Before you even think about features or technology, the absolute bedrock of your SaaS MVP is understanding who you're building for and what burning problem you're solving for them. Skipping this step is like building a house without knowing who will live in it or what kind of climate it needs to withstand. It's a recipe for wasted time, resources, and ultimately, a product nobody wants.
This section will guide you through the crucial process of defining your target user and their core problem, laying the foundation for an effective and desirable MVP.
Your ICP is a detailed description of the type of company or individual that would benefit most from your SaaS solution. Think beyond generic demographics. Get specific!
Consider these elements when building your ICP:
- Industry/Vertical: What specific industries are you targeting?
- Company Size: Small business, mid-market, enterprise? (Consider employee count, revenue).
- Role/Title of Key Decision Makers: Who will be evaluating and purchasing your SaaS?
- Geographic Location: Are there regional considerations?
- Technological Maturity: Are they early adopters, or do they prefer established solutions?
- Existing Tools/Workflows: What are they using now to solve their problems (or not solving them)?
It's often beneficial to create multiple ICPs if your SaaS can serve distinct market segments, but for your MVP, focus on the single most compelling ICP that offers the clearest path to validation.
Once you know who you're serving, you need to pinpoint their most significant pain point. This isn't just an inconvenience; it's a problem that costs them time, money, or opportunities.