As a web developer, you probably have found that clients often share similar pains. For example, most small businesses which purchase eCommerce systems need simpler interfaces to make the products less intimidating. You might have a way to streamline website creation or a better way for customers to process payments. Regardless of the purpose, if you find that you are commonly reusing code across multiple projects, it’s worth looking into rolling out your own software as a service (SaaS) platform.
Making the transition from being a freelance web developer to a SaaS product owner doesn’t have to be difficult. Once you’ve done your research to ensure there is a demand for your product, as discussed in Sitepoint there are plenty of resources you can use to determine the competitive landscape of your offering and whether the niche is profitable.
Not Necessarily Easy Money
When done properly, offering a SaaS product can be a great way to build a steady stream of income. Unfortunately one of the biggest challenges a web developer faces when launching a new offering is sales. As discussed on the Andersen Horowitz blog, sales isn’t just about showing value to a consumer. SaaS offerings need to provide new value to the consumer.
If your product isn’t addressing a pain point other products ignore, what incentive is there for prospects to choose your offering? If you’re thinking of creating a SaaS solution, a good way to enter the space while reducing your risk is to repurpose code you’ve already written for clients. For example, if you have a custom eCommerce configuration or content management system (CMS) you use for projects, offer to host the project on your servers as part of a subscription package.
Graduating from Budget Hosting
Aside from sales, handling the technical side of SaaS management can be a challenge for many web developers. The dynamic nature of SaaS products means you’ll be balancing the needs of all your customers rather than one specific client.
Since many shared hosts have strict limitations on resource usage and the level of access you have to the operating system, these vendors are never an option for rolling out your own subscription service. Instead you’ll need to use virtual private servers (VPS) or dedicated systems.
While choosing a provider can be overwhelming due to the abundance of vendors, Sitepoint has a summary of an extensive study on the topic.
In most cases you’ll want to choose managed servers for your offering as it enables you to focus on product development. Although unmanaged servers typically are cheaper, they don’t provide support beyond hardware maintenance. If you have a system administrator you already use, you might save money depending on your billing arrangements. Ultimately the choice boils down to how much expertise you want to keep in-house and what you would prefer to outsource.
Providing Customer Service
When running a subscription based business, providing quality customer service is vital to the success of your company as it’s part of keeping users loyal to your brand. Although it’s a area to address, Guy Kawasaki’s book Enchantment is a must read for anyone looking to learn about providing quality service to their customers.
Although not a SaaS company per se, Zappos is one of the best examples of a technology company embracing the customer first model. It’s a similar model except for your offering, you’re delivering intangible goods to the consumer rather than clothing.
In general the key principles to keep in mind when considering customer service within your project is that you should treat it with the same level of care as your code. Remember, the customer is more important than the company. If you have staff handling customer service you need to empower them to do what is best (within reasonable limits) to help resolve customer issues.
For example, rather than just refunding a purchase, an employee might offer an additional credit for a future purchase. Maybe a customer is having financial problems and they need a discount for a couple of months to keep their subscription active. By embracing compassion within your business, you can stand out even in the most saturated markets.
Slightly Expanding Your Horizons
Owning a SaaS product isn’t necessarily too different from being a freelance web development professional. In fact being a freelancer requires similar skills to running a SaaS company.
Delivering quality customer service and providing reliable products are both duties you have as a freelancer.
The biggest adjustment you’ll need to make when offering a SaaS product is knowing how to properly manage staff and contractors so you aren’t spread too thin. Of course it’s up to you how you scale your offering. It might be limited to a handful of customers or you might aspire to be the next billion dollar company. It all depends on your goals and objectives.
Frequently Asked Questions about SaaS Founders
What are the key characteristics of successful SaaS founders?
Successful SaaS founders often possess a unique blend of technical expertise, business acumen, and leadership skills. They are visionaries who can identify market gaps and create innovative solutions to fill them. They are also risk-takers, willing to venture into uncharted territories and face potential failures. Moreover, they are resilient, able to bounce back from setbacks and keep their teams motivated. Lastly, they are lifelong learners, constantly updating their knowledge and skills to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving SaaS industry.
How can I become a successful SaaS founder?
Becoming a successful SaaS founder requires a combination of hard skills, soft skills, and the right mindset. You need to have a deep understanding of the technology that underpins your product and the business model that will generate revenue. You also need to be able to lead a team, manage resources efficiently, and make strategic decisions. Moreover, you need to be resilient, adaptable, and willing to take risks. It’s also beneficial to have mentors or advisors who can provide guidance and support.
What are the common challenges faced by SaaS founders?
SaaS founders often face challenges related to product development, market competition, customer acquisition, and funding. Developing a product that meets customer needs and stands out in the crowded SaaS market can be difficult. Acquiring customers and retaining them requires effective marketing and customer service strategies. Securing funding to support business growth is another common challenge, especially for early-stage startups.
How can SaaS founders overcome these challenges?
SaaS founders can overcome these challenges by adopting a customer-centric approach, staying updated with market trends, building strong relationships with stakeholders, and seeking external funding when necessary. They should focus on creating a product that solves real problems for customers and provides value. They should also invest in marketing and customer service to attract and retain customers. Moreover, they should network with potential investors and present a compelling business case to secure funding.
What are the growth strategies for SaaS startups?
Growth strategies for SaaS startups include product development, market expansion, customer acquisition, and partnerships. Founders should continuously improve their product based on customer feedback and market trends. They should also explore new markets to increase their customer base. Moreover, they should use effective marketing strategies to attract customers and build partnerships with other businesses to leverage their resources and capabilities.
How can SaaS founders maintain a healthy work-life balance?
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance can be challenging for SaaS founders due to the demanding nature of their role. However, it’s essential for their well-being and productivity. They should set clear boundaries between work and personal life, delegate tasks, take regular breaks, and prioritize self-care. They should also seek support from their team, family, and friends.
What are the future trends in the SaaS industry?
Future trends in the SaaS industry include artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analytics, and cybersecurity. These technologies are expected to drive innovation and growth in the industry. SaaS founders should stay updated with these trends and incorporate them into their product and business strategy.
How can SaaS founders build a strong team?
Building a strong team is crucial for the success of a SaaS startup. Founders should hire people who share their vision and values, have the necessary skills and experience, and can work well in a team. They should also invest in team building activities and provide opportunities for professional development.
How can SaaS founders ensure customer satisfaction?
Ensuring customer satisfaction is key to the success of a SaaS startup. Founders should focus on creating a user-friendly product, providing excellent customer service, and resolving customer issues promptly. They should also seek customer feedback and use it to improve their product and service.
What are the key metrics for SaaS startups?
Key metrics for SaaS startups include Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR), Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC), Customer Lifetime Value (CLTV), Churn Rate, and Net Promoter Score (NPS). These metrics provide insights into the startup’s financial performance, customer acquisition efficiency, customer loyalty, and customer satisfaction. SaaS founders should regularly track these metrics and use them to make informed business decisions.
Charles CostaCharles Costa is a content strategist and product marketer based out of Silicon Valley. Feel free to learn more at CharlesCosta.net.
