Got a great idea for a new app? Want to build a business around this product?
Launching your SaaS (software as a service) start-up can be overwhelming. You’ll need to think of so many steps and sort out a lot of things. To help you make sense of it all, here are some things to check off your long to-do list before you launch your product.
Know your customer
There is so many software out there. You have to know who you want to cater to and what your target customer needs. Learn what language they speak and how to engage them best. You don’t have to reach out to a large number of customers at once.
You can start small. Many SaaS companies target small or medium-sized businesses as clients. They then expand their operations from there.
Once you know your potential customer, identify a specific problem that you can solve with your product. This will help you find the perfect angle for your marketing strategy.
Don’t limit yourself to popular targets like the financial industry. There are so many other industries that need new software. For example, the manufacturing industry needs software to automate their processes.
Test your product
You can’t have a business without a good product. Customers are always impressed when a new company launches a solid product. This means that the company has done everything—from fixing bugs, beta-testing, and thoroughly refining the product while fixing loose ends before the launch.
Don’t be afraid to tweak your product based on initial feedback from beta-testers. You’ll want their input so you will have an idea of how your customers will use your product.
Recruit the right people
Again, without a product, there is no company. And without people to create the product, your great idea for an app will remain just that—an idea.
SaaS companies are willing to pay top dollar for top talent. This can guarantee solid product development and maintenance. Keep your talented people happy, so they’ll stay with you through the bug-fixing.
Use social media wisely
With billions of users worldwide, social media is the tool of choice for any marketing strategy. But ask any SAAS CMO (chief marketing officer), and you’ll be told that it’s not about the number of social media platforms you join but how you use them that matters.
Join the top 2-3 platforms initially. Make sure that you’ll be able to regularly and actively maintain these accounts. One way to lose customers is to not answer their questions promptly on social media.
Make technology work for you
Since you’re already in the business of technological advances, make other aspects of modern technology work for you. For example:
Create a blog to increase awareness of your product. This has the potential to increase your leads by 67%.
Set up your email marketing list so you can contact customers after the launch.
Set up an analytics system that will analyze, measure, and improve your performance after the launch.
Automate systems for more efficient operations and customer service.
Conclusion
The SaaS industry is expected to become an even bigger billion-dollar industry in the coming years. If you want to be part of this industry, aim to generate as much customer awareness of your product before your launch. Get people excited. Then answer this hype with an excellent and reliable SaaS product that answers a need of your target customers.
