{"id":20162,"date":"2023-07-06T12:08:21","date_gmt":"2023-07-06T12:08:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.finoit.com\/?p=20162"},"modified":"2023-11-20T13:21:10","modified_gmt":"2023-11-20T13:21:10","slug":"best-strategies-to-differentiate-saas-offering","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.finoit.com\/articles\/best-strategies-to-differentiate-saas-offering\/","title":{"rendered":"12 Proven Strategies To Differentiate Your SaaS Offering in A Crowded Market"},"content":{"rendered":"

Having a SaaS business in a bustling marketplace, surrounded by many others offering similar services. You and your team face the challenge of standing out and becoming a recognized name in this crowded space. And it’s true\u2014with over 16,000 SaaS companies in the US alone, you’re not alone in offering your service.<\/p>\n

But here’s the thing, your potential customers have numerous options. So, how can you distinguish yourself from the rest when you’re not drastically different?<\/p>\n

Well, that’s precisely what we will explore in this article. I’ll guide you through a practical and proven SaaS strategy to differentiate your brand and attract, acquire, and retain customers. We’ll also look at successful SaaS brands that have effectively used these strategies to set themselves apart.<\/p>\n

Stand Out with Your Brand and Story<\/h2>\n

How distinct is your product’s identity and brand? Are you just another follower in the crowd, or do you dare to stand out? Let’s consider a situation where one will be remembered among ten email newsletter products. It’s the one with its beautiful face, like MadMimi!<\/p>\n

But it’s not just about brand identity; your story plays a crucial role, too in your SaaS marketing strategies. You can share an inspiring history, like those guys who started in their garage or an ambitious mission that fuels your passion. While building a product to end world hunger is clear-cut, what about everyday products?<\/p>\n

Here’s an example from Pieter Levels: a Travel app. Creating another travel app may seem mundane, but how about one specifically designed for women? By adding a unique angle and a mission to ensure women can travel safely, you infuse your product with a captivating story that defines its purpose.<\/p>\n

Make Your First Step Count<\/h2>\n

Getting people to choose your product over others is tough. But what’s even more crucial is getting them to use it and see how valuable it is. That’s where a strong onboarding process comes in, but it’s often overlooked.<\/p>\n

As the renowned business leader Mark Zuckerberg once said, “The biggest risk is not taking any risk.” So, taking risks with your onboarding approach can be a great option. Also, research <\/a>says companies with a strong onboarding process enjoy a higher user adoption rate, as you can in the below image:<\/p>\n

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image e source:- 99firms.com<\/a><\/p>\n

What’s the secret to creating an outstanding experience for new users? It’s about helping them get started and succeed with your product immediately. While some people like to figure things out independently, most are happy to have some guidance. This can come in the form of tutorials, tips, and support sessions that help them understand how to use your product and avoid common mistakes. Plus, it shows them that real people behind the scenes want them to succeed.<\/p>\n

Consider the popular project management tool, Asana. Asana’s onboarding process offers interactive tutorials, a personalized task creation guide, and a team collaboration demo. These features help new users quickly understand how to utilize the platform effectively and experience its value.<\/p>\n

Niche-tailored Brilliance<\/h2>\n

One effective marketing strategy for SaaS products is developing features specifically tailored to niche markets. Instead of trying to cater to everyone, focusing on a specific target audience allows you to deliver a more customized and tailored solution.<\/p>\n

The key here is to understand which features truly bring value to your customers and which may clutter the system. Building every feature customers ask for might seem like the right thing to do, but it could lead to confusion and a lack of clarity.<\/p>\n

For example, let’s say you offer a project management tool. Still, instead of trying to compete with the industry giants, you create a specialized version specifically for creative agencies. By understanding creative professionals’ specific challenges and building features that cater to their workflow, you position yourself as the ideal choice for that niche market.<\/p>\n

So, how do you determine the right features for your SaaS? It’s simple\u2014listen to your customers! Gather their feedback, work with them closely, and prioritize what truly matters to them.<\/p>\n

Automate to elevate<\/h2>\n

Does your product simplify your users’ lives? Think about an accounting system that automates receipt entry. Most people find accounting daunting, so the more automation your product offers, the better.<\/p>\n

Automation goes beyond accounting and extends to various areas like marketing and sales. Repetitive and time-consuming tasks are disliked by many. Your product can alleviate these pain points and enhance the user experience by providing automation features.<\/p>\n

According to studies, businesses that adopt automation witness significant improvements as employees are productive and can do the work efficiently and effectively. For better clarity, check the below image<\/p>\n

\"Employee<\/figure>\n

Image source:- salesforce.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Remember, as Richard Charles Nicholas Branson, a British business magnate, says, “Automation is key to creating a seamless experience and driving customer loyalty.” So bringing automation into your SaaS offering, you simplify tasks and gain a competitive advantage in a crowded market.<\/p>\n

Bundling<\/h2>\n

Have you ever wondered how companies like Apple bring all those amazing apps and features together in one device? Well, that’s the power of bundling! Let’s dive in and see how its beneficial:<\/p>\n