How to Build a SaaS App?

Where did all the desktop icons go?

Remember when desktops used to be cluttered with icons for every installed program? It could often feel overwhelming, especially since each program had to be purchased as a physical copy, installed manually, and often required time-consuming updates that could sometimes disrupt your system.

But that was then. Now, in our era of convenience and instant access, things are different. Many software applications are available online, accessible through an internet browser. As a result, using, managing and updating software has become significantly easier. But how is that possible? To answer that, we need to first explain what the term SaaS means.

What is a SaaS App?

SaaS, short for Software as a Service, is a term that describes a software distribution model in which applications are hosted by a third-party provider and accessed by users over the Internet. Following this train of thought, a SaaS application is, therefore, a piece of software, available online, that’s hosted and managed by a provider. This means users don’t need to buy or install that software on their own devices or servers — they can simply access it through a web browser or an API.

Do names like Netflix, Slack, Dropbox, or Zoom sound familiar? Well, these are all examples of highly popular SaaS applications that have revolutionized how we work, communicate and enjoy entertainment online. Given your familiarity with these products, you likely know that SaaS apps are typically subscription-based, with customers paying a recurring fee to use the software. This is part of their appeal — you only pay for what you actually use, not just for having the service.

What is SaaS App Development?

As you likely know, or can quickly gather from what we’ve already discussed, SaaS app development involves creating software applications that adhere to the described Software-as-a-service model. This process encompasses designing, coding, testing and deploying software accessible to users over the internet.

Throughout development, creators have the flexibility to utilize a range of programming languages, frameworks and tools to build a SaaS application. The end goal is to create an app that embodies efficiency, flexibility and adaptability to meet the ever-changing demands of users and technological advancements.

Which programming language is best for SaaS apps?

Choosing the right programming language for SaaS app development should be based on factors like the design team’s skills, the app’s needs and overall scalability. Popular choices such as Python, JavaScript and Ruby on Rails stand out for their thriving communities, fast development pace and broad toolsets, which make them ideal for crafting agile, scalable and versatile SaaS applications.

That does not mean, however, that other languages like Java, PHP, or Go are not suitable for SaaS software development — it ultimately depends on the specific requirements and goals of the project.

Types and benefits of SaaS applications

SaaS applications span diverse categories, each finely tuned to meet industry-specific needs. From productivity and collaboration tools like Google Workspace and Microsoft 365, which streamline communication and project management, to Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software such as Salesforce, which optimize customer interactions and sales processes.

There are also human resource management tools that automate employee-related tasks, from recruitment to training, as well as marketing automation platforms that enhance marketing efforts with email campaigns, social media management and lead generation initiatives. There’s also enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems like NetSuite that integrate core business processes, simplifying finance, HR and supply chain management within a unified platform.

Ultimately, the SaaS landscape keeps growing as new technologies emerge and businesses search for innovative solutions. This means that nearly every industry today can have its own type of SaaS application tailored to its specific needs.

When it comes to the benefits of SaaS applications, they are numerous. First, SaaS applications offer enhanced accessibility, enabling users to access the software from any internet-connected device. Second, as previously mentioned, they usually follow a subscription-based pricing model, resulting in lower upfront costs for users (compared to traditional software licensing). Third, SaaS applications are known for their scalability, as providers can easily adjust resources to meet their needs at any time.

Furthermore, SaaS applications offer automatic updates and maintenance, relieving users from the manual task of updating software and ensuring access to the latest features and security patches. Their cloud-based nature also enables users to outsource hosting and infrastructure management to the provider, reducing IT overload and complexity for the customers.

How to create SaaS apps?

Building a robust SaaS app requires following a few essential steps, each contributing to the overall quality and functionality of the application. The first step is to identify the market need for which the app is to become the go-to solution. This is done to ensure that there will be a demand for the product. Therefore, it involves thorough market research to pinpoint the pain points and requirements of your target audience.

Next, you need to define your MVP (minimum viable product) to be able to focus on the core features that address the previously identified market needs. This allows for quicker development and the ability to test the core functionalities before expanding further. For instance, in e-commerce app development, an MVP might include basic features like product listings, a shopping cart and a checkout process.

Designing both the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) is the crucial next step in the process. A well-designed UI/UX can significantly boost user retention and satisfaction. For cross-platform app development, for example, this step is about making sure that the design is consistent and intuitive across different devices and operating systems.

Choosing the right technology stack is the next vital step focused on the app’s performance, scalability and maintenance. Depending on your needs, this might include selecting frameworks and tools that support mobile app development services, to ensure your app is robust and future-proof.

Then, it is all about developing and testing the app, which involves writing the code, integrating necessary APIs and rigorously testing for bugs and performance issues. This phase is critical to ensure the app runs smoothly and meets the predefined user expectations.

Finally, you need to launch your SaaS app and gather feedback from real users to identify areas for improvement. Needless to say, it’s essential to continuously monitor the app post-launch and make updates based on user feedback to keep it relevant and competitive.

The cost of a SaaS application

Creating a SaaS app involves several costs, including those related to development, design, testing and deployment, which can vary depending on the project’s complexity and scope. Additional expenses can include cloud hosting, security and ongoing maintenance to keep the app running smoothly. And let’s not forget that marketing and customer support can also add to the initial and ongoing costs.

For the SaaS app users, the cost usually comes in the form of a subscription fee, billed monthly or annually (depending on the number of users and the level of service). This fee usually covers maintenance, updates and support so that users don’t need to invest in hardware or worry about making software updates themselves.

Let us build a SaaS application for you

It’s no surprise that more and more companies are drawn to SaaS applications. With benefits like increased scalability and reduced operational costs, SaaS can be a real game-changer. However, before organizations can reap the benefits, they need to create a robust SaaS application first, which is easier said than done, especially without the right expertise.

Fortunately, you can now get third-party experts to create a robust, future-proof, secure and user-friendly SaaS app for you. Software Mind is ready to tackle all your SaaS needs with a dedicated team that specializes in custom software development. So, if you need help creating a top-notch SaaS application, we’re here to support you every step of the way — just get in touch by filling out the form below.