SaaS products have a challenge – they have found a successful marketing method and framework, but just because a product is designed as an enterprise software doesn’t mean that user experience can be cast aside. You need to develop a good recipe with right set of ingredients to ensure success and optimize usability.
Let’s take a look at some strategies you can implement to optimize the usability for a SaaS product.
1. Create and Market a Product That Solves a Real Problem
Sometimes it’s important to not confuse innovation with value. Developing a great product is not enough. It is also important to develop an app that actually solves real problems in day to day operations.
Yet it’s also up to you to spread the word far and wide to the people who will most need your product. Explain in detail the benefits and features of the product to the market. Potential sales targets should be aware of the overall purpose of your product, and how it is valuable and essential for them. So value here is key, and you have to explain that value.
2. Pay Close Attention to Design
A successful product manager understands quite well the significance if having a strong user base. It is imperative to build an enticing and usable software to increase user engagement. Users expect no less, and therefore pay close attention to the overall look and accessibility of the product. Thus, it is advised to incorporate high-end design, one which is user-friendly, clean and simple. Eliminate all the unnecessary and complicated steps to perform the desired functions. If you think a specific feature that you wanted is not going well with the product, consider dropping it. In fact, using too many features can also discourage your client to use the software overall. So focus on only the basic theme and purpose, rather than trying overdoing with every aspect of the product.
3. Ensure the “Get to Know” Period is Smooth and Fast
Part of creating a product that is usable and accessible is making sure it’s not only easy to use in the long-term, but easy to learn HOW to use in the short-term as well. The onboarding process, when users familiarize themselves with how to operate your software, can be a source of frustration if not handled properly. There are ways of making this process smooth and fast, such as utilizing an online guidance software. WalkMe, one example, provides the end user with step-by-step clear instructions in helping to successfully perform any task, no matter how complex. It acts almost like a GPS would, but instead of giving driving directions (turn left here, right there), it leads the user to easily master any feature or desired action, simply and without confusion. Users will truly appreciate that level of user experience.
4. Provide for Full Security
In today’s world of open internet, open-source software and the increasingly connected cloud, security is on people’s mind. In particular – but not limited to – the world of enterprise software, your ultimate goal should be to enhance the user experience without filling up the plates of users with security issues. Providing a well secured platform should be your priority as to optimize the usability. Users often look for apps which provide fully-integrated security solutions. An initial and one-time sign in is one of the best ways to enhance security to accommodate user’s interest. It is advised to leverage existing security infrastructure of customers, instead of using a replicated version. Use centralized policies that offer security and compliance to users without having to go through additional steps to get the work done. Set a policy keeping in mind the requirements of your users. Meaningful controls and automatic reporting is also a great way to make the managing easy and convenient.
Follow the given set of guidelines and you can never go wrong in your plans. These suggestions will help you optimize usability; as well ensure success in the long run. All you need is to be aware of your current environment and maintain a steady flow.
