People all around the globe have been using SaaS. However, they are not aware of the same. SaaS (Software as a Service) has become quite popular in recent times. When people can rent cars, furniture, houses, toys, and books as well, then why not rent software and use it. Businesses have come to prefer Software-as-a-Service rather than buying it. This growth and acceptance have motivated many business players to enter the SaaS market. SaaS startups are blooming in every nook and corner of the world. While the benefits of building SaaS startups are huge, there has been high competition as well.
What is SaaS?
SaaS is an abbreviation for Software-as-a-Service. This concept refers to a cloud-based model wherein companies provide software on a rental basis to users. The users of SaaS subscribe to the software instead of buying and installing the same. Users have the benefit of logging into the model and using the application from their devices by the means of the internet.
Why SaaS is popular?
When a company sells its software to a buyer, it makes money once. However, when it rents out the software or application to the buyer, it earns revenue repeatedly. This continual stream of revenue remains the primary attraction that inspires people to build SaaS startups. The customer is more interested in SaaS as it is much cheaper than investing in software. During the customer life cycle, end users can experience the benefits of the service. If they found it useful, they will continue with the service or else look for another SaaS.
The SaaS model as a business has become quite popular among entrepreneurs in the present age. The main reason is the predictable revenue stream that the startups earn, as discussed above. End users pay either monthly or annually and in some cases, even quarterly for benefitting from the application. The only drawback of SaaS as a business model is the high cost of customer acquisition. If the customer quits at the end of the business cycle, the startup might incur a huge loss. Hence, customer acquisition and customer retention are quite pivotal for SaaS startups.
Benefits of building a SaaS Startup
Companies get more benefits from SaaS as compared to selling the software. End-users are inclined to test the software through the rental period. This enables companies to get more enquiries for testing. Buying software is a big decision and involves a tedious process for the end users. Instead, renting software is cheaper and decisions can be taken quickly without much involvement.
A Flourishing Concept
SaaS startups have been flourishing in the present times. The success of SaaS can be attributed to its simplification. SaaS is simple to access and easy to use. And the primary reason is affordability. SaaS has eliminated the complexity that existed in software and IT infrastructure. Many large-scale businesses too have switched to SaaS.
SaaS allows for an easy decision-making process. As the cash-inflow is predictable, entrepreneurs can take long-term decisions in advance. This business model allows time to reschedule the decisions. Businesses can tap the signals and warnings to alter their businesses.
Easy to Scale
SaaS is a scalable model. Companies offering Software as a Service know the amount of cash flow they are going to earn. The earnings are predictable in SaaS. A specific amount of money will be there. This is because companies earn a fixed rental in the case of SaaS. When companies have sufficient funds, they can reinvest them in the business itself. Entrepreneurs can work on the product to make it popular. This will help minimize customer churn and increase revenue through present customers who like the product and are likely to recommend it to others.
Recurring revenues help entrepreneurs to scale the business to meet their goals. Further, the major benefit is that the risk is diminished in such a business model. Thanks to the subscription model, entrepreneurs can predict their cash flow and channel it to grow the business. In the SaaS business model, entrepreneurs are confident regarding the business. They are sure that when the product achieves a subscription value, then can maximize the stream of revenue.
Cloud Deployment
SaaS companies offer membership to the users to access and use the software. For this, they charge fees. To initiate a SaaS business, one just requires a web browser and a stable internet connection. The rest of the business is carried out through the internet. There is no need for swanky infrastructure to start a SaaS business.
Through SaaS, not only the customers are happy but also the entrepreneurs. It is easy to build a SaaS start-up and it is easier to build any startup thanks to SaaS. there is no requirement to install on-premise software and burn holes in the pocket.
Mitigation of Risks
The SaaS business model is durable. Businesses can rely on recurring monthly income. Due to this, they will always have a cash influx. There would not be a month where they won’t have income.
This allows businesses to make precise decisions based on insights. Businesses can gather information from the potential target market to minimize risks. All of this helps entrepreneurs to reduce the possibility of customers switching to another product. Businesses can make use of sophisticated tools like invoice generator to enhance their services.
Flexibility and Convenience
Customers all over the globe are increasingly making a switch to SaaS owing to convenience and flexibility. Businesses have flexibility with the SaaS business model. They can expand their product portfolio when there is a high demand and reduce subscriptions in events of low demand.
Speeding up the business or slowing it down is a decision that can be easily and quickly taken by entrepreneurs with a SaaS business model. SaaS is quite convenient not only for the customers but also for the business owners and this has helped it to scale.
A Bright Future Ahead
There has been a major shift in global trends post-pandemic. People have adopted the remote working model permanently. Be it learning, working, purchasing, or even ordering food, everything has become ‘remote’. This promises a bright future for SaaS businesses, which are estimated to grow at a rapid pace.
SaaS companies are tapping the international market to tap customers all around the world. This has further deepened the reach of entrepreneurs. Businesses just need to establish a doable model of SaaS to expand and grow. The only thing that needs to be taken care of is customer retention due to the high acquisition costs.
Author Bio
Sakshi Baid works as a Product Associate at Refrens.com – Online Invoice Generator & India’s most powerful platform for freelancer’s growth. She has worked for some renowned companies as a Brand and Digital marketing associate.