Does a SaaS really need a CRM from day one? Is there one you recommend? Why?
So, if things go well I'll be launching by SaaS in a month or two (should be live by now but it keeps getting delayed).
Anyhow, there are some aspects of managing a SaaS that seem redundant initially, but with time can get complicated and time consuming. I've read many articles and seen here and there that founders recommend using a CRM, ideally from day one.
So after much deliberation I bought a deal from Appsumo with SuiteDash, which is very powerful though seems complicated, and to be honest haven't even tried yet and don't think I will in some time- I have other priorities.
Many of you (most?) already have a SaaS, so what are your thoughts? Do I really need a CRM from day one? Is there one you recommend?
My SaaS by the way will be for bloggers/ copywriters/ copywriting agencies, a tool to simplify and speed up SEO writing .
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
I think you don't need CRM from the beginning. Why? Because instead of devoting your attention only to your own SaaS, you will start focusing on CRM and so your attention will spread across, which is not good. Articles you probably read was from SaaS CRM companies that want you to use them and pay :)
But do what you feel is good for you :)
That's my concern, I'm not sure! Though I do have to say that some of them were also written by SaaS founders...
Btw if you still want to have some kind of CRM then use Notion for that :)
I'll check it out, had never heard of it :)
Yes, I think a CRM is worth it from day one. I use the free version of HubSpot. It takes time to enter, but there is so much value in maintaining your network.
Do you have a URL for your SaaS?
You are the second person mentioning the free version of Hubspot, might have to take a look. I don't have a URL yet...nothing that can be shown...hopefully by the end of this month but will see!
I personally like having one since I like having as much as possible organized as well as possible, haha. With that said, I could certainly get by without one, it just makes life easier for me, but that's a personal preference. I typically just use the free version of HubSpot which does more than enough for my purposes, but I'm in no means a CRM power user and could probably even get away with a series of spreadsheets if I wanted.
Thanks for sharing. It seems to me the specially during the first few months (years?) I won't really need one, but I'm hesitant as it might make things easier in the long run to keep things sorted. Decisions, decisions...
One thing I'll add is that it's far easier to stay organized with a CRM if you have it from the start versus a scenario where you realize a year from now you need a tool and have to do all the work to get setup with it at that point.
Good point.