Build a SaaS App from Scratch: Step-by-Step Guide

Learn how to build a SaaS app from scratch with this easy-to-follow step-by-step series. From idea to launch, master the entire SaaS development process even if you’re a beginner.

Part 1: What is a SaaS App? + How to Plan Your Own

So you’ve got an awesome SaaS app idea that’s gonna kill it! But how to start? Regardless of your background (developer, entrepreneur, or side hustler), the process of taking your idea from concept to launch might look intimidating at first.

And here’s the good news: you’re not alone. Along the way in this step-by-step guide, I will take you through the process of creating a SaaS app from scratch, starting from the most important (and most often skipped) step: planning.

💡 What is a SaaS App?

SaaS stands for Software as a Service, a software application hosted on the internet, typically by subscription. Instead of downloading or installing anything, they access it directly using their browser.

• Google Docs (instead of Microsoft Word)
• Dropbox (instead of local storage)
• Canva (instead of Photoshop)

SaaS apps are scalable, recurring revenue machines, and that is why so many startups are fully embracing them.

🧠 Step 1: Brainstorming Your SaaS Idea

All successful SaaS products start with solving some specific problem for some specific group of humans.
Ask yourself:

• What is the daily problem that I face which can be solved with a tool?
• Is there anything being done manually which could be automated?
• Do other people pay for hacks or use spreadsheets to get things done?

🔍 Step 2: Validating the Idea

Don’t spend 6 months developing something nobody wants. Before you write a single line of code:

✅ Get feedback from potential users
✅ Search forums, Reddit, and Facebook groups
✅ Use tools like Google Trends or Exploding Topics
✅ Search for similar tools — competition is a good thing (it suggests there’s demand)

If you notice individuals asking for or already paying for a solution, you’re on the right track.

📦 Step 3: Define the Core Value Proposition

This is the heart of your SaaS.

Challenge yourself:
If I only had to build ONE feature, what would it be?

Examples:

• Post to Instagram on schedule for pet influencers easily
• Track freelance client invoices on a single dashboard
• Simplify meal planning for parents with little time

Your value proposition has to be crystal clear and customer-oriented.

📝 Step 4: Outline Must-Have Features (and Skip the Fancy Stuff)

Don’t start with a full app. Start with an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) — a version with just enough features to deploy and get feedback.

👉 Make a list:

• Must-haves (login, dashboard, reports)
• Nice-to-haves (dark mode, integrations, live chat)
• Use tools like Notion, Trello, or Miro to organise your feature set.

🗺️ Step 5: Map Out the User Journey

Imagine your user’s first day in your app.

Ask yourself:

• What actually happen when they sign up?
• What is the one thing they must do first?
• Where might they get stuck?

Rough it out with things like Figma, Draw.io, or even pencil and paper.
Bonus tip: Keep it simple — fewer clicks = happier users.

📊 Step 6: Choose a Pricing Strategy (Yes, Already)

You don’t need final pricing yet, but it’s good to consider how you’ll charge users.

Common SaaS pricing models:

• Freemium (free basic plan + paid tiers)
• Free trial (7- or 14-day access, no credit card)
• Tiered pricing (Starter, Pro, Team, etc.)

💬 Don’t worry — we’ll cover Stripe payments and subscriptions in a later part of this series.