SaaS Product Launch Checklist: From Problem to Paid
A structured checklist to launch a software product: validation, MVP, billing, legal, beta, and go-live. For SaaS and subscription products.
What's in This Guide
SaaS Launch: Problem to Paid
This checklist covers validation, MVP, billing, legal, beta testing, and go-live for a software or subscription product.
Get Started
Lock in problem, audience, and minimum offer.
Build & Beta
Product, payments, and early users.
Pre-Launch
Technical and legal readiness.
Launch
Public launch and paid conversion.
Post-Launch
Improve activation and retention.
Level Up
Scale and trust when basics work.
SaaS Product Launch Checklist: From Problem to Paid
This checklist helps you launch a software or subscription product: problem and MVP, build and beta, billing and legal, then go-live and post-launch optimization.
Get Started (Quick Wins)
- Write the problem you solve in one sentence — Who, what pain, and how your product fixes it.
- List 3 target customer segments — e.g. SMBs, freelancers, dev teams.
- Pick one pricing model — Subscription, usage, or one-time; match to value.
- Define MVP in 3 core features — Minimum to deliver value and charge.
Build & Beta
- Build core flow and onboarding (under 2 min) — First-run experience is critical.
- Set up billing (Stripe, Paddle, or similar) — One tier to start; test subscription flow.
- Add Terms of Service and Privacy Policy — Required for trust and compliance.
- Beta test with 10–20 target users — Fix critical bugs and one UX issue.
Pre-Launch (Technical & Legal)
- Enable SSL, error tracking, and basic monitoring — Security and observability.
- Define refund policy (e.g. 14-day) — Clear and fair.
- GDPR basics: cookie consent and data export — If you have EU users.
- Record a 2–3 minute product demo video — For landing page and support.
Launch
- Set launch date and prepare landing page — Clear value prop and CTA.
- Submit to Product Hunt or one directory — One launch channel.
- Email or post to your list and network — Announce and ask for feedback.
- Turn on paid plans and remove beta gates — Go live for real.
Post-Launch (Optimize)
- Track activation rate (first 7-day use) — Aim to improve onboarding.
- Run 3 user feedback calls — What works, what's missing.
- Fix one critical bug or friction point — Prioritise by impact.
- Set up welcome and one retention email — Activation and engagement.
Level Up (Optional)
- Add a second pricing tier — Upsell path.
- Implement basic analytics (events, funnels) — Product and growth insights.
- Create a simple status or help page — Trust and support.
You're Ready to Launch
Use this checklist in order: quick wins, build and beta, pre-launch, launch, then post-launch. Focus on activation and retention after go-live; add tiers and analytics in the optional phase when the core loop works.
Why This SaaS Checklist Works
Quick Wins First
Problem, segments, pricing, and MVP scope in under 30 minutes.
Beta Before Scale
10–20 users catch critical bugs and UX issues.
Legal and Billing Ready
Terms, privacy, refund, and GDPR basics before launch.
Activation and Retention
Post-launch focus on first-use and email sequences.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start charging?
After beta: when core value works and you've fixed critical bugs. Start with one clear tier; add more later. A 14-day refund is common.
Do I need GDPR compliance from day one?
If you have or target EU users, yes. At minimum: cookie consent, privacy policy, and a way to export or delete data. Add more as you scale.
What's the best launch channel for SaaS?
Product Hunt and Hacker News work for many; so do LinkedIn, Twitter, or your email list. Choose one channel and do it well before adding more.