SaaS Checklist for Non-Technical Entrepreneurs

Planning Stage

Identify the Problem
- Define the specific problem your SaaS will solve.
- Ensure there is a market need for the solution.
Target Audience
- Specify your ideal customer profile (e.g., small businesses, freelancers, enterprise clients).
- Conduct market research to validate demand.
Define Your MVP (Minimum Viable Product)
- List essential features to solve the core problem.
- Avoid feature creep—focus on simplicity.
Budget and Funding
- Estimate initial costs (development, marketing, hosting, etc.).
- Plan for ongoing operational expenses.
- Explore funding options (self-funding, investors, loans).

Hire the Right Team
- Look for experienced developers or agencies with SaaS experience.
- Ensure the team understands your vision and priorities.
Choose a Tech Stack
- Select a reliable backend (e.g., Python/Django, Node.js).
- Consider scalability and performance for your tech stack.
- Choose a cloud hosting provider (e.g., AWS, Google Cloud, Fly.io).
Design User-Friendly Interfaces
- Hire a UX/UI designer if needed.
- Focus on simplicity, accessibility, and responsiveness.
Secure Your Platform
- Implement SSL/TLS for encrypted connections.
- Use secure authentication methods (e.g., OAuth, 2FA).
- Ensure data protection compliance (e.g., GDPR, CCPA).
Develop Core Features
- Build out your MVP’s essential features.
- Test functionality regularly to catch bugs early.

Testing and Quality Assurance
- Conduct beta testing with a small group of target users.
- Gather feedback and iterate on improvements.
- Stress test for performance and scalability.
Set Up Analytics and Monitoring
- Integrate tools like Google Analytics or Mixpanel for user behavior insights.
- Use monitoring tools (e.g., New Relic, Datadog) for uptime and performance.
Pricing Strategy
- Research competitor pricing.
- Offer tiered pricing plans (free trial, basic, premium).
- Clearly communicate value at each pricing level.
Create Documentation
- Write user manuals and FAQs for customers.
- Provide developer documentation for APIs (if applicable).
Prepare Marketing Materials
- Build a landing page with a clear call-to-action.
- Create an email list and social media presence.

Launch the MVP
- Start with a soft launch or limited rollout to control initial feedback.
- Monitor user behavior and address issues quickly.
Marketing Campaign
- Leverage email marketing, social media, and paid ads.
- Reach out to influencers or industry blogs for reviews.
Customer Support
- Set up support channels (e.g., email, chat, helpdesk).
- Provide prompt and helpful responses to early users.

Collect Feedback
- Use surveys and interviews to understand user needs.
- Track usage metrics to identify popular features.
Iterate and Improve
- Regularly release updates based on user feedback.
- Add new features gradually, focusing on customer priorities.
Optimize Retention
- Provide tutorials, webinars, or onboarding materials.
- Encourage annual subscriptions with discounts.
- Use automated tools to remind users of expiring trials or subscriptions.
Scale Your Business
- Plan for scaling infrastructure as your user base grows.
- Consider partnerships or integrations to expand functionality.
Monitor KPIs
- Track metrics like Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR), churn rate, and customer acquisition cost (CAC).
- Adjust strategies to meet growth targets.

By following this checklist, you can transform your SaaS idea into a scalable, market-ready product.