Making a responsible decision presupposes lots of investigations and preparatory actions. All this is done with one purpose: make the idea realization run like clockwork. Proper planning is especially essential for SaaS (Software as a Service) product launch. When all important points are well elaborated and agreed upon, the development process and further deployment will go more smoothly and painlessly. But what exactly should be done to have a strong belief that the project launch will go off without a hitch? How to make sure that the system will work properly after it goes live? In the article we will go over the list of must dos before SaaS product release and explain why each point is important.
What is Software as a Service?
SaaS or Software as a Service is a system which is maintained by the third-party provider, and a customer pays for the functionality needed for doing business. SaaS does not require installation on the local hardware as is supported by the supplier remotely. This is the main advantage of this kind of solution, since it does not require any development skills and knowledge from your in-house team. Another reason why SaaS applications gained wide popularity is the affordable cost, which depends on the set of functions a customer selects for further utilization.
Points SaaS Product Checklist Should Include
Each and every company providing SaaS application development services will confirm that an appropriate planning is the basis of the entire project, and the future success depends on the initial steps on the way to the launch. There are dozens of things that need to be done, considered and foreseen. A coherent plan will help you not to turn the development process into a complete mess and gain confidence in the course you had selected. Below, let’s consider the main points that must be present in your SaaS product checklist.
- Creation of Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
Before you get down to the creation of a full-fledged product, it is better to gain some insights into your potential customers’ preferences. Including in your checklist the development of the first version of your SaaS product will help you to be in the loop on the users’ wants and needs and does not require significant investments. Using the feedback gained from your first users you will have a chance to correct the course and implement the improvements considered vital by the customers.
Of course, launching MVP does not guarantee that your product will be in high demand. Meanwhile, you will have a clear roadmap and understanding which direction to adhere to: whether to create a comprehensive SaaS product, or finish up the development process.
Read Also Minimum Viable Product (MVP) vs Proof of Concept (POC) vs Prototype — Main Differences and Benefits
- Setting Up Feasible Timeline
To achieve an optimal result when creating a SaaS product, do not forget to include in the checklist setting up the timeline for your product launch. It is necessary to evaluate the complexity of your product and determine the period of time required for development. Make sure that your timeline is measurable and has milestones. Such an approach will help your employees to keep on track and monitor the project progress. - Gathering Valuable Feedback
Are you creating the product only for yourself? If yes, disregard the point about the necessity of gathering feedback. If not, this section is vital for you.
Gathering and analyzing feedback from users is important if you want to acquire new customers and maintain the interest of the existing ones. Gained information will help you to better understand the expectations of your users and determine the direction of application’s further development.
Read Also Benefits of SaaS Applications. Why Choose in Favor of This Kind of Software
- Rigorous Testing is a Must
Imagine that your SaaS application is already written and launched. But some time after, you gain the feedback from users that it does not function properly. Huge amounts of errors, slow loading speed etc. do not encourage people to use the product over and over again. The cause may lie in poor or even absence of testing, which entails bad user experience. Therefore it is vital to bear in mind that writing code is still not enough. It is also important to make sure that the code is clean and bug-free for seamless application functioning. To achieve it, there is no way other than to conduct software testing activities regularly. - Target Market Research
When you develop the product and count on its success, you need to have a clear understanding for whom you put your effort. Conducting research of your target audience will help you to keep the pace with the users’ needs as they are constantly evolving and changing. Various types of surveys, creation of focus groups, scheduling regular calls and meetings with stakeholders — are great methods to become closer to the potential customers and realize who they are and what expectations they have. - Research of Your Competitors
Research of competitors goes hand in hand with target market research if we speak about the development of a SaaS product. Thorough analysis of similar applications will allow you to realize which features are really needed, which are not, and which are desirable for the system to possess. Through the use of this approach you will be able to find a killer feature other apps do not have, which will provide you with the competitive edge. - Appropriate Coordination
When you start an ambitious SaaS project involving different departments, it is important to establish the entire process properly. All the teams working on the product pursue the common goal, and interaction between them should be cohesive and well-coordinated. To avoid Chinese whispers and make communication between team members consistent, it is important to hold regular meetings and webinars, to make sure that everyone is on the same page.
Conclusions
“If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail”.— This famous expression suits best when we consider the development of SaaS products. Without a clear plan and strategy your project will most probably turn into a mess with all its implications. That’s why the best option is to create a checklist and include all necessary points that need to be elaborated. This approach will help you not to miss any important details and make the entire process more consistent and coherent.
If you have an idea to create a SaaS product but have no idea where to start, please contact us, our experienced team will assist you with pleasure.