Do you think building an alternative to a big SaaS is a waste of time?
There’s been a lot of discussion around this lately, and for what it’s worth, I don’t think it’s a waste of time at all. There are plenty of ways you could differentiate your product to make it stand out.
Why not create a better product than the current alternatives?
Why not create a cheaper option?
Why not build something simpler?
Why not offer a version with fewer or more features?
I’ve compiled a list of SaaS products that could have alternatives and the reasons why. Here are just a few examples:
- Eventbrite: High fees for event management; build a low-cost alternative with easier setup and better customer service.
- Typeform: Expensive form builder; create an affordable tool with equally engaging forms.
- Monday.com Overwhelming work management; offer a simpler, cost-effective alternative.
- Calendly: Pricey scheduling tool; offer a cheaper or more feature-rich scheduling solution.
- ClickFunnels: Expensive sales funnel builder; create an easier-to-use, affordable option for small businesses and entrepreneurs.
Some think taking on bigger software companies is a waste of time, but there are many advantages. The idea is already validated since there’s a user base, and you can easily find pain points by reading reviews of existing SaaS.
I’ve compiled a list of 87 SaaS alternatives if you’re interested.
What do you think? Would you build one, or do you see it as a waste of time?
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It will still provide value even if you can make it a more “affordable” option than anything else. Create a less expensive substitute for an expensive SaaS so that some revenue is still generated. Calendly costs roughly $10 per month. Perhaps you could make it $5, but SaaS marketing is very challenging. So, if you need to put in a lot of effort, increase your margin. SaaS
Can you sell an alternative? is a more pertinent question. You should not assume that just because you make something better, people will use it.
Yes, this approach could work, but there’s something missing from your post dozens or even hundreds of people likely discovered this opportunity before you did, and many have already created “alternatives to Calendly.”
So, the market is essentially split between “Calendly” and “alternatives to Calendly.” You won’t be competing against Calendly directly; instead, you’re up against the many existing “alternatives” that have already executed on the same idea. Your challenge will be to differentiate yourself from all of them.
u/printy-dater-4820 made a key point switching costs are significant, especially with tools like Monday. Once a business integrates these tools into its workflow, it becomes hard to switch. The general rule is that to compete on price or features, you need to be 10x better to get people to switch.
That being said, there’s a proven strategy that could work niching down vertically.
There’s an old saying in software development: any one user only uses 20% of the features, but each user uses a different 20%.
Can you find a niche that heavily relies on the 20% you can easily replicate? One that has a common profile you can target, is part of a vertical you’re genuinely interested in (because you’ll need to know where to find them and what they actually want), and has a collective frustration with the current offerings?
If so, that could be your way into a market that you can succeed in, rather than trying to cater to everyone.
Short answer: No, it’s not a waste of time. That’s why the concept of “competitors” exists.
Long answer: It depends on various factors, such as the project’s niche, how many users the current SaaS has, and the difficulties those users might face with the bigger platforms. These are important questions that need clear answers. Additionally, does the competitor use AI? If yes, what features does it offer? Can you add or simplify those? If not, can you incorporate AI into your project? There are many things to consider. Even if the project doesn’t succeed, it’s still a valuable learning experience. Just dedicate consistent time to it each day.
For some of them, there are already significantly superior and less expensive alternatives.
You won’t be the first in this field, not that there can’t be more.
YouForm → Typeform
Monday → Go To
Calendly → Click Through
I’m not sure about the others, but I’m positive there are
For someone to take a chance on your goods, it must be much cheaper if your entire pitch is “X but cheaper.” especially in a professional context where lost time is expensive and can result in significant switching expenses thereafter. “No one was fired for selecting IBM,” and such.
I don’t think it’s a waste of time at all to try and compete with a larger provider; in fact, I find it quite exciting. I prefer low-end disruption, as it’s generally easier to move up-market rather than down. The key is to address the primary customer problems better than the existing alternatives. Simply offering a lower price isn’t always effective and can sometimes backfire. In software, simplicity is important, but it must solve the right problems. I agree with others about starting in a more niche vertical. Before you build anything, try to validate your idea with potential customers. If you can’t get a significant number of people to show interest before development, the chances are low after it’s built. Be cautious about seeking validation; don’t just look for data that confirms your hopes. Instead, look for evidence that your idea might be flawed. If you can’t find much of that, you might be onto something.