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How to convert your internal tool into a profitable SaaS app – episode 3

How to convert your internal tool into a profitable SaaS app – episode 3
SaaS
Product Design
Product Discovery

Customer–centric approach

Welcome to the Episode 3 and final part of our comprehensive series on essential components for a successful SaaS platform. In the first two parts – Episode 1 and Episode 2, we explored crucial aspects such as user management, analytics, onboarding, support, and more. Now, in this third part, we will delve into the remaining key elements, completing the framework necessary for a robust and customer – centric SaaS solution.



These components are integral to enhancing data security, optimizing user experiences, and positioning your platform for long – term success in the competitive SaaS landscape. Join us as we uncover the vital building blocks that will pave the way for your SaaS journey to thrive.

Saas configuration settings and security

System Configuration

Effective system configuration is vital for SaaS platforms, ensuring strong performance and data protection. Admins need versatile tools for system settings, security management, and compliance. Solutions like Auth0, Okta, and OneLogin offer multi–factor authentication, single sign–on, and adaptability, enhancing security and simplifying access management. By incorporating these solutions, your SaaS platform can offer a secure and dynamic environment, meeting the diverse demands of your users and staying in compliance with ever–changing data protection requirements.

System configuration – Preferred Payments  app designed by Widelab
System configuration – Preferred Payments  app designed by Widelab

Auditing and compliance

In today's data privacy–focused landscape, auditing and compliance are essential. They are crucial for security and meeting industry–specific regulations like GDPR and HIPAA.

For GDPR, SaaS platforms use robust auditing to monitor user activity, with access logs recording data access, actions, and timestamps. This ensures compliance and transparency in data handling.



In healthcare, HIPAA compliance is a top priority. Security auditing tracks user activity with patient data, using access logs to record access details and actions. These meticulous records demonstrate commitment to patient data protection and HIPAA compliance.

Auditing and compliance – Trackable  app designed by Widelab
Auditing and compliance – Trackable  app designed by Widelab

Enterprise single sign–on

Enterprise Single Sign–On (SSO) is a powerful feature that enhances user experience, convenience, and security. It simplifies access to your platform by allowing users to log in with a single set of credentials, as seen in popular tools like Slack and Trello. SSO reduces login friction, improves security, and boosts user satisfaction. Consider implementing SSO in your platform for these benefits.

SSO – Trello and Slack
SSO – Trello and Slack

Multi–factor authentication (MFA)

Multi–Factor Authentication (MFA) is essential for modern online security, requiring multiple verification factors like passwords, smartphone codes, and biometrics. It's increasingly used in various online platforms, including email, social media, and banking, to enhance account security. MFA balances robust security with ease of use, ensuring a secure online environment. Integrating MFA with Single Sign–On (SSO) in your SaaS platform is a smart security strategy, demonstrating a commitment to data protection.

Multi–factor authentication (MFA) – Preferred Payments  app designed by Widelab
Multi–factor authentication (MFA) – Preferred Payments  app designed by Widelab

Billing and saas subscription management

Efficient billing

Efficient Billing and Subscription Management are vital for SaaS providers. Tools like Stripe, Chargebee, or Recurly, along with automation solutions, help handle billing and subscriptions smoothly. For example, Stripe offers pricing plans, automates invoicing, and simplifies payment management. These tools provide precise invoicing, faster payments, and easier account management, simplifying financial aspects. They also assist with tax obligations, ensuring a streamlined billing process.

Efficient billing – Preferred Payments app designed by Widelab
Efficient billing – Preferred Payments app designed by Widelab

Customer relationship management

Building and nurturing positive customer relationships is fundamental to the success of your SaaS business. To enhance your customer support ecosystem, consider implementing tools like Zendesk and LiveChat. Zendesk offers a help center, documentation for self–service support, and a ticketing system for quick issue resolution. LiveChat, on the other hand, enables real–time support through live chats, ideal for providing time–sensitive or personalized assistance.

Customer relationship management – Trackable  app designed by Widelab
Customer relationship management – Trackable  app designed by Widelab

Integration and API management

Third–party integrations

To keep your SaaS solution adaptable and user–focused, consider integrating third–party APIs and platforms like Zapier, Integromat, and Tray.io. These tools enhance your platform's functionality by facilitating seamless software integrations. Zapier enables easy connection with various apps to simplify workflows, Integromat offers an intuitive visual builder for app automation, and Tray.io allows creating complex workflows across multiple applications and data sources. Integrating these platforms can significantly boost your platform's capabilities and support diverse user workflows.

Third–party integrations – Reveal  app designed by Widelab
Third–party integrations – Reveal  app designed by Widelab

API access control

API Access Control is a crucial feature that enables secure connections between your platform and an organization's existing systems. For example, it allows companies to integrate your SaaS solution with their CRM for synchronized customer data exchange, empowering sales and support teams. E–commerce businesses can optimize operations by connecting your platform with their inventory management system, streamlining processes and improving the customer experience. This adaptability benefits users in various industries, promoting efficient data sharing and operations.

API access control – Mailosaur  app designed by Widelab
API access control – Mailosaur  app designed by Widelab

Performance monitoring

In the dynamic SaaS industry, performance monitoring, especially continuous API monitoring, is crucial. It helps in maintaining a high–quality user experience by identifying and resolving issues before they cause significant disruptions. For instance, an e–commerce platform using your SaaS for payments can rapidly detect and address any anomalies or slowdowns in the payment API, which is essential for maintaining customer trust. Similarly, a content delivery service can promptly tackle latency or downtime in your platform, ensuring their content delivery remains consistent.

Performance monitoring – app designed by Widelab
Performance monitoring – app designed by Widelab

Key takeaways for your saas building journey

By prioritizing data security, user experience, and functionality, you not only attract and retain customers but also position your SaaS solution for long–term success in a competitive market.

  1. Ensure data security and regulatory compliance like GDPR and HIPAA through robust auditing and monitoring for user trust.
  2. Implement Single Sign–On (SSO) and Multi–Factor Authentication (MFA) for enhanced user experience and data protection.
  3. Streamline billing and subscription management with tools like Stripe, Chargebee, or Recurly, ensuring financial stability.
  4. Use Zendesk and LiveChat to build and nurture positive customer relationships with self–service support and real–time assistance.
  5. Enhance versatility with third–party integrations like Zapier, Integromat, and Tray.io to support unique user workflows and maximize your solution's value.

Remember that innovation and agility are key in the ever–changing world of SaaS, so continuously gather feedback, stay responsive to user needs, and adapt your platform to thrive.

In our work at Widelab, we've successfully enhanced the design and user experience of many SaaS products. We're available to share our knowledge and skills to help elevate your product. Contact us to find out more.

Authors:

Magdalena Hendzelek
Magdalena Hendzelek
Senior UX Designer

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