourages repeat orders. Professional mobile app 
development services can help you create a polished and 
effective UI/UX.
Adding Essential Features
Every food delivery app must include core functionalities that improve usability. Here are some must-have features:
User Registration & Profiles: Sign up via email, social media, or phone numbers.
Restaurant Listings & Menus: Display restaurants with menus, pricing, and ratings.
Order Management System: Automate order processing.
Real-Time Order Tracking: Let users track their food delivery in real-time.
Secure Payment Integration: Offer secure payment options.
Push Notifications: Send order updates and promotions.
These features are essential for a smooth ordering experience. Mobile app development services 
can ensure seamless integration of these features.
Leveraging Open-Source Food Delivery 
App Code
If you have some technical knowledge, you can save time and money by using open-source food 
delivery app code available on platforms like GitHub. Some useful repositories include:
Flutter Food Delivery App: A pre-built Flutter template for cross-platform mobile apps.
React Native Delivery App: An open-source solution built with React Native for Android and iOS.
Django-Based Food Ordering System: A backend solution for handling restaurant orders and customer data.
Using open-source code allows you to customize the app while reducing development time and costs. 
For advanced customization, consider mobile app development services.
Marketing Your Free Food Delivery App
Once your local delivery app is live, you need to market it effectively to attract users. Here 
are some cost-free strategies to promote your app:
Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Optimize your website with relevant keywords.
Social Media Marketing: Promote your app on platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
Influencer Collaborations: Partner with food bloggers and influencers.
Referral Programs: Encourage users to invite their friends with incentives.
App Store Optimization (ASO): Improve your app’s ranking on app stores.
By leveraging these digital marketing techniques, you can grow your user base organically. Mobile 
app development services can also provide marketing support.
Conclusion
 Creating a food delivery app for free is possible with 
the right tools and strategies. By leveraging no-code 
platforms, open-source code, and free hosting services, 
you can develop a fully functional custom food ordering 
app without high costs. Whether you’re a restaurant 
owner or an entrepreneur, these cost-effective methods 
will help you enter the competitive food delivery market 
successfully. For expert assistance, contact Webgo.co 
for professional mobile app development services and 
take your business to the next level!
Contact Us
Address: Palmerston North, New Zealand
Phone: 02102780583
Email: [email protected]