Miscellaneous | How I Use AI + No code to Validate any SaaS Idea

December 11th, 2023

Introduction:

The video commences by addressing the common pitfalls encountered by novice founders who plunge into developing Software as a Service (SaaS) ideas without adequate validation. It underscores the critical need to gauge user interest as a preliminary step before committing substantial resources to idea execution. As always, this summary will serve to cement my learnings taken from this video and I hope it helps guide your learnings when watching the video as well.

Validation Overview:

This section talks about mistakes made by founders, either sidestepping the validation process altogether or grappling with its conceptual intricacies. It introduces a structured three-step approach that leverages contemporary tools such as Figma and Framer for landing page design, Formsparc for creating sign-up forms, and Tiny Kiwi for crafting ad creatives. Artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT are referenced for generating website copy that resonates with potential users.

Tools for Validation:

The segment underscores the availability of potent tools for modern-day idea validation, and discusses a step-by-step approach in using those tools in validating your SaaS ideas.

Step 1 - Landing Page Creation and Content:

This part of the video guides viewers through the initial step of the validation process. It involves the creation of a landing page using design tools like Figma and Framer. Simplicity in design is emphasized, and the video provides insights into adding essential content, such as the tool name, logo, and navigation menu. Encourage early sign-ups by presenting the tool as “launching soon”.

Step 1 Continued - Sign-Up Form:

Use Formsparc to create a form within the landing page. This form is designed to collect user emails, an essential component for subsequent validation efforts.

Step 2 - Ad Creatives and Creation:

Moving to the second step, the video explores the use of advertisements to drive traffic to the landing page. It introduces the creation of three ad formats tailored for Facebook and Instagram using Tiny Kiwi. The subsequent guidance involves setting up a Facebook ad campaign through Facebook’s Ad Manager. The emphasis is on simplicity in campaign criteria for the experimental phase.

Step 2 Continued - Winning Criteria:

This part underscores the necessity of establishing predetermined criteria for success before initiating the ad campaign. It advises on setting clear goals, such as the desired number of sign-ups and the campaign duration, to effectively evaluate the validation outcome. The video suggests targeting a 3-5% sign up rate as a measure of campaign success.

Step 3 - Experiment Results:

The video unveils the results of the one-week ad campaign, revealing 11 sign-ups. It discusses the significance of this outcome and considers potential adjustments or iterations based on the performance. Given the 11 sign ups did not meet the 3-5% sign-up rate threshold, the idea was discarded, however was done prior to having spent any time on implementation and saved the founder unnecessary time in the building phase.