In 2025, building a SaaS side hustle is no longer reserved for venture-backed founders. With lean tools, no-code platforms, and cloud credits, you can launch a minimum viable product (MVP) in under 60 days and spend less than $500 total.
This article gives you a step-by-step roadmap to validate, build, and market a SaaS side hustle, even if you’re a solo founder with a full-time job.
Day 1–7: Validate Your SaaS Idea
- Pick a problem you or your peers face repeatedly (time tracking, invoicing, niche AI tools).
- Run surveys or post on Reddit SaaS communities to gauge interest.
- Create a simple landing page with Carrd or Typedream ($20/month).
- Set up email capture with Mailchimp (free tier).
Tip: If 50+ people join your waitlist in a week, your idea is worth building.
Day 8–30: Build a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
Your MVP doesn’t need 20 features—it needs one workflow that solves a pain point. Build lean:
- No-code builders: Bubble or FlutterFlow (visual app builders).
- Backend: Use Supabase or Firebase (free tiers cover small apps).
- Hosting: Deploy on Vercel or Railway (free credits available).
Cost so far: ~$150 (tools + hosting).
Day 31–45: Marketing Foundation
- Write SEO-rich blogs targeting your SaaS niche. (Example: see my guide on AI agents).
- Record short-form content on TikTok/YouTube Shorts showing your SaaS solving a real pain.
- Join Slack/Discord communities where your target users hang out—don’t sell, solve.
- Launch on Product Hunt to gain visibility.
Day 46–60: Monetize & Scale
By now, you should have early users. Convert them with:
- Tiered pricing: $0 (free tier), $19/mo (starter), $49/mo (pro).
- Offer annual discounts to lock in early adopters.
- Automate billing with Stripe (free to set up).
Total spend: ~$400–$500. First paying users should cover this within a month if priced right.
Sample Budget Breakdown
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Domain + Landing Page | $30 |
| No-code Builder (Bubble) | $99 |
| Database/Backend (Supabase) | Free–$25 |
| Hosting (Vercel/Railway) | Free–$20 |
| Marketing Tools (SEO + Email) | $50 |
FAQ: Building a SaaS Side Hustle
Do I need to code to launch SaaS?
No. With no-code platforms like Bubble or FlutterFlow, you can ship SaaS apps without traditional coding.
How many features should my MVP have?
One. Focus on solving a single workflow well. More features come later.
What if I don’t get users?
Revisit validation. Did you test demand early? A failed launch often means building before testing.
Is $500 really enough?
Yes. With cloud credits, free hosting tiers, and lean marketing, you can validate and monetize under $500.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, building a SaaS side hustle is about speed, not perfection. With <$500 and 60 days, you can validate, build, and launch a product that solves a real problem. Once you have paying users, reinvest revenue to scale into a full SaaS business.