While everyone chases the next unicorn, I built 12 micro-SaaS tools generating substantial monthly recurring revenue. No venture capital, no massive team, no Silicon Valley dreams—just small tools solving specific problems for niche markets.
The micro-SaaS approach isn't about building the next Facebook. It's about building sustainable, profitable businesses that fit your lifestyle and generate real freedom.
What is Micro-SaaS?
Micro-SaaS tools are:
- Small, focused software solutions
- Built by 1-5 person teams
- Targeting niche markets
- Generating meaningful recurring revenue
- Requiring minimal ongoing maintenance
The 12-Tool Portfolio
Tool 1: Agency Report Automator - High-performing tool
Tool 2: LinkedIn Content Scheduler - Strong revenue generator
Tool 3: Email Signature Generator - Solid performer
Tool 4: Proposal Template Builder - Consistent earner
Tool 5: Meeting Notes Organiser - Growing steadily
Tool 6: Invoice Tracking Dashboard - Reliable income
Tool 7: Client Feedback Collector - Moderate performer
Tool 8: Social Media Audit Tool - Good traction
Tool 9: Password Policy Generator - Niche success
Tool 10: Brand Guidelines Creator - Steady growth
Tool 11: Time Zone Meeting Planner - Consistent usage
Tool 12: Competitor Price Tracker - Valuable insights tool
Combined Portfolio: Generating substantial monthly recurring revenue
The Micro-SaaS Development Process
Step 1: Pain Point Discovery (Week 1)
I don't start with technology—I start with problems:
- Monitor forums, Reddit, Facebook groups
- Listen to customer service calls
- Survey existing customers
- Analyse competitor review complaints
Step 2: Validate Before Building (Week 2)
Use the £3 validation method:
- Create a landing page describing the solution
- Run targeted ads to the pain point
- Measure interest and collect pre-orders
- Only build if validation succeeds
Step 3: MVP Development (Weeks 3-8)
Build the absolute minimum viable product:
- Core functionality only
- No fancy features
- Basic but functional UI
- Manual processes where possible
Step 4: Launch and Iterate (Weeks 9-12)
Launch to your waiting list and improve based on feedback:
- Real user feedback
- Feature prioritisation based on usage
- Gradual automation of manual processes
- Price optimisation
Micro-SaaS Success Patterns
The Workflow Gap Pattern
Find gaps between popular tools:
Example: People use Slack and Google Sheets but need better integration
Solution: Build a bridge tool that syncs data automatically
The Simplification Pattern
Take complex enterprise tools and simplify for SMBs:
Example: Salesforce is too complex for small agencies
Solution: Build a simple CRM focused on agency workflows
The Compliance Pattern
Help businesses meet regulatory requirements:
Example: GDPR compliance is confusing for small businesses
Solution: Build automated GDPR compliance tools
The Industry-Specific Pattern
Take general tools and customise for specific industries:
Example: Project management tools aren't built for dentists
Solution: Build practice management software for dental clinics
Technical Stack for Speed
Frontend: Next.js with Tailwind CSS
Backend: Supabase or Firebase
Authentication: Auth0 or Supabase Auth
Payments: Stripe
Hosting: Vercel or Netlify
Analytics: Google Analytics + Mixpanel
Pricing Strategies That Work
The Time-Saver Calculation
Price based on time saved:
- Calculate hours saved per month
- Multiply by hourly rate of target customer
- Charge 20-30% of that value
- Example: Save 10 hours × hourly rate = total value, charge 20-30% of that
The Competitor Plus Strategy
Find closest competitor and price 20% higher:
- Research similar tools
- Add unique features
- Position as premium alternative
- Justify higher price with better support
Marketing Micro-SaaS Tools
Content Marketing
Create valuable content around the problem:
- How-to guides and tutorials
- Industry-specific tips
- Templates and resources
- Case studies and results
SEO for Niche Keywords
Target long-tail, specific search terms:
- "[industry] [tool type]"
- "How to [solve specific problem]"
- "[competitor] alternative"
- "[specific use case] software"
Direct Outreach
Personally reach out to ideal customers:
- Identify prospects on LinkedIn
- Offer free tool setup
- Provide value-first approach
- Convert through demonstration
Common Micro-SaaS Mistakes
Building Too Much Too Soon
Start simple and add features based on real usage, not assumptions.
Targeting Too Broad a Market
Better to dominate a niche than get lost in a large market.
Underpricing Your Solution
Price based on value delivered, not costs to build.
Neglecting Customer Support
Great support can differentiate you from larger competitors.
Scaling Your Micro-SaaS Portfolio
The Template Approach
Once you have one successful tool:
- Reuse the technical foundation
- Apply the same pricing strategy
- Use similar marketing approaches
- Leverage existing customer relationships
Cross-Promotion Between Tools
Use your existing customer base to launch new tools:
- Survey customers about other pain points
- Offer early access to loyal users
- Bundle complementary tools
- Create ecosystem effects
"Micro-SaaS isn't about building the biggest company—it's about building the most sustainable lifestyle business."
Your Micro-SaaS Action Plan
Month 1: Identify 3 pain points in your industry or expertise area
Month 2: Validate one pain point using the £3 method
Month 3-4: Build and launch MVP to waiting list
Month 5-6: Iterate based on user feedback and optimise pricing
The micro-SaaS empire isn't built overnight, but it's built sustainably. Start with one profitable tool, then systematically expand your portfolio.
Small problems solved well can create big freedom.