Launching a SaaS product isn't just about building a great product and hoping people will find it. As a startup founder, you need a strategic approach to attract your first 50 customers effectively. Having worked with dozens of successful Startups to launch their product, here are a few tactics that keeps working for us:
Before diving into code, identify any advantages you already have. Do you have a built-in audience or a network that could support your product? Leverage these assets early on. If not, don't fret. Many successful SaaS entrepreneurs begin without a pre-existing audience. Focus instead on proven traffic channels and skip the time-consuming task of audience building – that's typically needed for informational products and services.
If you are not embarrassed by the first version of your product, you’ve launched too late.
–Reid Hoffman, LinkedIn
Whether through platforms like IndieHackers, MicroConf Connect, or the Dynamite Circle, start building your network of like-minded founders. If you aren't feeling as bold, start reaching out on your existing network on LinkedIn.
Whichever platform you use, remember that networking is invaluable for collaboration, joint promotions, and gaining early traction. It's about establishing credibility and tapping into collective wisdom, even if you're starting from scratch.
Long before writing code, create a landing page to gauge interest. Offer visitors updates or incentives in exchange for their email addresses. Use this list not just for validation but for customer development—engage potential users in conversations to refine your product's value proposition. We have seen this approach used by multiple of our clients successfully. The take away is to ensure there's a market need before investing heavily in development.
Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning.
–Bill Gates, Microsoft
When it's time to launch, leverage your email list. Tease your product with sneak peeks, screenshots, or demo videos to build anticipation. Offer early adopters exclusive incentives like free onboarding or discounts. This approach not only secures initial customers but also provides crucial feedback for refining your product.
In the early stages, focus on tactics that don't scale. Platforms like Product Hunt, Hacker News, and Reddit can provide significant exposure. These efforts may not sustain growth long-term but can jumpstart your customer acquisition efforts.
Avoid underpricing your product. Charging too little can hinder growth potential. Instead, consider what value your product delivers and price accordingly. Higher price points not only increase revenue per customer but also enable more robust marketing efforts like PPC ads and content marketing.
Always deliver more than expected.
–Larry Page, Google
Acquiring customers is challenging, but retaining them is the real feat. Focus on delivering ongoing value and excellent customer service. Customer retention strategies should be a priority from day one to ensure sustainable growth.
These are some of the ways we help our clients successfully launch their SaaS product to celebrate their first 50 customers. While there's no one-size-fits-all formula, these strategies sets our digital marketing agency apart.
We continuously work with the founders to instill a simple mind-set:
Building a SaaS startup is as much about execution as it is about the initial idea.
Start strong, leverage your strengths, and adapt your approach based on real-time feedback. If this appeals to you as a founder, reach out for a chat about your SaaS launch.