Hi there,
Thanks for reaching out. Happy to give you some initial thoughts and guidance on getting your first B2C SaaS off the ground, especially on the marketing side when you're just starting out with no budget.
It's completely understandable that marketing feels like a black box when you're coming from a programming background. It really is a different skillset and requires a different mindset than building the product itself. That whole pre-launch phase the "gurus" talk about can be really useful though, it's not just hype. It's about building anticipation and getting feedback early.
I'd start by getting a solid landing page sorted...
Before you launch, you need a central place for people to learn about your app. This isn't just a technical description; it's a sales tool. Your landing page needs to clearly articulate the problem your B2C app solves and how it makes the user's life better. Show off the key features, but focus on the *benefits* those features provide. Honestly, persuasive copy makes a world of difference here. If writing isn't your strong suit, it might be worth looking at how other successful B2C apps phrase things or even finding someone who specialises in writing for SaaS products.
The main call to action on this page should be to join a waitlist. This is your primary goal pre-launch without a marketing budget. It gives you a list of genuinely interested people you can communicate with. You could sweeten the deal by offering something exclusive for early sign-ups, like free access for a limited time or a special discount when you launch properly.
Then you need to keep your waitlist warm...
Collecting emails is only the first step. You need to keep these people engaged so they don't forget about you. Email them periodically with updates on development, maybe share some sneak peeks of the app, ask for their feedback on potential features or pain points they have. This also helps you refine the product based on real-world input from potential users. You can use this list to recruit your first batch of beta testers when your MVP is ready.
Regarding the timing of promoting this waitlist - I wouldn't start pushing it too hard way too early. It makes sense to promote the waitlist once your MVP is far enough along that you can actually show it off and gauge *real* demand, or if you're planning to onboard beta testers soon, or the actual public launch is just around the corner. You want to build and maintain excitement.
Getting the word out organically...
Since paid ads are out of the question for now, you need to focus on organic channels to drive traffic to your waitlist page. Think about where early adopters and people who fit your ideal B2C user profile hang out online. Websites like Betalist, Product Hunt (definitely plan a launch day push here), and Indie Hackers are great places to list your upcoming project and get visibility from a relevant audience.
Engaging in relevant social media communities or forums where your target users spend time can also work. The key here is to be helpful and provide value, not just drop links. Participate in discussions, offer insights, and naturally mention your project when it's genuinely relevant and allowed by the group rules. Don't just spam. Trying to get coverage from blogs or journalists who write about new B2C apps or your specific niche could also generate some traffic – you'd need a compelling story or angle to pitch them.
Here's a quick overview of initial steps:
| Step | Action | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Build persuasive landing page for waitlist. | Explain benefits, capture emails. |
| 2 | Set up email sequence for waitlist. | Keep sign-ups engaged, gather feedback. |
| 3 | Determine optimal time to promote waitlist. | Align with MVP readiness / beta testing / launch. |
| 4 | Promote waitlist on organic channels. | Reach early adopters (Betalist, Product Hunt, Indie Hackers, relevant communities). |
This initial focus on building an audience and gathering feedback organically will be crucial for your launch and future growth, especially without budget for paid acquisition yet. It's all about validating your idea and building a core group of interested users before you even launch properly.
Why expert help might be useful later...
While focusing on organic is smart for now, scaling typically requires exploring paid channels like Google Ads, Meta Ads, etc. Understanding how to target the right B2C users effectively, optimise campaigns for sign-ups or conversions, and manage budgets efficiently is complex and requires significant experience. We've seen great results for B2C SaaS clients, achieving things like 45k+ signups at under £2 each across various platforms, or driving significant trial signups at low costs. Getting paid ads right from the start can save you a lot of money and accelerate growth significantly compared to learning everything through trial and error.
Once you're ready to think about scaling with paid ads, or if you hit roadblocks with your organic efforts, talking to someone with experience in B2C SaaS marketing can make a big difference. We're happy to jump on a free consultation to discuss your specific app, target audience, and potential marketing strategies in more detail when the time is right.
Regards,
Team @ Lukas Holschuh
