For background, I have worked as a developer for 12 years, 9 of those years spent as a freelancer. I’ve already developed a few B2B SaaS solutions for customers, and I’m working a full-time job while conducting research for my own startup. What guidance would you most recommend to someone just beginning their SaaS journey?
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In my experience, developing software that interfaces with larger established businesses is an excellent strategy to get clients. particularly if the business offers an integrations directory and an API. Passive traffic that is free is posted on that directory.
Before you even begin construction, market. Speak as if it’s nearly finished. Do not be a reclusive person. We shout and plead for someone to use the product at the end because we first fear that it would be stolen.
Engage with your clientele. Regard them as collaborators on the project. Sell bespoke creations. The features that users request and are willing to pay for tell you what your software requires.
One common mistake that developers make is jumping straight into coding their idea without validating it first. This often leads to months or even years of wasted effort. To avoid this, don’t launch anything until you understand the specific problems faced by your Ideal Customer Avatar (ICA) and how you can address them with your expertise.
Start by engaging with communities where your potential customers are active such as Reddit, Facebook groups, or Slack/Discord channels. Provide value to these communities to build your network, establish your authority, and gain a true understanding of their pain points.
Once you know the problem you want to solve, work on your Lean Canvas and financial model (as detailed in Ash Maurya’s “Running Lean”). These tools will be very helpful.
Before you start building, present your solution to your network and ensure they are willing to pay for it upfront. This step will validate that there is a genuine need for your solution in the market.
Only then should you begin developing your product. At this stage, it doesn’t have to be a fully coded solution it could be a white-label product, a prototype, or even a concierge service.
address your own pain area. What difficulties did you encounter when working as a freelancer? Could you create the identical SaaS product?
I recommend starting with micro SaaS products and launching them on platforms like Product Hunt, JVZoo, ClickBank, or WarriorPlus to get an immediate boost in sales. Use the revenue to reinvest in app improvements and explore other marketing channels such as SEO and paid advertising.
For example, I launched my first product, QuizTarget, on JVZoo in 2020. I made over $125,000 within just six days. Over the past four years, I’ve continuously improved the product, which has now earned me over $275,000. I’ve gained more than 3,500 customers, who have created over 80,000 campaigns and generated more than 14,000 leads with QuizTarget.
This success was largely due to affiliate marketers who promoted my product. To achieve a quick surge in sales for your product, consider leveraging reputable affiliate networks. They have active affiliates who are eager to promote products for commissions and prizes.
If you need assistance with launching your product on these affiliate networks, I’m available to help.
Website and software development is not as crucial as marketing, which is also more difficult. You ought to continue marketing daily. To become proficient in marketing, one must study for a long time. I hope you get better every day.