You're starting SaaS startups wrong
Tags: webdev, javascript, beginners, saas
Published: 2024-07-07 03:15:04

Launching your first SaaS is always rewarding, although it isn't always easy. More often than not, your first few (or many) startups will fail or never get off the ground like you hoped. Sometimes this is because your idea is holding you back, but sometimes it is because you missed a few key steps when launching your SaaS. Today, I'll cover some of the things I've learned while launching my first SaaS startup, Cli.ck.


### Step 1: Find an Idea
I've covered this in my last post (Go check it out after this), but to summarise, your SaaS needs to provide value. Every successful SaaS starts with a problem that needs solving. Look around your industry or personal life and identify a gap technology can fill. Maybe you’ve noticed a cumbersome process at work or a task that could be streamlined. Once you’ve pinpointed the problem, you’re already on your way.

### Step 2: Validate your idea
There's nothing worse than spending 3 months on a project only to realise no one wants it and you've wasted your time. So before developing your MVP, which I'll cover in step 4, make sure there's a demand for your SaaS. Talk to potential customers, mention it on related forums, and post about your idea on social media channels. Once you're getting enough positive responses, you're good to begin development

### Step 3: Plan your product
Sketch out what your product will do and how it will work. Focus on the core features that address the problem you identified. Remember, it’s better to start small and expand later. Create wireframes or mockups to visualize your product. Keep it simple and user-friendly.

Additionally, decide on a tech stack. While there will always be the next best product or web framework, choose something that works for you and stick with it. This will make development easier in the long run. Here's the tech stack I currently use for developing Cli.ck:

**Front-end:** Next.js with TailwindCSS and DaisyUI
**Back-end:** Node.js
**Emails:** Resend
**Database:** Supabase
**Payments:** Stripe
**Hosting:** Vercel

### Step 4: Develop your MVP
Build a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) – a basic version of your product with just enough features to solve the problem and attract early adopters. This version allows you to test your concept without investing too much time and money. Use agile development to iterate quickly based on user feedback. 

The biggest tip I can give here is to utilise Generative AI during your development. ChatGPT or GitHub Copilot are much better and quicker at debugging issues than your average developer, so use them to your advantage.

### Step 5: Build a Waitlist
This should really be step 4.5 (although it also fits in step 2). Build a simple waitlist to collect emails from potential customers. It can be as simple as a one-page website with a simple header and a call-to-action with an email field, but all it needs to do is build your initial customer base.  Use something like Resend to handle email collection, and optionally send weekly development updates to engage your audience.

If you want an example, check out the Cli.ck waitlist I built [here](https://www.cli-ck.dev/)

### Step 6: Launch! (Kinda...)
Once your MVP is ready, launch it to a select group of users. Ideally, this is the group you collected from your waitlist, although it doesn't have to be. Gather their feedback and use it to improve your product. Don’t be afraid to make changes. Iteration is key in the SaaS world. The goal is to refine your product until it meets your users' needs perfectly.

### Step 7: _Actually_ Launch
Now you've ironed out any creases and bugs in your beta version, it's time to release it to the public. Market like crazy on every possible social media platform and related forum, and possibly paid ads. Turn the customer emails on your waitlist into the start of your newsletter, and pump out weekly emails. The key here is to be consistent.

### Bonus Tip: Keep Learning
The tech landscape is always evolving, and so should you. Stay updated with the latest trends, tools, and best practices. Engage with the SaaS community, attend webinars, and read industry blogs. Continuous learning will keep you ahead of the curve.

Starting a SaaS business is a thrilling adventure filled with ups and downs. By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to creating a product that not only solves a real problem but also brings value to your users. So, roll up your sleeves, get started, and enjoy the journey!

\- Josh

P.S.: I'm currently developing my own SaaS, Cli.ck, aimed at making click tracks easier for small bands to use. If you're interested in that, or just want to follow my journey, sign up for the waitlist [here](https://www.cli-ck.dev/). I'll be updating weekly about the behind-the-scenes of the development process.