If a Venn diagram illustrated excitement on one side and nerve-wracking anxiety on the other, launching a new software-as-a-service (SaaS) product would likely land squarely in the middle.

While bringing the product out of the test phase and into the world is full of great possibilities, it also necessitates a strong strategy and rigorous planning, which is how we help our clients avoid pitfalls in the countdown phase of a software launch. Here are just a few ways that T-Minus Solutions helps SaaS startups avoid launch misfires:

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Test & Tweak

If this seems like an obvious part of a launch plan, that’s a good thing; of course, you want to make sure your software is tested before it goes out into the world. Unfortunately, sometimes the testing isn’t being done by the product’s target market, and the customer perspective that’s most critical isn’t understood until it’s too late. Focus groups, advisory groups, and surveys informed by market research are just a few of the ways to test the product out in the world before the software goes live.

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Security is Paramount

A product working as intended may be the highest priority before a product is go-to-market ready, but a myopic focus can obscure an equally important challenge: thoroughly investigating a software’s security vulnerabilities. With data privacy concerns on the rise, you must be ready to address how your company is guarding against these issues. Some companies are satisfied with internal testing and open-source tools, but it’s always safest to hire a skilled penetration tester to make sure there are no weaknesses that might otherwise be exploited.

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Marketing Before Going to Market

Like a tree falling in the woods, a product needs an audience to make a noticeable splash. So, it’s not enough to simply send out a press release and make announcements about your new product. Careful planning, budgeting and vetting of strategy is necessary to make sure your SaaS product makes its way into the right decision makers’ hands. While it’s tempting to DIY with the intention of saving costs, you’re better served by spending smart money with the right partners.

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Now We’re in Business

Sales goals are key to a thriving business, but growth isn’t simply determined by getting as many new customers as possible. You also must retain them. Determining how the product needs to evolve for a customer is crucial to continued use and long-term loyalty. SaaS subscription models are not one-size-fits-all, so it’s important to understand your target customers’ business needs and thresholds, and to know your average sales cycle.

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The bottom line: Make sure the launch lives up to the hard work you’ve put into your SaaS product. Contact T-Minus Solutions to schedule a consultation and see how we can help.