Software Sales Tips by Matt Wolach

Sales Tips

Turning Software as a Service Into Success

You may have heard about the term or read about it elsewhere, and many people have been asking what it is all about. SaaS may be a foreign term to many of us, but it has been essential to our everyday lives. Take Gmail as an example. You can just access it via your web browser instead of downloading it to your computer. You may have even heard of Salesforce or Slack. They all belong to the same boat.

The good news is that I am a SaaS expert; it’s essentially my line of work and why I coach software founders in the first place. If you want to know what SaaS is or don’t have a clue what it’s all about, then this blog is for you. You will understand why SaaS has made everything easier for both businesses and its consumers, especially when it came around in the mid-2000s.

Breaking Down the Term

SaaS stands for “Software As A Service.” It’s different from old-style software—also known as Legacy Software—where you would have to buy and install it yourself to your computer or servers in your office. With SaaS, you can just acquire the software from a cloud. The cloud refers to a person or place controlling the servers hosting the software. 

The Advantages of SaaS

There are many reasons why SaaS is so prominent in this day and age. Businesses and their consumers are reaping the benefits, and so can you! 

SaaS Benefits For Customers

1. No Installation is Needed

Everything is accessed remotely. There is no need to install the software or even worry about maintenance; just access it from your browser or server, and it will do all the work. Also, because everything is now in a cloud, your team can get the software at any time they wish. That also means your team or company has the exact version of the software. You can even access it on multiple devices, including your phone!

2. Get Started Quickly

In the past, getting software could take days, weeks, or even months. You would also need to pay for packaging, shipping, and other expense. In most cases, you would even need to book an appointment to have the software installed on your computer. SaaS, on the other hand, can be acquired within seconds. All you need are its credentials, and you will be able to use the software in the blink of an eye. 

3. Guaranteed Security

As mentioned earlier, everything is now cloud-based. Gone are the days when you have to worry about someone breaking into your home or workplace and stealing your computer or server. SaaS companies have rigorous safety protocols to ensure data security and protection. Data ownership may also be a point of contention. However, unless explicitly stated—the software belongs to the customer in almost all cases.

SaaS Benefits For Businesses

1. Universally Used Service

It is, by far, the most commonly accepted delivery of software at the moment. Finding Legacy Software is rare nowadays, primarily if it’s being hosted and supported regularly. With that said, switching to SaaS is the wisest move you can make for your business as we speak.

2. Subscription Model

With SaaS, customers are paying you regularly.  You will now have recurring revenue, whether it’s monthly or yearly. You will also be able to provide constant updates to improve the software and fix bugs when necessary. That way, your customers are getting the most out of their subscriptions.

3. Revenue is Upfront 

Imagine yourself getting money in the door before having to spend it for the customer. That is the beauty of SaaS; you are getting the subscription money at the beginning of the month or year. It’s less risky and ensures smooth cash flow all year round. 

4. Trust and Reputation Builder

If the customers are buying your software regularly, they decide whether or not they want to pay you for it. If that’s the case, you have your work cut out for you. You need to continue to deliver updates and customer support to earn trust and respect from everyone, including interested buyers. 

A Point to Consider

Is the SaaS Company Trustworthy?

What happens to the SaaS if the manufacturer goes out of business? It’s a real-world concern, and you need to pay close attention to it. Make sure the SaaS company is growing with a roadmap in place. Ensure that they have the right people whom you can trust in the long haul. That way, you can continue to use the software repeatedly without worrying about the software’s validity and existence. 

In Summary

SaaS has made the implementation of software for businesses more manageable and faster than ever before. It’s so popular nowadays, that the rewards this model brings to both companies and consumers cannot be overlooked. Just make the SaaS manufacturer is thriving and stick around long-term.