The evolution of software-as-a-service (SaaS) products has been a game-changer for businesses across industries. Companies are constantly seeking ways to stay ahead of the competition and provide innovative solutions to their clients.
Consulting has long been a valuable service, allowing experts to share their knowledge and assist organisations in overcoming challenges. However, there is now an opportunity to transform your consulting expertise into a profitable product through software-as-a-service (SaaS).
SaaS products provide flexible and scalable solutions, enabling companies to streamline operations and enhance customer experiences. In this blog, we will learn how consulting experience can help in developing a successful SaaS product. We will explore how to identify customer needs and develop an efficient business model.
What is a SaaS product (software as a service)?
Simply put, SaaS is a software licencing and delivery model in which the software is licenced, delivered, and hosted centrally on a subscription basis. This approach provides us with a great deal of flexibility and other benefits in contrast to the typical application distribution strategy, which is supplied once and for a greater price.
Why SaaS?
Opting for SaaS requires a discussion of whether it is a wise move for businesses or not. The development of a SaaS solution is a fantastic choice for established organisations that require such solutions.
As a consulting company, you may develop a product by providing your clients with specialised information on an individual basis. This solution allows for simultaneous usage by hundreds of thousands or perhaps millions of individuals, which consulting as a service practically does not allow. Due to the broader market, you have a tonne of potential for development and revenue growth.
How to Use Consulting Background to Build a SaaS Product:
The following steps can provide a competitive edge while developing a SaaS product:
1. Identify the Problem
Your consulting background has granted you the ability to identify pain points and challenges that businesses face. Utilise this skill to assess industries and businesses, seeking inefficiencies, bottlenecks, or missed opportunities that your SaaS product can solve. Consider conducting interviews or surveys with potential users to gain a comprehensive understanding of their pain points. The success of your SaaS product relies on how effectively you address these real-world issues.
2. Conduct Market Research
Consulting experience has likely involved researching diverse markets and industries. Leverage this familiarity to conduct market research. Identify your target audience—the specific businesses or individuals who face the challenges you aim to solve. Dive into their preferences, behaviours, and buying habits. This understanding will guide your product’s features, user interface, and marketing strategies. Evaluate your competitors’ offerings to discern what works and what doesn’t, ultimately identifying gaps your SaaS product can fill.
Additionally, tap into your consulting network to gather insights from professionals who are well-versed in your chosen market. Their inputs can offer meaningful validation of your product idea and provide unique perspectives that shape your product’s development.
3. Test Your Product
Your consulting background has likely exposed you to the importance of testing strategies and solutions before full implementation. Apply this principle to your SaaS product development by creating a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). This early-stage version of your product should encompass its core features and functionality. Release the MVP to a select group of users or beta testers; this could include your consulting contacts or a targeted segment of your intended audience.
Gather their feedback, paying attention to their interactions with the product and any pain points they experience. Your iterative problem-solving skills will come in handy as you analyse this feedback and identify areas for improvement. Whether it’s streamlining workflows, enhancing the user experience, or addressing unanticipated challenges, your ability to iterate and refine your product based on real-world insights will be a crucial factor in its success.
4. Develop a Pricing Model
Your consulting experience has likely required you to advise clients on pricing strategies, making you well-equipped to develop a pricing model for your SaaS product. Start by assessing the value your product provides—how does it alleviate pain points, enhance efficiency, or contribute to the bottom line? This understanding will anchor your pricing decisions.
Research the pricing structures of similar products in the market to gauge industry norms and competitor pricing. It will help you position your product effectively. Consider the various segments of your target audience and their willingness to pay for your solution. Your ability to analyse these factors and determine a competitive yet profitable pricing model will be instrumental in attracting customers and establishing your product’s value.
Parting thoughts,
Consulting experience is a goldmine of insights that can fuel the development of a successful SaaS product. By identifying problems, narrowing them down, prioritising user-centric design, and leveraging your communication skills, you can create a product that truly addresses the needs of your target audience. Remember that the journey from consulting to SaaS development requires adaptation and learning, but your expertise gives you a strong foundation to build upon.