Revenue Model for Software as a Service (SaaS) Business

22 December 2023

A company does not only make products in the form of goods. Currently, businesses can also produce services in the form of software. Examples of Software as a Service (Saas) products include Dropbox, Google Workspace, and Salesforce.

The SaaS model grows with the fact that software will be needed by consumers on demand. The hope is that SaaS can also continue to be updated so that companies no longer need to send products in physical form.

Based on this situation, software companies need to build a measurable model that allows for profit generation. This profit is the profit the company gets as long as its business is still valuable to consumers.

SaaS Revenue Model Components

A successful SaaS business will be able to increase valuation, serve customers, and change the way the industry thinks about its business aspects. If you are considering a SaaS Revenue Model for your business, here are the components you need to understand.

Access, authentication and tiering

In the SaaS model, people pay for software access. So, users require authentication before getting access to the tool. Their access is also usually limited to the features included in the monthly subscription package.

Cloud technology

The development of cloud technology plays an important role in the success of the SaaS model. Charging a subscription fee to download software is no longer difficult. Cloud allows users to access software comfortably, making it easier to control access and charge monthly rates.

Sustainable value

The ability of software to continuously provide value is a key component of a SaaS business. You have to ensure that the product you have can be used regularly by users so that they will consider the value in continuing to subscribe.

Various SaaS Revenue Models

Assessing the nature of software investment and support as an ongoing product, you can turn sales into continuous revenue streams. Therefore, you can get to know and choose one of the following various revenue models.

1. Ad-based revenue model

This business model is quite simple, just create a website or application with large traffic to sell advertising space. Rather than charging a fee to use a product or service, a fee is charged on the client's view to another company. However, make sure this doesn't disrupt the user experience because they might switch.

2. Affiliates

This business model relies on popularity. Instead of making money from people viewing your content, use affiliate links to drive sales elsewhere. This has the potential to make more money than advertising, but risks turning off viewers if your business loses its image.

3. Indirect sales

If your profit margin allows, try outsourcing to a retailer that already has a large audience. In return, this agent will sell your services to the audience with specific services or products.

4. Direct sales

Selling products directly to customers guarantees you to keep all the revenue. If you need to employ a large number of salespeople to achieve this, the profits may be lower than indirect sales.

5. Freemium model

For B2C markets, it can be more difficult to get potential clients to part with money. By offering them the opportunity to try your product for free, you can prove the value of the product so that they are willing to pay for the service. Examples of freemium products could be services with advertising or features with limited access.

6. Free products, paid services

In some cases, it makes sense to give users full access to a product at a low price (or even free). However, users may be charged a fee to obtain product benefits from all services.

For example, a tool may perform a particular network monitoring function very well. However, companies charge for the labor required to use the tools effectively because operating the tools is also difficult.

7. Retail sales (retail)

If you have a physical product, sometimes the retail revenue model can have a dual function, namely providing another revenue stream as well as being a marketing tool. If you have attractive packaging, sell your product in a trendy location, or find something interesting, people will post on social media.

8. Subscription model

This is a classic model for SaaS companies. You create a product and then continually update the software package while charging clients a weekly, monthly, or annual payment plan to use it.

9. Transactional revenue model

This model charges customers based on usage. Some clients, especially small clients may prefer this option because of its transparency.

10. Website sales

This model is compatible with transactional or subscription sales, but is carried out through certain websites. You direct visitors to your website and let them convert them to make a purchase.

These are the various revenue models for SaaS businesses that businesses can choose from. You can try different revenue models to see what kind of price experiments are suitable for a product. However, the most important thing apart from determining the revenue model is maintaining value for your product.

 

A company does not only make products in the form of goods. Currently, businesses can also produce services in the form of software. Examples of Software as a Service (Saas) products include Dropbox, Google Workspace, and Salesforce.

The SaaS model grows with the fact that software will be needed by consumers on demand. The hope is that SaaS can also continue to be updated so that companies no longer need to send products in physical form.

Based on this situation, software companies need to build a measurable model that allows for profit generation. This profit is the profit the company gets as long as its business is still valuable to consumers.

SaaS Revenue Model Components

A successful SaaS business will be able to increase valuation, serve customers, and change the way the industry thinks about its business aspects. If you are considering a SaaS Revenue Model for your business, here are the components you need to understand.

Access, authentication and tiering

In the SaaS model, people pay for software access. So, users require authentication before getting access to the tool. Their access is also usually limited to the features included in the monthly subscription package.

Cloud technology

The development of cloud technology plays an important role in the success of the SaaS model. Charging a subscription fee to download software is no longer difficult. Cloud allows users to access software comfortably, making it easier to control access and charge monthly rates.

Sustainable value

The ability of software to continuously provide value is a key component of a SaaS business. You have to ensure that the product you have can be used regularly by users so that they will consider the value in continuing to subscribe.

Various SaaS Revenue Models

Assessing the nature of software investment and support as an ongoing product, you can turn sales into continuous revenue streams. Therefore, you can get to know and choose one of the following various revenue models.

1. Ad-based revenue model

This business model is quite simple, just create a website or application with large traffic to sell advertising space. Rather than charging a fee to use a product or service, a fee is charged on the client's view to another company. However, make sure this doesn't disrupt the user experience because they might switch.

2. Affiliates

This business model relies on popularity. Instead of making money from people viewing your content, use affiliate links to drive sales elsewhere. This has the potential to make more money than advertising, but risks turning off viewers if your business loses its image.

3. Indirect sales

If your profit margin allows, try outsourcing to a retailer that already has a large audience. In return, this agent will sell your services to the audience with specific services or products.

4. Direct sales

Selling products directly to customers guarantees you to keep all the revenue. If you need to employ a large number of salespeople to achieve this, the profits may be lower than indirect sales.

5. Freemium model

For B2C markets, it can be more difficult to get potential clients to part with money. By offering them the opportunity to try your product for free, you can prove the value of the product so that they are willing to pay for the service. Examples of freemium products could be services with advertising or features with limited access.

6. Free products, paid services

In some cases, it makes sense to give users full access to a product at a low price (or even free). However, users may be charged a fee to obtain product benefits from all services.

For example, a tool may perform a particular network monitoring function very well. However, companies charge for the labor required to use the tools effectively because operating the tools is also difficult.

7. Retail sales (retail)

If you have a physical product, sometimes the retail revenue model can have a dual function, namely providing another revenue stream as well as being a marketing tool. If you have attractive packaging, sell your product in a trendy location, or find something interesting, people will post on social media.

8. Subscription model

This is a classic model for SaaS companies. You create a product and then continually update the software package while charging clients a weekly, monthly, or annual payment plan to use it.

9. Transactional revenue model

This model charges customers based on usage. Some clients, especially small clients may prefer this option because of its transparency.

10. Website sales

This model is compatible with transactional or subscription sales, but is carried out through certain websites. You direct visitors to your website and let them convert them to make a purchase.

These are the various revenue models for SaaS businesses that businesses can choose from. You can try different revenue models to see what kind of price experiments are suitable for a product. However, the most important thing apart from determining the revenue model is maintaining value for your product.

 

Prasetiya Mulya Executive Learning Institute
Prasetiya Mulya Cilandak Campus, Building 2, #2203
Jl. R.A Kartini (TB. Simatupang), Cilandak Barat, Jakarta 12430
Indonesia
Prasetiya Mulya Executive Learning Institute
Prasetiya Mulya Cilandak Campus, Building 2, #2203
Jl. R.A Kartini (TB. Simatupang), Cilandak Barat,
Jakarta 12430
Indonesia