Building a SaaS by yourself is one of the most challenging and rewarding things you can do. It's a path filled with highs and lows. After three years of building my own profitable micro-SaaS, here are the five biggest lessons I've learned.
1. Niche Down, Then Niche Down Again
My first idea was a "project management tool for everyone." It failed. My second idea was a "project management tool for marketing agencies." It did okay. My third idea was a "project management tool for marketing agencies that specialize in podcasts." It took off. The market of "everyone" is impossibly crowded. Find a small, underserved group of people and build something perfectly for them.
2. Your Biggest Competitor is Apathy
You will spend hours analyzing your competitors' features, pricing, and marketing. But in reality, your biggest competitor isn't another company—it's customer apathy. Most potential users are not actively looking for a solution. Your job isn't just to be better than the competition; it's to be compelling enough for someone to stop what they're doing and try something new.
3. Marketing is Not Something You Do "Later"
As developers, we love to build. We think, "If I just add one more feature, the users will come." They won't. You need to be marketing from day one. Even if it's just posting on X/Twitter about your progress or writing one blog post a month. Build your audience as you build your product. They are two sides of the same coin.
4. Charge More Than You Think
Early-stage founders consistently underprice their products. I was terrified to charge more than $10/month. I eventually raised my prices to $49/month and my revenue tripled—while my support load stayed the same. Your price is a signal of value. If you solve a painful problem that saves a business time or money, you can charge for it.
5. It's a Marathon, Not a Sprint
Overnight success is a myth. It takes years of consistent effort to build a sustainable business. There will be days where you feel like giving up. The key is to find a sustainable pace, celebrate the small wins (like your first paying customer!), and connect with other founders so you don't feel so alone. The journey is long, but it's worth it.