Building Your Micro SaaS on Solid Ground

1.1 Defining Your Micro SaaS

What Makes a Successful Micro SaaS?

Core Characteristics:
• Small, focused solution
• Single core problem
• Limited feature set
• Solo-founder optimized
• Low overhead
• High automation
• Subscription revenue

Key Success Metrics

Baseline Targets:
• MRR: $5K-50K
• Customers: 100-1000
• Churn: <5%
• CAC: <$100
• LTV: >$1000
• Support: <2h/day
• Development: <20h/week

1.2 Market Opportunity Analysis

Market Validation Framework

1. Problem Validation
□ Recurring pain point
□ Current solutions
□ Market size
□ Willingness to pay

2. Competition Analysis
□ Direct competitors
□ Indirect solutions
□ Market gaps
□ Unique advantage

3. Customer Research
□ Target persona
□ User interviews
□ Pain points
□ Feature requests

Validation Checklist

Must-Have Signals:
• 20+ customer interviews
• 3+ competitor products
• 100+ potential customers
• Clear monetization path
• Defined market size
• Unique advantage

1.3 Tech Stack Selection

Core Infrastructure

Frontend Options:
1. Next.js + React
   • Pros: SEO, fast development
   • Cons: Learning curve

2. Vue + Nuxt
   • Pros: Simplicity, documentation
   • Cons: Smaller ecosystem

3. SvelteKit
   • Pros: Performance, size
   • Cons: Fewer resources

Backend Options:
1. Node.js + Express
   • Pros: JavaScript, large ecosystem
   • Cons: CPU-intensive tasks

2. Python + FastAPI
   • Pros: AI/ML ready, simple
   • Cons: Hosting costs

3. Go
   • Pros: Performance, compiled
   • Cons: Development speed

Database Selection

Considerations:
1. PostgreSQL
   • Use when: Complex queries, relations
   • Avoid when: Simple key-value needs

2. MongoDB
   • Use when: Flexible schema, rapid changes
   • Avoid when: Complex transactions

3. Redis
   • Use when: Caching, real-time data
   • Avoid when: Primary database needs

1.4 MVP Architecture

Core Components

Essential Services:
1. Authentication
   • Auth0/Clerk
   • JWT handling
   • Role management

2. Payments
   • Stripe integration
   • Subscription handling
   • Invoice management

3. Email System
   • SendGrid/Postmark
   • Template system
   • Automation flows

4. Monitoring
   • Error tracking
   • Performance metrics
   • User analytics