SaaS Dodo
If you have recently launched your B2B SaaS, one of the biggest challenges you will face is getting your first customers. Without a proven track record or any testimonials to rely on, it can be challenging to convince other businesses to invest in your product.
However, with a well-planned strategy and some growth hacks, you can successfully acquire your first customers and start building your brand. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to get the first customers for your B2B SaaS.
1. Identify Your Target Market
Before you start trying to acquire customers, you need to identify your target market. Who is your ideal customer? What industries do they work in? What problems do they face that your product can solve? Once you have answered these questions, you can start building a customer persona that will help you tailor your marketing efforts.
For example, let’s say you have developed a project management tool. Your ideal customer may be a small to medium-sized business that has multiple projects running simultaneously and is struggling to keep track of all the tasks. Your customer persona could be a project manager in a tech startup who values efficiency and productivity.
2. Build Your Brand
Once you have identified your target market, it’s time to build your brand. Your brand is more than just a logo and a color scheme. It’s the personality of your company that will attract customers and set you apart from your competitors.
Start by creating a website that showcases your product and its benefits. Make sure your website is user-friendly, visually appealing, and includes customer testimonials. You can also create social media accounts to engage with your target audience and share valuable content that demonstrates your expertise.
For example, Slack, a popular team collaboration tool, has built a strong brand by creating a fun and quirky persona. Their website and social media channels are filled with humorous content that resonates with their target market.
3. Offer a Free Trial
Offering a free trial is a great way to attract customers who are hesitant to invest in a new product. It allows them to test your product and see if it’s a good fit for their business without committing to a long-term contract.
Make sure your free trial is easy to sign up for and use. Provide clear instructions and offer support if customers have any questions. You can also offer additional features during the trial period to entice customers to upgrade to a paid subscription.
For example, Asana, a project management tool, offers a 30-day free trial that includes all of their premium features. They also offer support through email and chat to help customers get started.
4. Utilize Content Marketing
Content marketing is a great way to attract potential customers and establish yourself as an authority in your industry. Create blog posts, white papers, and case studies that provide valuable information to your target audience.
Make sure your content is optimized for search engines so that potential customers can easily find it. Share your content on social media and other relevant platforms to increase your reach.
For example, Hubspot, a marketing automation tool, has built a strong brand by providing valuable content to their target audience. They offer a blog, webinars, and free tools to help businesses improve their marketing efforts.
5. Attend Trade Shows and Conferences
Attending trade shows and conferences is a great way to network with potential customers and showcase your product. It allows you to connect with people in your industry and learn about the latest trends and technologies.
Make sure you have a clear message and a well-designed booth that will attract potential customers. Offer demos of your product and be prepared to answer any questions they may have.
For example, Salesforce, a customer relationship management tool, regularly attends trade shows and conferences to showcase their product. They also offer presentations and workshops to help businesses improve their sales and marketing.
6. Leverage your network
One of the easiest ways to get your first customers is to leverage your personal and professional networks. Reach out to friends, family, former colleagues, and industry contacts to let them know about your new product. Offer them a discount or a free trial in exchange for their feedback and support.
Additionally, consider joining industry groups or attending events where you can meet potential customers in person. Building relationships with industry influencers and thought leaders can also help you gain credibility and reach a wider audience.
7. Provide exceptional customer service
In the early stages of your business, customer service can be a key differentiator. By providing exceptional support and service to your customers, you can build a loyal customer base and generate positive word-of-mouth.
Make sure to respond quickly to customer inquiries and provide personalized support. Ask for feedback regularly and use it to improve your product and service.
Growth hack ideas for B2B SaaS:
In addition to the strategies above, there are a number of growth hack ideas that can help you acquire those first few customers:
- Use LinkedIn to connect with decision-makers and industry influencers
LinkedIn is a powerful tool for reaching decision-makers and establishing relationships with industry influencers. Use the platform to connect with potential customers and offer them a personalized demo or free trial of your product. - Offer a referral program
Encourage your existing customers to refer their colleagues and friends to your product by offering a referral program. Provide incentives such as discounts or free trials to customers who refer new business. - Participate in industry forums and online communities
Join industry forums and online communities to engage with potential customers and build relationships. Share your expertise and insights, and offer to help others with their challenges. - Use retargeting ads
Retargeting ads can help you stay top-of-mind with prospects who have visited your website but haven’t yet converted. Use retargeting ads on
In conclusion, acquiring those first few customers for your B2B SaaS product can be challenging, but by identifying your target audience, leveraging your network, offering a free trial, providing exceptional customer service, and creating compelling content, you can begin to establish your brand and gain traction in your industry.
Additionally, growth hack ideas such as using LinkedIn, offering a referral program, participating in online communities, and using retargeting ads can help you reach a wider audience and accelerate your growth. Remember to always listen to your customers, gather feedback, and use it to continually improve your product and service. With persistence, dedication, and a customer-focused mindset, you can build a successful B2B SaaS business.
