Launching a new business is an exciting, yet daunting undertaking. Luckily, as we head into 2022, there are a number of platforms, tools, hacks and techniques that you can start implementing today to make it a success.
We understand that as a startup, your budget might be a bit restricted. That is why we have decided to unpack some of the most cost-effective and easy-to-implement ways to effectively launch and start scaling your SaaS business. So, let’s get started.
Blueprint Your Business With a Comprehensive Plan
The first thing that we recommend for any business is to create a business plan. This plan is key in mapping vital elements of your business. And, if budget is a concern, there are a number of free or affordable business plan templates for you to choose from.
From understanding your target audience to identifying your competitors and pinpointing your USP, this document is crucial for your success. It not only allows you to set goals for the mid- to long-term future but also acts as a proposal document for potential investors and stakeholders. You can find a business plan template pdf online that includes all of the necessary components of a business plan, and that you can easily edit and update over time.
This is also a highly effective way of keeping track of your growth and development. By referring back to the business plan, you can monitor growth and development in the company and ascertain whether you will need to readjust your operations.
Create a User-Friendly and Effective Website
Your website is one of the most important sales, conversion and engagement tools of your business, especially when it comes to SaaS businesses. This is the platform that allows you to attract new visitors, and convert them into paying, loyal clients. So, having a user-friendly site is crucial.
One of the first things you should do is to look for reliable SEO hosting services that will help you maximize the functionality of your website as much as possible. You will also want a unique and dedicated domain name, and you will want a fully secure and protected solution.
It is also important to focus on UX design before even launching a site. What journey will your customer take when entering your site and what steps have you taken to improve their experience? By mapping out a journey, from entry, through the sales funnel, all the way to payment, you are guaranteeing a heightened conversion rate for your site.
Focus on Your Content
Content, whether on your site or on your blog is crucial for two reasons. First, content is used to educate and inform your visitor about your brand. The content that appears on your landing pages needs to be simple, yet highly descriptive to provide your customer with everything they need to know about your brand. More content means a higher conversion rate as they will be fully equipped with everything they need to know when checking out.
But content is also key for SEO. Keywords are an integral part of getting Google to analyze your site, and understand where to categorize you and where to place you in search rankings. If you start pulling your keywords through to your blog and writing educational pieces, you will be increasing your chances of a higher ranking.
Spend some time mapping out the content on your blog. Being a SaaS company, you will want to make it as educational as possible. In this way, you will be attracting new customers who are searching for similar solutions and answers to what you have to offer. So, helpful “how-tos”, or comprehensive guides on your products or services will be a great way of making sure you pop up in their search results. It will also establish you as an authoritative figure in the industry and your brand will be aligned and top of mind for clients looking for a solution.
Create and Consistently Work on Your Marketing Channels
Having a great website and amazing content will only get you so far. You actually need to drive traffic to your site. Digital marketing is one of the most cost-effective and efficient ways to get traffic to your site and get brand exposure. Pick an email marketing platform like MailChimp to regularly connect with your database. Emails can contain educational pieces (same as your blogs), special offers, promotions and new service announcements.
Social media platforms are also a must. Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram accounts are a great reflection of your brand and allow you to constantly post educational and informative content to your followers. It is also an effective platform for you to reach out to potential customers beyond just your fan base. You will just need to put a bit of money behind certain posts.
If you see a post is driving traffic to your site, or getting a lot of engagement, sponsor the post with a budget, and target an audience beyond just your followers.
Final Words
It is crucial to keep testing and measuring everything that you do throughout your launch. Test the various elements on your page with A/B testing to get it right from the start. Constantly monitor the traffic on your site and see what works and what doesn’t. Track the success of your campaigns and posts at all times.