Software as a Service (SaaS) transformed how we use digital tools. Now, high-quality software is more accessible than ever before.
This evolution is evident in the market’s growth. The SaaS industry, valued at about $197 billion in 2023, is expected to surge to $232 billion by 2024. These figures underscore the pivotal role SaaS plays in today’s digital ecosystem.
What is a SaaS platform? SaaS is a type of cloud-based delivery model. In this model, the software is hosted remotely and accessed online.
SaaS presents numerous benefits for businesses and users alike. Businesses can reduce overhead costs, enhance scalability, and become more flexible. End-users can access powerful software tools from anywhere, at any time, on different devices.
However, building a SaaS company requires more than just a great product. You need to keep your focus on customer needs, effective marketing, and adapt to the changing SaaS market.
This article provides a high-level roadmap to custom SaaS development. We will take a look at the basic steps of the development process. But before jumping into that, let’s figure out which development model suits you best.
Choosing the right SaaS development model
Every project starts with selecting the appropriate development model. You’ll have to choose between cloud-native and hybrid models. Each SaaS development model offers unique benefits and determines your app’s future.
Cloud-native vs. Hybrid models
The decision between cloud-native and hybrid models should be guided by the specific needs of the SaaS application. Think about who will use it, the type of data it deals with, how well it can scale, and the budget available.
How to build a SaaS application
The phases of SaaS development vary based on the methodology adopted. When using Agile, the development process is iterative. This process allows for continuous evaluation and adaptation at each stage. On the other hand, Kanban leads to a more sequential flow, where each phase follows the other.
Regardless of the methodology, all phases are pivotal for a successful SaaS product. These include:
- Market research and idea validation
- UI/UX design
- Frontend and backend development
- Quality assurance and deployment
- Monetization and post-launch support
Let’s delve into each phase to gain a deeper insight into custom SaaS development.
Market research & idea validation
Having an idea for a SaaS application is cool, but you must go beyond the initial excitement and evaluate its viability. As a result, you will find out whether your idea can transform into a thriving, marketable product. The SaaS market is quite competitive. Users have high expectations. Your product must stand out and meet those expectations.
Tip: If you discover few or no competitors on the market, it might indicate a lack of demand for a solution. In this case, you need to reassess the product’s concept and viability.
Brainstorming and iterating on the SaaS project idea helps you refine its focus and potential impact. Here’s what you need to figure out:
- What problem does the SaaS app solve?
- Is this problem significant enough to create a new solution?
- How does this product differ from existing solutions in the market?
Defining your target audience will help you answer these questions. The target audience is not just a broad demographic but a detailed persona representing your ideal user. This includes their professional roles, industries, technological savvy, and pain points.
Once you define potential users, try to get feedback from them. Surveys, interviews, and focus groups will show whether your product resonates with customers. By analyzing how users solve their problems, you can find gaps in existing solutions that your SaaS application can fill.
Our expert team is here to guide you through every step of the process. We offer personalized services that include:
- Comprehensive market research and competitive analysis
- Brainstorming sessions to refine your app’s concept and potential impact
- Detailed user personas to better understand your ideal customer
- User feedback collection and analysis
Don’t let uncertainties hold you back. Reach out now for a free consultation!