Software as a Service, or SaaS for short is one of the highest growing markets in the IT sector. So, you may be thinking of getting your hands on a SaaS idea and developing it to create a viable SaaS product even though you don’t know how to code.
SaaS does not require any coding skills as there are many alternatives in the digital market space to help you. You can successfully implement a SaaS product through many web applications that write the necessary codes. However, you will need a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) to implement your start-up.
An MVP is like a very basic trial version that will show what your product can potentially achieve. Once you have this MVP in place, you can use various tools and software that will build a SaaS start-up by coding the necessary details. Hence, this article will discuss all the possibilities of creating SaaS without code and how you can create a SaaS by yourself!
A Step-By-Step Guide On How To Use Alternative Software To Build a No-Code SaaS
Every SaaS application differs from each other due to its specializations, but there are some basic elements that every SaaS application should have which will make the foundation of your MVP. The following products will prove their worth as easy substitutes, giving you a good night’s sleep.
- Use Gravitywell To Validate Your Start-Up
Before you implement a SaaS product, you must give the MVP a trial run. Although you might need to use many codes to perform this validation, using a software set-up like GravityWell will save you some time.
This tool will help you figure out if people need your products by integrating with Google AdWords, running tests, and providing a landing page builder. However, this software can only help you learn about your MVP, it will not help you optimize your product.
- Use Bubble To Implement Your MVP
The first step out of many when implementing a SaaS product is to register your MVP as a SaaS application, giving you the ability to market and trade. You will need a lot of functionality in this stage which will be normally covered through coding. But since we are trying a different approach, Bubble will do all the coding for you!
Bubble is the best no-code tool-making development software where you can build your own SaaS application. You will be able to create interactive, multi-user apps for desktop and mobile web browsers, including the features you need to build a site like Facebook or Airbnb.
Using the features offered, you will have the ability to send emails, set up databases, connect to APIs, and process credit card payments. You also can build in-house applications like a video sharing network or a mini marketspace which depends on your MVP.
One downside of using Bubble is that you can’t modify or export the underlying code. It’s created in the Bubble framework and must be hosted on the Bubble platform.
- Use PEGA To Customize Your MVP For Smartphones
Let’s face it, there cannot be a successful SaaS MVP without it being customized for a mobile interface. While Bubble is a great alternative to implement your MVP, use PEGA to configure your MVP for mobiles. PEGA is a mobile development software that uses a low-code authoring platform to deploy fully native iOS and Android apps.
The software provides a drag and drop interface to help create mobile apps. You also can choose many preset design templates, or you can create your design. Once the designing stage is complete, you can integrate the back end with a database to store information.
The disadvantage of using a mobile development software lies in not owning the source code, which would be vital in the long run.
- Use WordPress To Build And Launch A Website
By now, your MVP should be in full flow with implementation and designing going well. The next and final phase would be to set up a website that allows potential clients to know about the products. Out of the many available website domains, WordPress is the obvious choice with its reliability and accessibility.
The tools offered in WordPress will help you to create a dynamic website and publish it without any coding. Alternatively, if you are planning to work with a developer, you can export HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to show exactly what you want and how it should work.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Not Using Code for SaaS
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Time spent learning coding languages can be used to implement the MVP successfully | A limited selection of designs brings up the possibility of your site design being replicated elsewhere. |
| The whole project can be developed by a single person without any requirement for developers | Not using codes takes most control from the user to the site which can be problematic in the future |
| The sites and software used are updated frequently, making the project up to date. | The lack of control can lead to security issues |
| The project can be executed at a very fast pace. | Choosing to switch to coding in the future when the product is in full flow can be a very time-consuming task |
| Almost all no code sites offer expert help and maintenance | Users have less understanding of the software. |
Additional Skills Required For A Successful Career In Saas
With all the advantages and the proven track record of SaaS companies like Netflix and Uber, you may be thinking of developing a career in SaaS as a project developer and or an idea creator. For this, you need to have some specific skills which will prove their value in the long run.
Programming Skills
Although we have talked about creating SaaS products without using any codes, you must know how to program if you are planning on building a long-term business or a career in SaaS. Most employers would require basic knowledge of Java, PHP, and Python programming languages.
Cloud Computing
Since SaaS products are based in the cloud, you also must know about cloud computing, specifically in the areas of data migration.
Design & Development
Developers and entrepreneurs are required to know how to design systems and assemble resources located in different places into one united platform. Design skills and web and mobile development are equally important.
Analytics
Although many automated services provide this service, having a firm grasp on workload and cost estimation abilities will give your business the edge in the long run.
Learn More about SaaS
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does it cost to develop SaaS?
SaaS developers charge a rate between $15 to $250 per hour. The rate also depends on the place where the developers are from. A developer from Asia will charge a considerably lower rate from $15 to $45 while a developer from North America will charge somewhere between $45 to $250 per hour.
2. How Much Does It Cost to Create an MVP?
You can develop an MVP by spending an amount between $15,000 to $50,000. This will also depend on the complexity of the project and the rates charged by the developer.
3. How Long Does It Take to Build a SaaS Product?
Developing a completed SaaS product would take between 4 months to a year depending on a variety of factors. The development of the back end will take 768 hours of development and making it customized to smartphones through IOS and Android would take 852 hours.
Conclusion
SaaS products can be created with the use of alternative websites and software, meaning you don’t necessarily need to know code. You can implement an MVP with the use of many alternatives in the market. However, now knowing code can prove a bit problematic in the long run with the amount of development involved in producing a finished SaaS product.
