How do I plan your mvp features?

# Define Core Problem and Features - Identify a specific user pain point solvable via software (e.g., task automation). - List exactly 3 core features that deliver value, like dashboard, data input, and export. - Create user personas and simple flow diagrams. # Build a Clickable Prototype - Use Figma or Framer to mock up screens. - Simulate user flows without code to test logic. This establishes focus before coding.

How do I choose stack and setup boilerplate?

# Recommended Modern Stack - **Frontend**: Next.js (App Router), Tailwind CSS, Shadcn UI - **Backend/DB**: Drizzle ORM + PostgreSQL (via Supabase) - **Auth**: Clerk - **Deployment**: Vercel # Quick Setup ```bash git clone https://github.com/ixartz/SaaS-Boilerplate.git your-saas cd your-saas npm install cp .env.example .env.local # Add Clerk keys to .env.local npm run dev ``` Visit localhost:3000 to see the app running with auth.

How do I build core user features?

# Customize Boilerplate - Navigate to `app/dashboard` and add components for your features. - Use React Hook Form + Zod for forms: ```tsx import { useForm } from 'react-hook-form'; // Define schema with Zod ``` - Create API routes in `app/api` for backend logic with Drizzle. # Example: Add Data Input Feature - Define schema in `db/schema.ts`. - Run `npm run db:generate && npm run db:migrate`. - Build UI with Shadcn components. Test locally with `npm run dev`.

How do I add auth, payments, multi-tenancy?

# Authentication (Pre-built in Boilerplate) - Clerk handles signup, MFA, organizations. - Test impersonation and role-based access. # Payments with Stripe (Pro Setup) ```bash stripe login npm run stripe:setup-price ``` Add Stripe keys to `.env.local`. # Multi-Tenancy - Use Clerk Organizations for teams/invites. - Partition data by tenant ID in DB schema. Run `npm run test` for unit tests.

How do I deploy, test, and monitor?

# Deploy to Vercel ```bash npm run build vercel --prod ``` # Testing ```bash npm run test:e2e # Playwright E2E npx playwright install ``` # Monitoring - Integrate Sentry for errors (add keys). - Set up Checkly for uptime. - Use Drizzle Studio: `npm run db:studio`. # Security Checklist - Run static analysis. - Backup DB. - Staging env setup.

Build a SaaS Startup: A Practical Guide

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Instant Toolkit

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Step-by-Step Guide

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Define Core Problem and Features

Identify a specific user pain point solvable via software (e.g., task automation).
List exactly 3 core features that deliver value, like dashboard, data input, and export.
Create user personas and simple flow diagrams.

Build a Clickable Prototype

Use Figma or Framer to mock up screens.
Simulate user flows without code to test logic.

This establishes focus before coding.

Why this step matters:

-Creates a blueprint for efficient building and avoids scope creep
-Teaches prioritization skills vital for real-world projects

3-5 hours

Figma, Notion, ChatGPT

$0

Definition of Done

•MVP spec document with 3 features and user flows
•Clickable prototype ready for feedback

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Adding too many features early

→Strictly limit to 3 core ones solving one pain

❌ Skipping user flow mapping

→Draw basic journeys from signup to value

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Suggested Videos

How to Start a SaaS Business From Scratch

How to Build SaaS from Scratch in 8 Simplified Steps

How to build SaaS App in a weekend using AI

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Learning Resources

📖 Online Courses

The SaaS Launchpad

beginner

Paid

MicroConf

Startup School

beginner

Y Combinator

📖 Recommended Books

The SaaS Playbook

beginner

by Rob Walling

Traction

beginner

by Gabriel Weinberg

🌐 Helpful Websites

SaaS Boilerplate

documentation

Full-stack Next.js SaaS starter with auth and more

SaaS Startup CTO Checklist

documentation

Technical checklist for early-stage SaaS

🛠️ Useful Tools

Clerk

Authentication

Drop-in auth with multi-tenancy

Supabase

Backend

Backend services: DB, auth, storage

Vercel

Deployment

One-click deploys for Next.js apps

Stripe

Payments

Payments and subscriptions

How to build a SaaS startup