How to Start a SaaS Business
Starting a SaaS business can feel like staring at a blank canvas. The possibilities are endless, but that can also feel paralyzing. Where do you begin? What steps should you take first?
As someone who has co-founded a SaaS business and coached over 1,100 executives, I’ve seen these questions time and time again. The truth is, starting a SaaS company doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right roadmap, you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
Here’s the complete checklist to help you get started on your SaaS journey—and set yourself up for success.
1: Define Your SaaS Foundation
1.1: Start with Your “Why”
Every great business begins with a strong “why.” Why are you starting this SaaS company? What problem are you passionate about solving?
When we started Le VPN, our “why” was crystal clear: to help tech-savvy users protect their online privacy. This clarity guided every decision we made—from the features we prioritized to the way we marketed our service.
Your “why” acts as your compass. Without it, you risk getting lost in endless tasks that don’t move the needle.
Action Step:
- Write down your mission. Ask yourself: What impact do I want my SaaS to create?
- Revisit your “why” regularly, especially when challenges arise.
1.2: Know Your Target Audience
Your audience is the heart of your SaaS business. Who are they? What keeps them up at night?
One of my clients, Sarah, had a great SaaS idea for small business owners. But it wasn’t until she conducted customer interviews that she uncovered their real pain points. This insight reshaped her product—and led to a successful launch.
Action Step:
- Conduct at least 10 customer interviews to validate your assumptions.
- Use my free guide, How to Conduct Effective Customer Interviews, for a step-by-step framework.
1.3: Validate Your Idea
Don’t fall into the trap of building a product before confirming there’s demand. An MVP (Minimum Viable Product) is your best friend.
A former client of mine launched a simple version of her software to test demand. Within weeks, she had paying customers—proof that her idea resonated.
Action Step:
- Identify the core problem your SaaS solves.
- Build a simple prototype and gather feedback before scaling.
2: Build the Right Product
2.1: Solve One Problem Exceptionally Well
When starting out, focus is everything. Your product doesn’t need a hundred features. It needs one feature that solves a pressing problem really well.
One of my clients learned this the hard way. They spent months building complex features, only to realize their audience wanted something simpler. Once they stripped their product down to its core offering, customers flocked in.
Action Step:
- Identify the single most important problem your product solves.
- Build around that.
2.2: Prioritize User Experience
Your product’s usability can make or break its success. A clunky interface or confusing workflow will drive users away—even if your solution is brilliant.
Action Step:
- Keep your design simple and intuitive.
- Gather user feedback early to ensure your product is easy to use.
2.3: Choose Scalable Tools
Starting a SaaS business doesn’t mean you need to code everything from scratch. No-code and low-code platforms can save you time and money.
One client built her MVP using a no-code tool, launched within eight weeks, and landed her first 50 customers without hiring a developer.
Action Step:
- Explore platforms like Bubble, Webflow, or Glide to get started quickly.
3: Plan Your Go-to-Market Strategy
3.1: Test Before You Launch
Launching doesn’t have to mean going big right away. A soft launch or beta testing can help you refine your product based on real user feedback.
A client of mine invited 30 beta users to test her SaaS. Their feedback helped her fix bugs, improve features, and create a seamless onboarding experience before her official launch.
Action Step:
- Identify a small group of beta testers.
- Use their feedback to fine-tune your product.
3.2: Focus on One Marketing Channel
It’s tempting to be everywhere—LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok—but spreading yourself too thin can dilute your efforts. Start with one channel where your audience is most active.
For many SaaS founders, LinkedIn is a goldmine. Sharing updates, engaging with your audience, and posting thought leadership content can help you build trust and attract early adopters.
Action Step:
- Pick one marketing channel and master it.
- Post consistently to build engagement.
3.3: Build Momentum Early
Creating anticipation before your launch can make all the difference. Share your journey, build in public, showcase behind-the-scenes progress, and invite your audience to be part of your story.
One of my clients documented her SaaS journey on LinkedIn, attracting over 500 people to her waitlist before her product even launched.
Action Step:
- Share your progress regularly on social media.
- Build a waitlist to gauge interest and secure early adopters.
4: Stay Laser-Focused on Consistency
Starting a SaaS business isn’t about giant leaps—it’s about consistent progress. One of my clients launched her SaaS while working full-time in tech. By dedicating just five focused hours a week, she went from idea to launch in six months.
Action Step:
- Block out time for your SaaS each week—even if it’s just a few hours.
- Focus on the tasks that move the needle most.
Conclusion: Your SaaS Business Roadmap Starts Here
Starting a SaaS business might feel overwhelming, but with the right steps, it’s absolutely doable.
To recap:
- Define your foundation: Know your “why,” your audience, and validate your idea.
- Build the right product: Focus on solving one problem well and prioritize user experience.
- Plan your go-to-market strategy: Test, build anticipation, and focus your marketing efforts.
You don’t have to do it alone. As a business coach, I’ve helped entrepreneurs navigate this journey with clarity and confidence.
Ready to launch your SaaS business?
Book a free discovery call with me, and let’s create a clear, actionable plan to bring your idea to life.
Your dream SaaS business is closer than you think—let’s make it happen.
