How to Launch a SaaS in 30 Days
A realistic day-by-day breakdown. Not "build a billion-dollar company in a month"— but "get your first paying customer in 30 days."
Key Takeaway
30 days is enough to launch if you're disciplined about scope. The goal isn't a perfect product—it's a working product with one paying customer. Everything else can come after launch.
The 30-Day Breakdown
Week 1: Foundation (Days 1-7)
Days 1-2: Define Your MVP
Write down the ONE problem you're solving and the MINIMUM features needed to solve it. If your list has more than 5 features, cut it in half.
Output: One-page spec with problem statement, target user, and 3-5 core features.
Days 3-4: Set Up Infrastructure
This is where most people lose 2-4 weeks. Auth, database, deployment, billing—use a boilerplate or you'll never ship.
Tools: HiveForge (auth, billing, multi-tenancy), Railway/Vercel (hosting), Supabase (database).
Days 5-7: Build Core Feature #1
Start with the feature that delivers the most value. Users should be able to experience your core value proposition by the end of week 1.
Week 2: Core Product (Days 8-14)
Days 8-10: Build Remaining Features
Complete your 3-5 core features. Resist the urge to add "just one more thing." If it's not in your day-1 spec, it waits until after launch.
Days 11-12: Connect Billing
Set up Stripe products/prices. Create checkout flow. Test with test cards. Make sure you can actually charge money.
Pricing tip: Start with 2-3 tiers. Free, $29/month, $99/month is a fine starting point. Adjust based on feedback.
Days 13-14: Internal Testing
Use your product yourself. Find the rough edges. Fix critical bugs only— polishing comes later.
Week 3: Marketing Prep (Days 15-21)
Days 15-17: Landing Page
Your landing page needs: headline (what you do), subheadline (for whom), 3 benefits, pricing, and a signup CTA. That's it.
Don't: Spend a week on animations. A simple page that converts beats a beautiful page that doesn't.
Days 18-19: Beta Users
Reach out to 10-20 people in your target audience. Offer free access in exchange for feedback. These become your first testimonials.
Days 20-21: Fix Beta Feedback
Beta users will find issues you missed. Fix blockers, note nice-to-haves for later.
Week 4: Launch (Days 22-30)
Days 22-24: Pre-Launch
Final testing. Set up analytics (Posthog, Mixpanel). Prepare launch posts for Twitter, LinkedIn, Hacker News, relevant communities.
Day 25: Launch Day
Post everywhere. Be online all day to respond to questions and fix anything that breaks. First impressions matter.
Days 26-30: Post-Launch
Follow up with everyone who signed up. Ask for feedback. Convert free users to paid. Your goal: 1 paying customer by day 30.
Common Mistakes
Building in isolation
Don't wait until day 30 to show anyone. Get feedback by day 14. Early feedback prevents building the wrong thing.
Perfectionism
"I just need to add one more feature" is how 30 days becomes 6 months. Launch ugly. You can always improve later.
Building infrastructure from scratch
Auth, billing, and deployment can eat your entire 30 days. Use a boilerplate. Your unique value isn't in login forms.
Free forever
Charge from day 1. Even $9/month. Free users don't validate your business. Paying customers do.
Tools for a 30-Day Launch
| Category | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Boilerplate | HiveForge (auth, billing, multi-tenancy included) |
| Hosting | Railway or Vercel (one-click deploy) |
| Database | Supabase (Postgres + auth + realtime) |
| Payments | Stripe (only real option for SaaS) |
| Analytics | Posthog or Mixpanel |
| Resend or Postmark |
Start Your 30-Day Clock Today
HiveForge gives you days 3-4 (infrastructure) done in hours. Auth, billing, multi-tenancy—ready to go.
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