"No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world." – Robin Williams.
Everything starts from an idea and in our modern times those ideas are often created into software. When you think about it, everything you use today will have just been an idea for someone at one point.
It will have been an inspired thought which emerged following a problem, an experience, a struggle, a success, a mistake, a conversation, or even a dream.
Ideas are powerful… but only when you take action and put them into the world.
In your company you’re likely to have had lots of ideas on how to do things better, and how you could improve various elements of your systems and processes.
Maybe you’ve created a workaround that’s saved you hours and made you more profitable.
Maybe you’ve solved a problem that at first was only possible with some complicated programs.
Or maybe you want to create a bespoke CRM or a unique system or app that would truly change your business - and those with similar businesses.
If that’s the case, then you might be interested in for SaaS (Software as a Service), because turning your ideas into software and selling the licence is a profitable business model.
What is SaaS?
SaaS is a software distribution model that allows the creator to sell the licence on a subscription model to users who can access their software and use it for themselves.
SaaS is very scalable as there’s rarely a limit on the number of sales you can make and the number of users you can have. SaaS will take your ideas, turn them into software, and then allow you to sell them over and over again.
How does it work?
We created a CRM called SalesRadar. It’s software that we sell (or give away) on a monthly subscription model. The user base is consistently growing. Subscribers use our CRM and pay monthly (or use it free, depending on the level they choose) and then have access to powerful software, for an affordable price.
SaaS gives users access to software, usually without the need for applications or special software on their devices, as it’s mostly accessed by them via the cloud and with a standard web browser.
It’s simple to access, it’s secure and updated, and SaaS gives the creator a good income stream whilst giving the user a solution that helps them solve a problem they were facing for a fraction of the cost of building it or commissioning the build themselves.
Who owns the software?
You should own the IP of the software when you build a SaaS model. When you commission a software company to create any software for you, make sure that you own the IP and have full creative and legal licence over the product so that you can ensure you’ll gain 100% of the profits and can move to another developer if you ever need to.
In most case, the software is yours and you’re free to move it and change it whenever you want.
Will it need to be updated?
Of course. Software is constantly updating and in need of patches and fixes. This is due to many factors, but cybercrime and security will drive most of the changes. Browsers and devices will be updated constantly, so a SaaS business model will need to factor in updates to the software to ensure it works as required and securely as the world moves on.
Can it be copied?
The idea can, certainly, and this will mean that gaining a good market share early will be important. There are, for example, plenty of CRMs - and SalesRadar does a lot of what other CRMs does. But we also created a bespoke search radar into the software that makes it unique and valuable to users.
The idea can be copied, but way we linked up the information required some connections, relationships, and agreements that are protected. Make sure that you get some good agreements in place with others that you work with to try and stop your idea being truly replicated.
Should it be paid for all the time?
Some SaaS will work on a model of up-sell or in-app purchases. The model there is to grow the userbase, gain market share, and then up-sell extra benefits. Facebook is actually a great example of this, as are App store games like Fifa.
Another way to look at SaaS is purely as some added benefit to users. We’ve recently worked on project where we took a lot of paper admin and content and put it all into a free app for members. The content really benefits the members, but the owners of the software will benefit from better retention and up-sells within the app.
Where do I start?
Start with your idea. Good ideas can be created into a software solution and it makes sense to do so in our ever-connected world. Mapping out your thoughts and projections for the software and then creating a storyboard and prototype will be the usual route. After all, seeing it is believing in it.
The next step is to select a reputable software company with a proven track record and ideas to add to yours to create something unique and exciting.
Need help getting SaaS into your business?
We build business-changing software and help to create white label software that you can re-sell and build a profitable SaaS business.
Let’s chat – contact us now!
