SaaS Platform Development: The 9 Best Practices in 2025

When creating your own SaaS platform, following our 9 best practices can help you avoid headaches. First, you’ll need to define your idea and jot down all the issues it will solve. Then, you can start SaaS platform development by drawing up blueprints or wireframes.

Indeed, you can follow several best practices to ensure that the software you develop always excels and offers a tip-top user experience. Read on to learn more about: 

• What SaaS platform development is, how it can be done, and how you can benefit

• 9 best practices for optimal SaaS building

• Some frequently asked questions about SaaS development

• Choosing the right SaaS platform for your needs

• Why you should choose Blaze.tech for building your SaaS

Now, let’s briefly define SaaS platform development.  

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What Is SaaS Platform Development?

SaaS (software as a service) platform development is the process of building software or applications that can be accessed and used via the Internet. Instead of downloading the program to your device, you can find it on the web and start using it.

Here are some model examples of SaaS platforms you might use today: 

• No-code app building platforms like Blaze.tech that let you create your own SaaS for your business

• Design software like Figma and Canva 

• Google Workspace, allowing for shared document and spreadsheet creation, file sharing, etc. 

• CRM management tools like Salesforce and HubSpot

• Project management software like Trello and Asana

While most of these SaaS platforms are already made for you, it’s possible to build your own one using 3 development techniques: No-code, low-code, and full-code solutions.

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A Glance at the SaaS Platform Development Methodology

No-code SaaS development empowers non-technical teams to launch software applications without writing a single line of code. These platforms provide intuitive drag-and-drop interfaces, pre-built templates, and other tools​, significantly reducing the time and cost of SaaS creation.

Low-code development is a hybrid approach that combines drag-and-drop interfaces with the ability to add custom code when needed. This method is ideal for businesses requiring more flexibility than no-code but don’t want the complexity or high cost of full-code development. 

Traditional coding involves software engineers writing the entire application from scratch using programming languages like JavaScript, Python, or Ruby on Rails. It offers maximum flexibility, customization, and scalability but requires extensive technical expertise, longer development cycles, and higher costs. 

Companies choosing full-code development typically aim to build complex, large-scale SaaS applications with unique functionalities that no-code or low-code platforms can’t support.​

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The 9 Best Practices for Scalable and Secure SaaS Solutions​

Whether you’re creating your SaaS using no-code, low-code, or traditional coding, our system of best practices can ensure that you build a highly effective and functioning SaaS platform. 

Adopting the following principles will ensure your building process goes smoothly, keep your users happy, and enable you to maintain your SaaS app. The following are our 9 best practices for a stellar SaaS solution:

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1. Know the Applications You Need

Before you select your development method or even draw up blueprints, you’ll need to clearly identify the precise platform or platforms you’ll be developing. Knowing this helps ensure your SaaS meets your core objectives. 

Grab a pencil, some paper, or, if you’re modern, your favorite tablet and start jotting down a few problems you’re currently encountering, then, outline some key business functions that your SaaS support. 

For instance, if you’re having issues managing inventory, consider creating a tool that can compile information about goods purchased and ultimately provides visibility into stock levels, shipping dates, associated costs, and revenues.  

Importantly, you’ll also need to determine which team members will use your software. It’s a good idea to speak with them, as they’re on the front lines currently facing the problems you’re setting out to solve. Jot down their feedback, as it will be a useful guide when you start building. 

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2. Determine Your Core Functions, Integrations, and Security Features

After you’ve defined your issues and consulted with your team, you should have a pretty clear idea of the app type you’ll need to create. Now, you’ll need to consider the tasks your app will execute, which can help you determine the core features you’ll want to include.

Clearly defining these core features upfront also clarifies which integrations you'll need to optimize your software’s functionality. By knowing the precise tasks your app will execute, you can easily build in the necessary tools and integrate them with the proper platforms. 

Not sure which features or tasks you want to include? Here’s a quick list of common functionalities and integrations to get you started:

• A scheduling tool that looks like a calendar and allows users to book appointments. 

• In-app messaging for quick communication between users and support.

• A payment platform so clients can purchase your goods or services upfront.

• A QR scanner that automatically sends product info to a database. 

• Integrations with third-party applications you currently use, like Slack, QuickBooks, Google Drive, and others. 

It’s also important to consider the security features you’ll need. Unfortunately, each SaaS development platform comes with varying degrees of security. While nearly all are end-to-end encrypted, some only offer advanced features like single-sign-on, 2-factor authentication, and role-based access. 

Even fewer platforms offer enterprise compliance features that all but guarantee lock-down security for large businesses handling very sensitive information. Common compliance includes HIPAA, for healthcare software that stores patient medical data and SOC 2 for handling any customer data. 

What is the Role of AI in SaaS Platform Development? 

Today, multiple AI technologies have emerged — and the better news is that they can accelerate your SaaS platform development and add them on as a feature in your final product. 

Some no-code and low-code app-building platforms bolster your building process. These let you describe specific designs or elements, and the AI will create them for you. Then, fine-tune each feature so it matches your brand and tastes. 

You’ll also be able to include AI-powered features that can amplify your app’s user experience. For instance, you can create a chatbot that answers customer questions, auto-capture information from online forms and notify your team on Slack, and auto-update your inventory. 

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3. Wireframe and Plan 

Wireframing and planning provide you with a clear structural blueprint before development begins. A well-crafted wireframe outlines key features, navigation flows, and user interactions, ensuring a logical and intuitive user experience.

You can draw your app plans on paper or a tablet. Or try out a free wireframing tool like Miro that lets you mock up your app’s screens using a drag-and-drop interface. Using digital tools is ideal because it gives you an idea of what your app might look like on a screen. 

Additionally, if you decide to hire an app development agency, your wireframes will serve as an excellent point of reference, providing the developers with easy-to-read and simple-to-follow blueprints. 

Mapping out your SaaS layout can reduce the risk of design inconsistencies and functionality issues. It also helps prevent potential bottlenecks, allowing for preemptive solutions before coding or implementation starts.

Additionally, with a blueprint in front of you, placing the right tools, frameworks, and integrations on their respective screens becomes much more manageable. This “roadmap” minimizes unexpected challenges and keeps the project timeline and budget on track.

Most importantly, you’ll be able to build software that accommodates a pleasant user experience (UX) before you even start. 

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4. Select the Optimal Development Method for You

Now, when the building time commences, don’t just come out guns a-blazin’ and call app development agencies. One of the most important best practices is considering that you can create your app or software all on your own. 

There are 3 main methods of SaaS platform development. Here’s an overview of each and how to determine if it works best for you: 

No-Code Development

No-code development allows anyone skilled enough to create a LinkedIn to build a SaaS solution. Create an app without writing a single line of code: You’ll choose a premade template and add elements using a drag-and-drop interface. You can customize your app for color, appearance, and layout. 

While many no-code platforms significantly reduce development time and cost, they can also impose limitations in customization and scalability. Unless you pick a no-code platform built to scale like Blaze, you might have difficulty accommodating a large user base. 

Low-Code Development

Low-code platforms balance ease of use and customization, offering pre-built components and the flexibility to integrate custom scripts and API with code. This makes them an excellent option for teams with a few techies on board who need a customized solution. 

While many businesses benefit from faster time-to-market and greater customization, you’ll need to know a few technical concepts, like how APIs work and how to write a few lines of code to use a low-code platform.

Traditional Coding

The OG method of creating SaaS. Programmers use several languages, such as Python, JavaScript, Kotlin, SQL, etc., to build highly customized solutions. If you require special security and pixel-perfect customization or are just creating a stupendously complex app, coding is the way to go. 

Unless you’re a seasoned developer, you’ll probably need to hire a development agency, which will most likely cost in the $10,000s. You’ll also need to shop around for agencies, negotiate, and communicate your needs (most likely via email, Slack, and/or WhatsApp) throughout the entire process. 

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5. Design for Scalability and Performance

Designing for scalability ensures that your SaaS solution can handle increased demand without compromising performance. If you’re using a no-code or low-code platform, you’ll need a pricing plan allowing enough bandwidth and memory to accommodate a growing user base. 

A robust disaster recovery plan safeguards your platform against unexpected failures. Data backup strategies, failover systems, and real-time replication help prevent data loss and service interruptions. 

By continuously monitoring system health and automating recovery processes, you ensure a seamless user experience even during unexpected failures.

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6. Release your App Slowly, with a Testing Framework

Because you’ll most likely encounter a few speed bumps along the way, don’t build every feature and function of your platform all at once. We recommend you build a minimum viable product (MVP) first.

As the name suggests, an MVP only features your app’s minimum functionalities. For instance, an inventory management app would only have an inventory database and tracker. Once you release it, you can test it in a real environment and determine how well it works. 

Get feedback from your users and determine if any changes need to be made. Then, after the inventory database and tracker are humming like a well-oiled machine, it’s time to add more functions slowly — one at a time. 

Continue to test each functionality to ensure that you publish a reliable SaaS solution. Without testing, bugs and performance issues can make their way into production, causing user frustration and possibly even halting your operations. 

If you thoroughly test each feature, chances are you’ll publish highly functional SaaS that your team will love.

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7. Monitor Emerging Trends and Technologies 

Ensuring that your app features the latest features requires continuous vigilance in tracking emerging technologies, market shifts, and evolving user demands. This means you’ll need to do a little bit of homework. 

Check out sources like Crunchbase News and SaaS Mag for the latest software and application trends. And if you’re looking for the newest developments in the AI space, we recommend subscribing to The Neuron, a daily newsletter. 

These sources provide industry-leading reports, expert interviews, and opportunities to connect with other no-code, low-code, and traditional developers. By joining these communities, you’ll learn new ways to ensure your app always excels. 

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8. Run Updates for Optimal User Experience 

Frequent updates are essential for maintaining a seamless and secure SaaS platform, but how they are implemented can significantly impact user experience. Rolling out updates gradually minimizes disruptions, allowing users to adapt to changes without sudden workflow interruptions. 

Before you run updates, ensure all your app users are aware of the update times — no one likes the surprise of a 2-hour workflow interruption because of a software update. Communicate with all your users ahead of time to ensure a smooth transition during updates. 

After you’ve installed an update, it’s not just plug and play. You’ll need to provide clear, proactive notifications about the changes and detailed release notes to help users understand improvements and bug fixes. 

If possible, consider offering an intuitive rollback option or the ability to use the older version of your app. This will ensure that you’ll still be able to use your app if an unforeseen issue arises and crashes your new version. Doing this will give your app some insurance, keeping your operations running while you work to iron out the problems. 

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9. Implement Monitoring and Analytics Standards

Real-time insights into application performance and user behavior help detect bottlenecks and improve your app’s user experience. In short, you’ll be able to nip minor issues in the bud by continuously monitoring your app’s performance and paying attention to analytics.

To effectively utilize analytics, you’ll need to set clear objectives and track relevant key performance indicators (KPIs) such as user engagement, retention, and error rates. Try to define clear monthly goals for each KPI so you’ll have a set standard to work up to. 

Integrate analytics tools like Google Analytics, Mixpanel, or Datadog to track your objectives. These tools let you gather actionable data to refine how features and functions appear, personalize user experiences, and make informed business decisions. 

Real-time monitoring also plays a vital role in your app’s security by enabling early detection of issues that may be disguised as security breaches or system vulnerabilities. Check out tools like AWS CloudWatch or New Relic, which can provide real-time alerts on suspicious activity and help you keep your data on lockdown. 

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Choosing the Right SaaS Platform Development Methodology

Now that you know the best practices, it’s time to move forward. Just like we suggested in our best practices, we recommend you start by first identifying the problems you aim to solve, listing out needed functionalities, and wireframing. This gives you a great idea of how large and complex your platform will be. 

Then, it’s up to you to select a development method. If you and your team are strapped for time, you might want to consider hiring a development agency. But, going this route will cost you — expect to pay in the $10,000s. 

If you and your team have the time to create your app using no-code, we suggest you sign up for a no-code platform. You’ll most likely be able to learn all the ins and outs in just a few days, and you can potentially have your MPV (minimum viable product) out in just days, too. And you’ll save loads of time and be able to control your budget. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need to Be a Programmer to Develop My Own SaaS?

No, you don’t need coding experience to create your own SaaS. No-code platforms make this possible: Instead of typing in line after line of code, a no-code SaaS builder uses a drag-and-drop interface and premade templates and elements to create your own SaaS. 

What if you know a little bit of coding but don’t know how to fully develop an app? You might want to choose a low-code platform. These use drag-and-drop interfaces and premade templates and elements but throw in an extra shade of customization, as they allow you to implement your components and elements by writing in some code. But low-code platforms aren’t for beginners — you’ll need a few basic coding skills. 

How Does AI Contribute to SaaS Development? 

AI accelerates SaaS development by automating design and workflows and providing features like chatbots and predictive analytics. Many no-code platforms, like Blaze, use AI to generate UI elements, automate testing, and streamline backend operations.

How Can I Ensure That My No-Code SaaS Development Platform is Secure?

To get the best security features, pick a no-code platform that offers two-factor authentication, single sign-on, and role-based access control. You’ll also want to be able to scan your app regularly to detect security breach attempts. 

Additionally, if you’re building an app for a medical business or one that holds consumer financial data, you’ll need to use an app builder like Blaze that’s HIPAA and SOC 2 compliant. Failure to do so could result in some dire legal consequences. 

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Meet Blaze: A No-Code SaaS App Development Platform for Your Business

Aiming for SaaS platform development that doesn’t use coding? Blaze is your best bet. Blaze is a no-code app builder that excels at creating apps for your businesses in a snap. 

Several businesses are already using Blaze as their SaaS platform of choice because it brings the following:

• No-code simplicity: Blaze’s no-code app-building interface allows anyone to be a SaaS developer. It doesn’t require any coding or technical skills, and the drag-and-drop interface is designed for nearly anyone. This means that your entire team can undertake SaaS application development on the fly. You also won’t need to spend money hand over fist by hiring a development agency. 

• Automations, simplified: You’ll be able to seamlessly integrate and transfer data between nearly all the third-party software and apps you currently use. Connect with Samsara to book shipping right from your app, and then send all the cost information directly to your QuickBooks account without the need for any manual intervention. 

• Blaze scales with you: Growing your business? Good — Blaze will provide the jet fuel and the space to scale our app at speed, no matter how enormous your user base. Blaze has enough storage space and processing power to meet any enterprise's needs. Plus, Blaze allows unlimited SaaS app development, as you can build as many apps and software as needed. 

• Top-tier support: When you sign up, Blaze’s onboarding team will walk you through every feature and function of Blaze’s application development interface. They’ll ensure you know how the platform works so you won’t encounter any frustrations. When you finish creating your app, they’ll publish and maintain it for you, so you won’t need to worry about your app’s long-term performance. 

When you go with Blaze, you’ll get an easy-to-use SaaS development platform that lets you craft software that meets your intended requirements. Schedule a demo with Blaze’s support team today.​