What does it mean to sell SaaS?

It's no secret that businesses are increasingly turning to cloud-based services. This means you may be able to offer your clients all sorts of different products and solutions, including those which used to only be available on physical computers or servers.

The most common form of these types of offerings is now known as "software as a service" (or SaaS). And while many still think this refers exclusively to desktop applications, today we're going to take a look at just exactly what SaaS stands for, and how to use it when trying to land new customers.

First things first though - let's start with some definitions. What does SaaS stand for?

What does SaaS stand for?

Software as a Service (or SaaS) is a type of subscription model where companies provide their users access to web apps and other online tools via the internet rather than installing them locally on their own machines.

This makes it much easier for people to get started using such programs because they don't have to install anything themselves. Instead, they simply log into the website through any browser and can immediately begin working without having to worry about downloading any files.

There are lots of advantages to using SaaS over traditional methods like buying individual copies of software, but perhaps one of the biggest is security. Because the software runs entirely within the user's computer environment, hackers won't be able to gain direct control of your system, even if they managed to break into the company hosting the program.

That said, since you'll usually need to pay monthly fees to use SaaS platforms, it's important not to allow too much personal information to become public knowledge. For instance, many employers require employees to sign non-disclosure agreements so they aren't allowed to share company data outside of work. The same goes for banks who often prohibit their customers from sharing account numbers.

Because of this, it's generally best to keep passwords and login details private until after signing up for a particular tool. Then again, if you already trust someone enough to give out your password, maybe you shouldn't be using SaaS in the first place...

What is an SaaS example?

You might already be familiar with something called Google Docs, or Microsoft Office 365. These are both excellent examples of SaaS. They offer a wide range of features that enable anyone to create documents and spreadsheets, edit images, make presentations, manage contacts, and do plenty else besides.

In fact, this isn't really a good comparison for our purposes here. While each offers similar functionality, they also differ greatly in terms of pricing and cost structure. You could potentially spend thousands of dollars annually on Google Apps, whereas Microsoft will charge you hundreds of dollars per year for its equivalent offering.

So instead, let's focus on a few specific examples of popular SaaS products that everyone should be aware of. Here are three of the top contenders right now...

1. Slack

One of the fastest growing SaaS companies around is Slack. It enables teams to communicate easily by way of text messages, video calls, and shared whiteboards. In addition, it allows workers to chat with colleagues across locations thanks to built-in integrations with Skype, Zoom, Dropbox, Trello, GitHub, Basecamp, and more.

Slack works well whether you're managing a small business or a large corporation, and has been adopted by nearly every Fortune 500 firm. If you'd like to try it yourself, you can register for a 30 day trial here. Once you've signed up, you'll need to add credit card info before proceeding further.

2. Evernote

Evernote is another great option for storing notes, pictures, videos, and audio recordings. Its interface is very simple and easy to learn, making it ideal for beginners. But once you start getting comfortable with it, you can quickly build up a library of content which lets you organize ideas into folders and search through everything at your disposal.

To find out more about Evernote, check out our full review here. There's also a 7-day free trial included.

3. LinkedIn

LinkedIn is one of the world's largest professional networking sites, allowing members to connect with potential connections and receive suggestions regarding job opportunities. As part of its paid membership options, you can upload photos, update resumes, and post blog posts.

However, unlike Facebook or Twitter, LinkedIn doesn't host any of the actual profiles or media itself. Instead, it uses third party providers to store member profiles and uploaded media. So while some people prefer it over social networks due to privacy concerns, others feel uncomfortable posting images of family pets or embarrassing selfies.

If you want to see what LinkedIn looks like, check out our article explaining why you should consider joining.

What is SaaS platform?

Once you understand what SaaS actually is, it becomes clear that there are several different ways it can be offered. And although you can always purchase a standalone copy of an application, many of the most popular ones come packaged together as a suite. That's because you can save money by bundling multiple related functions under one roof.

For instance, the aforementioned Google Suite includes Gmail, Drive, Calendar, Hangouts, Sheets, Slides, Maps, Translate, YouTube, and more. Likewise, Microsoft Office comes bundled with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, Access, Visio, Project Online, SharePoint, and more.

These packages typically include a single payment method, meaning you won't need to split payments between several different vendors. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Some firms choose to divide costs evenly among partners. Others opt to bill subscribers based on usage. Whatever approach they go with, the bottom line is that SaaS platforms help cut down on administration time, enabling managers to concentrate on more strategic tasks.

Is SaaS the same as Salesforce?

Although SaaS is sometimes confused with Salesforce, they serve completely separate functions. Whereas Salesforce is designed to streamline interactions between salespeople and prospects, SaaS is intended solely for internal use.

Still, if you plan on marketing your business using Salesforce, then you absolutely must ensure that your CRM package supports the latest version of the product. Otherwise, you risk leaving money on the table.

And finally, it's worth mentioning that while SaaS platforms are becoming more widely accepted, they haven't yet caught on everywhere. Many larger organizations still rely heavily on older models like email and file storage, despite their drawbacks.

As such, there are still lots of places where physical hardware remains the norm. This means that you'll likely encounter resistance whenever you attempt to promote your company's SaaS services. To avoid wasting precious resources and time, it pays to prepare ahead of time. By presenting your case early on, you'll demonstrate a willingness to invest money upfront. Plus, you'll show potential investors that you're serious about long term growth.

Finally, remember that SaaS can be incredibly flexible. With the right partner, it's possible to customize almost any solution to meet exacting requirements. Just bear in mind that you'll probably need to put in extra effort to train staff properly. After all, it won't matter how impressive a feature set is if nobody knows how to operate it.

If you're looking at starting out with your own business or thinking of joining someone else's team, then you'll be aware that one of the most important things you need is the right skills. And if you want to run successful businesses, knowing how to sell them will help you do just that.

One way to grow your knowledge is by reading up on different types of sales jobs (and salaries) - so when we were asked what "sales" means, we decided to dig into some definitions. We found loads of useful information which covers all aspects of sales, including: the definition of SaaS sales, where they come from, who sells them, and what their role involves.

In our research, we also discovered that although many people think of "sales" as being something only done by men, women can get involved too. It turns out that the average global salary for SaaS sales professionals is around $70k per year. So whether you've got big dreams of becoming a top-earning SaaS salesman, or are just interested in learning more about the industry, read on to find out exactly what SaaS sales stands for...

Is SaaS and cloud the same?

The terms SaaS and cloud have become synonymous over time, but technically speaking, they aren't the same thing. Cloud computing refers to services provided via the internet while SaaS is simply short for Software As A Service.

This is because cloud providers store data online, whereas SaaS stores data locally. In other words, cloud storage isn't available anywhere except through certain companies' servers, which makes it less flexible than local storage options like Dropbox or Google Drive.

For instance, say you use Dropbox instead of storing files on your computer hard drive. If you lose access to your computer, you won't have any trouble finding those files again using Dropbox. But if you don't have access to the server hosting Dropbox, you would have lost access to your entire account.

So with SaaS, you never lose access to your files even if you lose access to your PC – it's always stored somewhere safe and secure. This is why SaaS is considered more reliable than cloud storage.

On the flip side, though, SaaS doesn't offer the same level of control as desktop file sharing apps such as Windows Explorer. You cannot create new folders or move existing ones without logging into the company's website first. Also, unlike cloud storage, SaaS has no offline mode, meaning you'd still need Internet connectivity to work efficiently.

Another difference between SaaS and cloud storage is that SaaS requires users to pay monthly fees, whereas cloud storage usually comes bundled with additional features. For example, Spotify Premium gives you unlimited streaming music, while Google Play Music offers ad-free listening.

As you might expect, SaaS tends to cost more upfront, but it often saves money overall due to lower maintenance costs. Plus, since SaaS products tend to be easier to upgrade than hardware, you may not notice much of a change once you start using it regularly.

Finally, SaaS is ideal for small teams who prefer consistency over flexibility. The fact that every user uses the exact same version of the app means updates happen quickly, which keeps everyone working together smoothly. On the other hand, cloud storage allows users to choose whichever provider suits them best, which lets them customize each aspect of the system themselves.

What is an example of SaaS sales?

There are lots of ways to approach SaaS sales depending on who you speak to, so here's an overview of some common scenarios. Let's look at three specific examples of SaaS sales:

a startup trying to raise funds from investors,

an established firm building its brand awareness among potential customers, or

someone already running a large organization looking to increase efficiency and streamline processes.

To make sure you fully understand these situations, try answering the following questions yourself before moving onto the next section.

1. What kind of person is likely to buy SaaS?

You could be talking to anyone – a CEO, CFO, marketing director, entrepreneur, customer support specialist, etc., whatever you consider yourself to be. These roles are typically filled by smart, experienced individuals who value results above anything else. They are also highly motivated and driven to succeed.

2. How much time should I spend prospecting?

It depends on the size of your target market. Smaller markets require more effort, while larger ones generally attract attention quicker. However, the key point here is that you shouldn’t waste hours trawling social media groups or cold calling strangers until you eventually land a sale. Instead, focus on reaching out to relevant contacts within your domain so you can build relationships with them rather than wasting your valuable time.

3. Which methods should I employ to reach my goals?

Selling SaaS takes patience and persistence, so it pays to learn the basics properly before diving straight into tactics. Here are five essential tips to keep in mind:

Be honest and transparent. Your prospects will appreciate honesty and transparency, which helps build trust. People also feel safer buying from familiar brands.

Don’t forget about referrals. When referring clients to a prospective employer or contractor, ask them to suggest a few names. This shows you care enough to listen to their opinion. Remember it’s better to ask for advice than to give unsolicited advice.

Make a professional pitch. Selling SaaS is all about presenting compelling reasons for your client to invest in your solution, so ensure you take your presentation seriously and follow a structured script. Be prepared to answer tough questions honestly, show enthusiasm, and demonstrate expertise.

Keep track of progress. Once you’ve made contact with a prospect, send regular emails containing relevant news or stats. Don’t bombard them with useless messages unless you genuinely believe they’d benefit from your latest update.

Show gratitude. Always thank your clients for taking part in your project and acknowledge their efforts. Make sure you deliver on promises, especially regarding deadlines and milestones.

4. Where should I go after making contact with a lead?

Once you’re ready to close the deal, it’s vital to remember that you’ll need to prove your worth. To achieve this, you’ll need to provide evidence that you’re capable of delivering high quality solutions on time. Depending on your budget, you might consider hiring freelance contractors or outsourcing parts of the job.

5. Are there any hidden dangers lurking behind SaaS sales success stories?

Although it seems obvious, it bears repeating that you must always remain truthful during negotiations. Never promise unrealistic numbers or claim that you can complete a task faster than you said you could. Doing either of these actions could result in legal action against you.

6. Do I really need a degree in finance to sell SaaS?

Yes, it’s true, but only if you want to earn six figures. Most SaaS sales positions are paid well, but you’ll need a solid understanding of financial jargon and statistics to convince potential buyers.

7. What does SaaS sales involve?

Salespeople in SaaS industries typically have to meet tight deadlines, negotiate complex contracts, manage multiple stakeholders, write reports, and present findings to decision makers. Although there is plenty of room for creativity, you’ll probably end up doing most of the heavy lifting, which means you’ll need strong communication skills.

8. Can I learn SaaS sales skills on my own?

Absolutely yes! Even if you’ve never sold anything before, you can easily master the art of selling SaaS thanks to several online courses, eBooks, videos, blogs, forums, and websites dedicated to teaching you the ropes.

9. Will I ever need to call people directly?

No, not necessarily. Many SaaS firms rely heavily on email correspondence, yet others opt for phone calls. Either method works perfectly fine, and both allow you to develop long-term relationships with your leads.

10. Is selling SaaS easy?

That entirely depends on whom you talk to. Some people struggle with selling IT products, while others excel at it. There is certainly no shortage of resources out there for people wanting to learn more about the subject, so hopefully this article gave you a good idea of what SaaS sales entails and how it differs from traditional retail sales.

11. Should I join a network?

If you decide to sign up to a networking group or community forum, be wary of fake profiles and scammers. Before committing to membership, check references, background checks, and reviews of the site. Only join reputable communities if you’re absolutely convinced the members are genuine.

12. Does SaaS sales training exist?

When you're thinking about selling your product or offering to potential customers who may ultimately buy into the concept, you'll want to make sure that they understand exactly what you are talking about.

The best way to do this is by using terminology and definitions that both describe your business model and also communicate its benefits to others. This can be hard work, especially when you've never done it before - but don't worry, we have all the information you need right here.

In this article, I'm going to tell you just what'sales' means when you talk about SaaS (software-as-a-service). You might already know some aspects of this topic, but if not, take a look at our article on 'how to find out if someone wants to buy your product'. In addition, we will explore what SaaS is and why businesses use them so often these days.

What is an example of a SaaS company?

If you were to ask any group of people to name companies which offer products based on SaaS technology, many would struggle with coming up with names. For this reason, we should start off by asking ourselves what it actually means to say something like "I am looking for a SaaS solution".

To answer this question, let's think back to the first time we bought anything online. We probably looked around the web trying to figure out whether or not we could trust the seller, and then checked reviews to see if anyone had been happy with their purchase.

It was only once we'd made a decision that we paid for the item, and then received it through the post. The same is true now that most purchases happen over the internet.

This brings us nicely onto an important point: SaaS simply refers to software that is sold directly to users rather than being installed on computers owned by individuals.

While there are exceptions where companies install their own software on customer machines, you generally won't get access to it unless you pay extra for support services. As such, SaaS solutions typically cost less money upfront because fewer licenses are needed.

Selling SaaS is therefore much easier than selling physical goods. It doesn't matter if you're working with a small team, or even one person, you still need to focus on finding prospects who might want your products. And doing this successfully requires you to learn new skills.

How is SaaS sales different from other sales?

As we saw above, SaaS is usually associated with smaller businesses and startups. That said, it isn't always easy to identify the difference between a startup and a large corporation. After all, many multinational corporations started life as very small ventures.

So how do you spot differentiating factors? Well, SaaS sales tend to rely upon two things: value propositions and differentiation strategies. These terms aren't necessarily unique to SaaS, but they are used particularly frequently within this niche market.

Value proposition is essentially your pitch, while differentiation strategy helps you to define what makes your product better than competitors. If you haven't got either of these elements down yet, you shouldn't expect to succeed with SaaS sales yet.

But what if you already have a good idea of how to differentiate yourself from industry leaders? What else do you need to add to your arsenal? Let me introduce you to the following five tips...

Tip 1: Use metrics to show proof points

Your customers will appreciate knowing how well your product works and how effective it is. But you mustn't forget that you also need to demonstrate this in numerical form.

Metrics help you to quantify results, showing clients how successful your efforts have been. They allow you to prove to prospective buyers that your product has real world applications, and that it solves problems which really exist.

You might choose to present sales figures alongside testimonials from satisfied customers. Alternatively, you could publish case studies featuring stories about specific projects which have been completed thanks to your software.

Whatever approach you decide to go for, make sure that you include a clear call to action in every piece of content that you create. Your readers should feel confident enough to try out your product straight away, without waiting for further explanation.

Tip 2: Focus on the end user

People who sign up for SaaS packages come from diverse backgrounds. Some might work for organisations big and small, while others prefer to remain independent freelancers. Regardless of what you sell though, your prospects will likely fall somewhere along those lines.

That's why you should consider focusing your marketing campaign on the needs of each individual type of buyer. So instead of targeting everyone equally, target certain groups depending on whether they fit into categories such as SMEs, mid-sized firms, or larger enterprises.

For instance, you might highlight the fact that your platform allows freelance workers to easily manage tasks from home, saving them valuable time and boosting productivity. Or perhaps you could emphasise the fact that your product has helped medium sized organizations to reduce costs, allowing them to grow more quickly.

Tip 3: Be prepared for objections

Many companies believe that SaaS is too complex for consumers to grasp. However, this view ignores the reality that today's digital natives often lack technical knowledge and expertise. By contrast, younger generations are growing up surrounded by tech gadgets, meaning that they have no problem grasping concepts involving apps and cloud storage.

If your prospect is worried about this issue, it pays to listen carefully to his concerns and address them head on. Acknowledge that he feels uneasy about making such changes, but reassure him that your system will benefit from them. Explain that you can provide training courses to teach employees how to operate your software effectively, helping them to avoid common mistakes.

Also, remember that some people may not agree with your decision to move towards SaaS entirely. Therefore, it's crucial that you keep open channels of communication throughout the entire process. Don't assume that you've reached closure until your client has agreed to sign up.

Tip 4: Keep improving your offering

Once you've established a relationship with a particular client, you can build trust by demonstrating that you're dedicated to providing exceptional service. To achieve this goal, you should regularly review your existing offerings and develop new ones.

Whether you're planning to launch additional features, improve speed or efficiency, or upgrade security protocols, you must ensure that your offering remains fresh and relevant. Otherwise, you risk losing your current clients, forcing them to switch platforms and spend thousands of dollars elsewhere.

Tip 5: Offer multiple payment plans

Most SaaS providers offer monthly subscriptions. While this may seem straightforward enough, it leaves lots of room for confusion. Because people rarely pay for items outright, they will almost certainly require a trial period.

Therefore, you need to make sure that your client knows precisely what she's buying into, and how long her commitment will last. Ideally, you should encourage her to set aside a few weeks or months to test your product, giving herself plenty of time to assess its capabilities.

What is SASS selling?

There are several ways to sell SaaS, including via websites, blogs, social media accounts, presentations, etc. One method is to give demos, letting interested parties see how your software functions inside a live environment. Another option is to send emails inviting people to register for a free account.

However, none of these methods are ideal for beginners. Instead, you should opt for cold calling techniques, whereby you phone unknown numbers and attempt to convince potential customers to subscribe to your package.

By taking advantage of modern technologies, cold calling gives you greater control over your messaging. Plus, it offers you the chance to reach hundreds of contacts at once, ensuring that your message gets across faster than ever.

With these five tips under your belt, you should be able to attract more SaaS leads to your website. Then, you can begin converting them into paying customers, building a solid foundation for future growth. Good luck!

What is an example of a SaaS?

Salesforce is one of the biggest players in the SaaS space. With approximately $10 billion worth of annual revenue, this American firm controls 70% of all CRM (customer relationship management) software. Its success comes from the fact that it provides tools to manage customer relationships efficiently and cheaply.

Another popular SaaS provider is Hubspot, which sells email marketing software designed specifically for B2B (business-to-business) companies. Their app enables teams to track performance and measure progress against goals, all whilst staying organised.