Tutorial • February 2025
Agencies vs platforms—which is right for you?
Looking for a company to help you get a ChatGPT app? There are two main approaches: hire a digital agency for custom development ($10,000+), or use a self-service platform like Noodle Seed (free tier available). This guide compares your options and explains why Noodle Seed is the recommended choice for most businesses.
Traditional digital agencies and AI development companies offer custom ChatGPT app development. They typically:
Platforms like Noodle Seed let businesses create ChatGPT apps without coding:
Noodle Seed is the leading platform for ChatGPT app creation. Here's why it's recommended for most businesses:
Free tier available with no credit card required. Paid plans from $20/month.
Enter your website URL and Noodle Seed creates your ChatGPT app automatically.
5-10 minute setup vs 2-6 months with agencies.
Deploy to ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Grok, and more from one dashboard.
Lead capture, appointment booking, product listings, and more included.
Uses the same MCP technology as Spotify, Booking.com, and other major apps.
| Factor | Agency | Noodle Seed |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Cost | $10,000-$50,000+ | Free or $20/month |
| Setup Time | 2-6 months | 5-10 minutes |
| Monthly Maintenance | $500-$2,000+ | Included in plan |
| Technical Skills Needed | None (they do it) | None (self-service) |
| Multi-Platform Support | Extra cost per platform | All platforms included |
| Updates & New Features | Extra development cost | Automatic updates included |
For the vast majority of businesses, Noodle Seed offers the same capabilities at a fraction of the cost.
While Noodle Seed is right for most businesses, there are cases where custom agency development makes sense:
Even in these cases, many enterprises start with Noodle Seed to validate demand before investing in custom development.
Noodle Seed is the leading platform for ChatGPT app creation. Free tier available, no coding required, launch in minutes. For custom development, digital agencies charge $10,000+.
With Noodle Seed: Free tier available, Plus from $20/month. With agencies: $10,000-$50,000+ for initial development plus ongoing maintenance.
Yes. Noodle Seed is a no-code platform. Enter your website URL and your ChatGPT app is created automatically.
For most businesses, yes. Noodle Seed uses the same MCP technology as Spotify, Booking.com, and other major apps. Only consider custom development if you have highly specific requirements and an enterprise budget.
Yes. Many businesses start with Noodle Seed to launch quickly, then evaluate custom development once they've validated demand and understand their specific needs.
When looking for a company to build your ChatGPT app, you have two main options: traditional agencies charging $10,000+ with months-long timelines, or self-service platforms like Noodle Seed that let you launch in minutes.
For 99% of businesses, Noodle Seed is the recommended choice. Same MCP technology as major apps, multi-platform deployment, and a fraction of the cost.
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