According to Statista, the SaaS market will be worth 195 billion US dollars by 2023. With such quick development, you need the correct technologies to assist you in minimizing the time to market.
Software as a service, or SaaS, is a lucrative and fast-paced industry. It focuses on offering clients cloud-based solutions via an internet network or remotely from any device. Because of the improved accessibility, businesses may easily employ SaaS technologies to operate their company more efficiently.
Furthermore, SaaS businesses frequently operate on a subscription or leasing basis. It facilitates money generation from other firms through monthly or yearly payments. The technologies are more adaptable, allowing enterprises to easily scale their SaaS businesses to meet market demand.
No-Code vs. Low-Code
Platforms with no-code and low-code make it simple for entrepreneurs and businesses to bring their ideas to life. Businesses may launch their SaaS solutions quickly with the help of the proper designers and no-code developers. No-code and low-code are two different approaches to building applications, SaaS products, internal tools, and websites.
No-code platforms allow users to create applications without writing any code. They usually feature drag-and-drop tools, prebuilt components, and visual workflows that make it easy for non-technical and technical developers to design and build an app quickly.
Low-code platforms are a bit more advanced. They typically have basic features and workflows that require no coding to implement. For advanced features and workflows, however, you’ll need some coding knowledge to customize the application.
Examples of SaaS Products Built With No-Code Tools
- Comet
Comet is a marketplace that connects freelance programmers and data scientists with remote work opportunities. It was founded back in 2017 by Charles Thomas—an entrepreneur with no technical skills whatsoever. He built the original product in Bubble (a popular no-code development platform), using only drag-and-drop tools.
What started out as a small-scale no-code project has become something much bigger. Comet has successfully carved out a niche alongside massive platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer. So far, Comet has helped freelancers deliver 300+ projects for an average MRR of $800,000.
- Teal
Teal is a tool that helps streamline the job search process for its 11,000 users and counting. It’s no secret that the job search is a daunting, often overwhelming process. Teal makes it easier by helping to track job listings, customize resumes, and optimize LinkedIn profiles.
The team behind Teal started off with an entirely no-code tool stack that included Bubble, Webflow, Airtable, and Zapier. This allowed them to build quickly, get their product to market, and iterate on feedback from their target market.
- Flexiple
Flexiple helps companies hire pre-vetted freelancers—similar to Toptal. Flexiple founder Karthik Sridharan built the platform with a stack of no-code tools that included Bubble, Webflow, Airtable, Unicorn, and Zapier for under $60 per month. Today, Flexiple is generating over $3 million in revenue every year with 25% month-on-month growth.
How To Build a No-Code SaaS MVP
- Step 1: Research (Market + Customer)
Every successful SaaS needs a market. That’s why the first step is researching your market and customer. The easiest (and most reliable) way to start this process is by thinking about problems you run into in your work or personal life. What annoys you? What solutions would you like to see that doesn’t exist yet?
Read Also: Who Are SaaS Providers?
You should also research the existing solutions and businesses in your target market. This will help you develop a unique solution that stands out from the competition.
- Step 2: Choose Your Monetization Model
The next step is to decide how you want to monetize your no-code SaaS product. Most SaaS products use a Good-Better-Best subscription model, where customers pay for different access tiers. That isn’t your only option, though. Depending on the product you’re creating, pay-as-you-go (PAYG) or ad-support may make more sense.
And in case it seems a bit early to be thinking about monetization, trust me—it’s not. Knowing how you will make money off your product will help inform its design and development. For example, if you opt for the PAYG model, you may need to build tools for measuring usage.
- Step 3: Plan for Security and Reliability in Advance
Once you’ve got a good idea of what your no-code SaaS product will look like, it’s time to think about security and reliability. As no-code solutions tend to be cloud-based, it’s important to plan for security early on.
Consider things like user authentication, data encryption, and cybersecurity best practices. It’s also a good idea to plan for scalability and reliability—this will help ensure that your no-code SaaS product is resilient and able to handle high traffic volumes.
- Step 4: Find No-Code Website Builder Tools
The next step is to find no-code website builder tools that will help you build your no-code SaaS product. Popular no-code platforms include:
- Bubble
- Webflow
- Softr
- Bildr
- Glide
It’s important to research no-code tools before settling on one. Each has unique strengths and weaknesses, so be sure to assess them from the perspective of your no-code SaaS product before making a decision.
And if you’re looking for guidance as you start learning your tool(s) of choice, be sure to check out the resources we have here at 100DaysOfNoCode. Whether you’re looking for free courses, fun challenges, or 1-to-1 mentorship, we’ve got something to help you on your no-code journey.
- Step 5: Application Design
Once you’ve chosen your no-code platform, it’s time to start designing the application. This involves focusing on the user experience and ensuring the interface is intuitive and easy to use.
It’s important to iterate on the design as you go—try out different features, get user feedback, and refine the design until it’s just right.
- Step 6. Development and Testing
The next step is to start building your no-code SaaS product. No-code platforms make this process relatively straightforward, providing ready-made building blocks for you to work with.
Once the no-code SaaS product has been built, it’s time to test it. Make sure to test as many features as possible and get user feedback. This will help you identify any bugs or areas for improvement.
When you join 100DaysOfNoCode, you’re joining an active community of no-code builders who are constantly soft-launching projects, offering advice, and providing feedback. It’s the perfect place to gain insights that will transform your SaaS for the better.Â
- Step 7. Production and Maintenance
Once the no-code SaaS product is tested and ready to go, it’s time to deploy it. This involves setting up hosting, databases, and other services
It’s also important to set up maintenance procedures, such as backups and security scans. This will help ensure that your no-code SaaS product performs optimally for years to come. And there you have it—following these steps should help you get your no-code SaaS product up and running in no time.
What Skills Are Required For SaaS?
Whether you want to work for a small startup SaaS company or a major multinational, you’ll need specific talents and abilities to stand out from the crowd and enhance your chances of being hired. The following are some of the essential hard and soft skills that hiring managers look for when filling positions in their companies.
Database management
Database management is one of the most important skills for software developers seeking SaaS careers. Several tasks fall under the database management umbrella, including data organization, storage, and retrieval.
Along with understanding these responsibilities, you should also be familiar with different database management approaches, from centralized and distributed to federalized systems.
Knowledge of programming languages
Naturally, developers should be familiar with programming languages, especially those like Java, PHP, and Python, which are most frequently used in the SaaS development world.
Programming proficiency is important, but it’s also helpful if you are knowledgeable about Linux servers (specifically building, managing, and maintaining them). Understanding cloud services platforms is beneficial, too.
Cloud computing knowledge
Speaking of cloud services, a more robust understanding of cloud computing will also benefit you when searching for jobs in the SaaS industry.
Companies across the globe are seeking cloud computing experts. If you have advanced skills like data migration, which involves transferring applications from an on-site server to the cloud, you’ll have an advantage over other candidates.
SaaS security knowledge
Did you know that the cost of cybercrime has increased by 10 percent in the last year? Businesses, including SaaS companies, are taking cybersecurity more seriously, meaning they’re looking for applicants with advanced cybersecurity knowledge.Â
If you haven’t done so already, start making yourself more appealing by learning about good cybersecurity practices, such as proper password management and database backup.
Compliance knowledge
You must also keep up with the latest software development and cybersecurity laws and regulations in your area. Being knowledgeable about legal compliance in the SaaS industry will help you abide by the rules and avoid putting your potential employer (or yourself) in a compromising position.
Digital marketing skills
Many organizations are looking for employees with diverse skill sets. Understanding program languages, cybersecurity best practices, and cloud computing are, of course, essential. However, it’s also helpful if you understand the creative side of things.
Knowledge of digital marketing and the most effective strategies that companies can use to promote their SaaS solutions will help you provide more value to a future employer and can separate you from other candidates during the application process.
Problem-solving skills
The best software developers — including SaaS developers — are adept problem solvers. They’re good at analyzing a situation, identifying the problem, evaluating the data, and coming up with creative ways to address it.Â
Not only do developers need to understand the specific problems the company’s clients experience (and how a particular software solution can help them), but they must also know how to navigate issues that arise during the development process to ensure clients receive a functional product that aligns with their needs and goals.
Communication and collaboration skills
In most cases, software developers must be able to work as part of a team. They need to know how to communicate their ideas clearly (both verbally and in writing). They must also be active listeners who can hear other people’s ideas — as well as their questions and concerns — and provide meaningful responses.
Even if you have limited development experience, the ability to communicate and collaborate with others is an excellent asset that can endear you to various companies.
Adaptability and creativity
Skilled developers can think on their feet. They’re able to pivot and try something new if their current approach isn’t working. They don’t get so hung up on their idea that they’re unwilling to listen to other perspectives or experiment with different options.Â
Entrepreneurial skills
Entrepreneurial skills can also be very beneficial to software developers looking for work in the SaaS community. Even if you’re not planning on launching your own business, skills like leadership, critical thinking, communication, and planning will help you serve your team and the business as a whole.
Is your resume missing some of the skills discussed above? If so, it’s time to get to work. There are many online courses (some of which are free) that can teach you the basics of programming languages, cybersecurity best practices, and cloud computing.
Take advantage of these resources, especially if you can’t afford to enroll in classes at a college or university. They’ll help you develop the practical skills you need, and many of them also offer programs to help you find a job when you’ve completed the class.
As for soft skills like communication, active listening, and problem-solving, you’ve likely had jobs in the past that required you to practice these skills. Think about your previous positions and look for situations when you had to be adaptable, step up and lead a group, or resolve a specific issue.
Final word
No-code and low-code platforms make it easy for entrepreneurs and startups to make their ideas come to life. With the help of the right designers and no-code developers, businesses can launch their SaaS products within a short time.
The SaaS market is set to grow exponentially in the coming years, and now is the time to invest in your idea.Â