Building Domain-Specific SaaS Apps with Adalo

Adalo makes creating industry-specific SaaS apps simple, fast, and cost-effective. With its visual builder, AI tools, and flat $36/month pricing, you can build apps for healthcare, real estate, fitness, legal, and more. Features like multi-tenant architecture, subscription billing, and role-based permissions are easy to set up, helping you deliver tailored solutions for niche markets. Publish to web, iOS, and Android from a single codebase, and scale to over 1 million users without switching platforms. Whether it's scheduling systems, case management tools, or fitness trackers, Adalo empowers you to launch and grow your app efficiently.

Key highlights:

• Flat pricing: $36/month with unlimited users, actions, and records.
• Multi-platform publishing: One build for web, iOS, and Android.
• Multi-tenant architecture: Keep customer data secure and isolated.
• AI-powered tools: Quickly generate app frameworks with Magic Start.
• Subscription billing: Integrate Stripe, Square, or PayPal easily.
• Scalable infrastructure: Handles over 20 million daily requests with 99% uptime.

Adalo eliminates the complexities of traditional app development, letting you focus on building tailored solutions for specific industries.

Setting Up Your Adalo Workspace

Creating Your Account

Head over to adalo.com and click on "Sign Up." You can register with your email and password or log in using Google, Apple, or GitHub. Once you verify your email, you'll be prompted to select your app type or use the Magic Start feature to quickly generate a foundation for your app.

If you're serious about building a production-ready app, skip the free plan. While it's fine for testing ideas, it limits you to 200 records per app and doesn't allow publishing to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Instead, go for the Professional plan at $36.00/month (billed annually). This plan enables native iOS and Android publishing, which is essential for SaaS apps needing both mobile and web access.

To upgrade, head to the "Billing" section, choose the Professional plan, and activate it using Stripe or PayPal with your US-formatted payment details. Once your account is upgraded, you’ll be ready to organize your projects and focus on efficient development. This is a key part of the strategy to build your own no-code SaaS platform.

Organizing Your Projects

Take advantage of the App Switcher in the top bar to create and move between projects. Give each app a clear, descriptive name - like HealthcareSaaS_v1 - to avoid confusion, especially if you're juggling multiple projects across different industries.

To speed things up, start with Feature Templates. Adalo provides pre-built templates for common SaaS functions, such as appointment scheduling, user profiles, and settings screens. These templates come with pre-configured database collections and UI components, so you won’t need to build everything from scratch. If your app requires multi-tenant architecture, set up separate collections for tenants, users, and roles early on. This will make scaling much smoother as your app grows.

Additionally, use the Design Versions tool to save snapshots of your app’s design before testing new features. Enabling version history ensures you have backups, so you can easily revert to previous designs if needed.

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Build a mobile customer app + admin webapp with a shared database using adalo

Building Multi-Tenant Architecture

Once you've organized your projects with distinct tenant collections, the next step is to implement multi-tenant architecture. This ensures that each customer's data stays securely separated.

What Is Multi-Tenant Architecture?

Multi-tenant architecture allows multiple businesses to use the same SaaS application while keeping their data completely isolated. Essentially, each tenant operates in its own secure data environment, even though they share the same infrastructure. For instance, a healthcare clinic using your scheduling app will never have access to another clinic's patient records.

In Adalo, this is achieved with a "Shared Database, Shared Schema" model. All customers use the same database tables, but each record is tagged with a unique tenant identifier. This approach minimizes costs and simplifies updates, as changes can be applied universally to all customers.

Now, let’s dive into how you can set this up in Adalo.

Setting Up Multi-Tenancy in Adalo

Start by creating a "Tenants" or "Organizations" collection. This will act as the parent collection for all your app's data. Every other collection - whether it tracks tasks, appointments, or cases - should include a relationship property that links back to this Tenants collection.

Next, update the Users collection. Add a relationship to the Tenants collection and include a "Role" property (e.g., Admin, Editor, Viewer) to help control user access through conditional visibility. When a user signs up, assign them to a tenant. This ensures that users only see data relevant to their organization.

For apps with multiple interfaces (such as separate Client and Admin apps), use the "Share Database with an Existing App" feature. This keeps the database shared across interfaces, ensuring smooth performance while maintaining a seamless experience.

Adding Subscription Billing and User Roles

Once your multi-tenant setup is ready, it’s time to add two key features to your SaaS app: subscription billing and role-based access control. These components will help you manage payments and user permissions effectively.

Setting Up Subscription Billing

Adalo makes subscription management straightforward by integrating with Stripe, Square, and PayPal - all without requiring any code. For most SaaS apps, Stripe is the go-to option for handling recurring payments.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Install the Stripe Kit: Head to the Adalo Marketplace and add the Stripe Kit to your app.
2. Set Up Products in Stripe: Log in to your Stripe Dashboard and create a Product with recurring price plans. For example, you might offer a Basic plan at $9.00/month and a Pro plan at $29.00/month. Each plan generates a unique price_id (e.g., price_1IHCB8...). Be sure to copy these IDs.
3. Configure Stripe in Adalo: Go to the Integrations section in your Adalo dashboard, select Stripe, and enter your Stripe API keys (found in Stripe Dashboard > Developers > API Keys). Then, add the Stripe Subscription component to your pricing screen and paste the price_id for each plan.

The subscription component links users to their subscriptions based on their email address. Users can update or cancel their plans directly through the built-in subscription management feature. To ensure smooth functionality, use Custom Actions with the Stripe API or webhook listeners to validate subscription statuses. For example, you can update a "Subscription Status" field in your Users collection when payments are successful or fail.

Testing is crucial. Switch to Test Mode in the Stripe component settings and use Stripe’s test API keys along with test card numbers like 4242 4242 4242 4242. Once everything works perfectly, switch to live production keys. This setup ensures your app is ready to scale as your user base grows.

Now that billing is covered, let’s look at how to secure access with user roles and permissions.

Managing User Roles and Permissions

Role-based access control defines what users can see and do within your app. In Adalo, this is achieved through two layers: visibility rules for the user interface and collection permissions for database security.

1. Assign User Roles: Add a text field to your Users collection to store roles like Admin, Manager, or User. Roles can be assigned automatically during signup based on the chosen subscription plan or through an onboarding process. For admin roles, it’s best to assign them manually in the Adalo Builder to prevent users from elevating their permissions.
2. Set Visibility Rules: Control what users see by applying visibility rules to screens and components. For example:
   • Show the admin dashboard only if Logged-in User > Role = "Admin".
   • Hide actions like "Delete Record" unless the user’s role is "Manager" or higher.
   • Filter lists to display only tenant-specific data by setting the filter to Tenant ID = Logged-in User > Tenant ID.
3. Secure Database Access: Visibility rules only hide UI elements - they don’t secure your database. To lock down sensitive data, click the Shield and Key icon in the collection settings. Define who can view, create, update, or delete records. Options include:
   • "Everyone"
   • "Only Logged In Users"
   • "Only the Record Creator"
   • "Some Logged In Users" (based on relationships)
   • "Nobody" (accessible only through the Builder)

For sensitive fields like email addresses or subscription statuses, set "Who can update and delete?" to Nobody. This ensures only you can modify these fields through the Builder, preventing users from altering roles or subscription tiers.

When combined with your multi-tenant setup, these role and permission configurations provide a solid layer of security. Even on Adalo’s free plan, collection permissions ensure unauthorized data never reaches a user’s device.

Building Features for Specific Industries

With Adalo's visual builder and AI tools, you can create tailored features for specific industries. By combining your multi-tenant setup with integrated billing options, you can address challenges unique to each market. Let’s explore how to approach four key vertical SaaS markets.

Healthcare: Appointment Scheduling and Patient Portals

Healthcare apps often need efficient scheduling systems and secure client portal access for patients. Adalo's Appointment Booking template is a great starting point, offering pre-built booking and admin screens. Your database should include:

• Users: Define roles like Provider and Patient.
• Appointments: Store details such as date, time, and status.
• Availability Slots: Manage provider schedules.
• Meeting Types: Specify session durations and pricing.

With Magic Add, you can include a calendar view to display available slots. To avoid double-bookings, use custom lists that filter Availability Slots against existing Appointments. Adding native push notifications for reminders can help reduce no-shows.

Keep in mind: Adalo is not natively HIPAA compliant. If your app requires sensitive medical data storage, consider integrating HIPAA-compliant forms via API or focus on non-sensitive features like scheduling and wellness tools. For payments, drop the Stripe component onto your booking confirmation screen to collect fees or deposits.

To simplify scheduling across time zones, include a Time Zone property in your Users collection. This ensures appointment times convert automatically for providers and patients in different locations. Use the X-Ray performance analyzer to identify and resolve database slowdowns as your app scales, keeping it fast and reliable.

Real Estate: Property Listings and Client Management

Real estate apps thrive on strong search tools and client relationship management. Starting with Adalo’s Real Estate Agent or Redfin Clone templates gives you ready-made screens for listings, search, and profiles. Define user roles - Buyer, Seller, Agent - in your Users collection to manage access.

Your database should include:

• Properties: Fields like address, price (USD), bedrooms, bathrooms, and status.
• Favorites: For users to save properties, creating many-to-many relationships.
• Inquiries: Track buyer-agent messages with fields for text, date, and status.

Set up filters like price range ($100,000–$1,000,000) or number of bedrooms using input components, and use query actions to apply these filters dynamically. Add map components from the Adalo Marketplace to enable location-based browsing - essential since 97% of homebuyers use online resources during their search.

If you have existing property data in spreadsheets, connect them to your app using SheetBridge. This keeps listings synchronized without manual updates. To monetize, use the Stripe payment kit to charge agents for premium listing placements that appear at the top of search results.

Fitness: Workout Plans and Progress Tracking

Fitness apps demand engaging features and clear progress metrics. Adalo offers templates like Workouts Request, Booking and Scheduling, and Workout Library to get started. Key database collections include:

• Users: Store user information and roles.
• Workouts: Capture details such as exercise name, sets, reps, and weight.
• Progress: Track metrics over time.
• Goals: Define user-specific targets.

Use Magic Start to kick off your app by describing it, such as "fitness app with workout tracking and progress charts." Then, with Magic Add, create features like a chart showing weight lifted over the last 30 days. Adalo compiles to native code, ensuring reliable push notifications for reminders and achievements.

For GPS tracking during runs or rides, use location components from the Marketplace. Capture route points, apply a minimum distance threshold to smooth data, and display the route using polylines on a map. To keep dashboards snappy, precompute metrics like weekly totals when workouts are saved, rather than recalculating them on the fly.

"Taking our business mobile at the start of COVID-19 was so easy thanks to Adalo. Lifetime Performance was able to thrive & we had a new way to interface with our clients - a win-win!" - Ken MacDonald, Business Owner, Lifetime Performance

To integrate external health platforms, connect via External Collections. Sync activity data from Google Fit or Apple HealthKit at regular intervals, giving users a full view of their fitness without manual input.

Legal: Case Management and Document Sharing

Legal apps require organized case tracking and secure document sharing. Your database might include:

• Cases: Track case number, status, deadlines, and client ID.
• Documents: Store file URLs and manage access permissions.
• Tasks: Monitor deadlines and assignments.

Use Adalo’s file upload components to allow attorneys and clients to share documents securely. Set collection permissions to control access - for example, attorneys can view internal notes while clients see shared documents and updates.

For case updates, create actions to change status fields (e.g., "Filed" to "In Progress") and trigger notifications for clients. Custom lists can display case timelines, organizing activities and documents chronologically. Add Stripe for billing, tracking time spent on cases, and generating invoices directly in the app.

Adalo’s built-in permission system works well for MVPs, but for more complex roles - like partner, associate, or paralegal - consider extending functionality with Zapier integrations. Start with Adalo’s security features and layer in external tools only as needed.

Each of these examples shows how Adalo can simplify building industry-specific apps, giving you the tools to address unique challenges effectively.

Testing, Publishing, and Scaling Your App

Testing Your App

Once your multi-tenant architecture and custom features are in place, it’s time to test your app thoroughly. Start by using Adalo's Preview button to check the web version in real time. For native mobile functionality, testing on actual devices is essential to ensure everything works as intended.

For multi-tenant setups, create test users within separate tenant collections and assign role-based permissions. Test each role - like Provider and Patient - to confirm data isolation and functionality. Use Adalo's draft environment to conduct these tests without impacting the live version.

When testing features that require device permissions - such as camera access for uploads or GPS tracking - verify that permission prompts appear correctly on both iOS and Android devices. For custom components, run:

npx adalo dev

This enables hot reloading during development, making it easier to test adjustments in real time. To gather early feedback, use Internal TestFlight for iOS (up to 100 testers without Apple review) or Google Play’s internal testing track (also supporting up to 100 testers). These tools are invaluable for catching potential issues before a broader release.

Publishing to App Stores

Adalo simplifies the process of publishing to the Apple App Store and Google Play Store - no Swift or Kotlin expertise required. Before you begin, ensure you have an Apple Developer account ($99.00/year) and a Google Play Developer account (one-time fee). Your app also needs to be on a qualifying Adalo plan.

The publishing process is streamlined: finalize your app in Adalo's builder, generate store-ready builds with a single click, and follow the guided workflow to meet store requirements. For iOS, you’ll need to provide app icons, screenshots, and a privacy policy URL. For Android, upload the .AAB file through the Google Play Console.

Instead of directly installing builds, use testing tracks to validate functionality. External TestFlight lets you test with up to 10,000 users, while Google Play’s closed testing supports up to 200 lists with 2,000 users per list. Remember, TestFlight builds expire after 90 days, so plan your testing timeline accordingly.

Scaling Without Usage Limits

Once your app is live, Adalo ensures it can grow with you. The platform’s infrastructure scales effortlessly, handling unlimited actions, users, records, and storage - all for a flat rate of $36.00 per month. This predictable pricing means no surprise costs as your user base expands.

Adalo processes over 20 million daily requests with 99%+ uptime, and its modular architecture supports apps with more than 1 million monthly active users. To keep performance in check, use the X-Ray performance analyzer to identify and resolve bottlenecks as your app scales.

For teams, you can add editors for $15.00 per month each or publish additional apps at $25.00 per month per app. Updates roll out instantly across web, iOS, and Android from a single codebase, simplifying maintenance and delivering a consistent experience for your users.

Conclusion

Creating a vertical SaaS app for industries like healthcare, real estate, fitness, or legal services no longer requires a massive budget or a large team. With Adalo's flat $36.00 per month pricing, bootstrapped founders can avoid unexpected cost spikes. This structure lets you scale from 10 to 10,000 subscribers without worrying about sudden billing surprises - an important factor when reinvesting early revenue.

Adalo’s predictable pricing is paired with tools designed to support smooth growth and reliable performance. Native publishing from a single codebase enhances both app credibility and visibility. Features like push notifications and Progressive Web Apps vs. native apps ensure user engagement and accessibility across devices. This multi-channel approach caters to mobile-first industries, eliminating the need for separate mobile development teams.

Behind the scenes, Adalo’s infrastructure handles over 20 million daily requests with 99%+ uptime, supporting apps with more than 1 million monthly active users. Its modular architecture adapts to your business growth. Tools like the X-Ray analyzer help pinpoint bottlenecks before they affect users, and updates instantly roll out across web, iOS, and Android platforms, simplifying maintenance.

These capabilities make it easier to launch and scale niche SaaS apps. Adalo’s multi-tenant architecture and role management tools are designed to meet the demands of industry-specific applications. AI-powered tools speed up development from weeks to days, while the drag-and-drop interface simplifies complex tasks like subscription billing and role-based permissions. Whether you're building a scheduling system for healthcare providers or a case management portal for legal teams, Adalo gives you the tools to build, test, and grow - without unnecessary limits.

FAQs

How do I enforce tenant data isolation in Adalo?

To keep tenant data secure in Adalo, set up collection permissions that limit access according to user roles or defined relationships. This setup ensures users can only interact with their own data or data tied to their specific tenant group. By fine-tuning these permissions, you can safeguard sensitive information and block unauthorized access, all while maintaining a strong level of data security.

What’s the safest way to set up roles and permissions?

The best way to manage roles and permissions in Adalo is by implementing a role-based access control (RBAC) system. To get started, add a Role property to your Users collection. This property can include predefined roles such as Admin, User, or Guest. You can assign these roles either during the signup process or manually, depending on your app's needs.

Once roles are set, use Adalo's visibility rules and collection permissions to tailor access to specific features and data. This ensures that users only see and interact with content relevant to their assigned role, creating a secure and streamlined experience.

How do I verify Stripe subscriptions inside my app?

To confirm Stripe subscriptions within your Adalo app, you can leverage Stripe's API to fetch customer and subscription details. Use Adalo's custom actions to send GET requests to Stripe's endpoints, utilizing either the customer's email or ID as identifiers. Once you receive the response, review the subscription status (like 'active') to determine the next steps. Based on the status, you can update user records in your app or initiate specific actions. With Adalo’s custom actions, this process becomes straightforward and manageable.

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