Build Anticipation with a Waitlist

If you're a SaaS founder looking to launch your product, building anticipation with a waitlist can be a game-changer. This strategy helps you gauge interest and build an email list from scratch, setting the stage for a successful launch.

Why Use a Waitlist?

A waitlist allows you to create buzz around your product before it even launches. By offering early access or exclusive rewards, you can incentivize potential users to sign up and refer others. This not only helps in building a community but also provides valuable insights into user interest and demand.

Steps to Create an Effective Waitlist

1. Set Up a Landing Page

Create a compelling landing page with a clear call-to-action (CTA) for users to join the waitlist. There are several tools available to help you manage your waitlist and referral program, such as FastWaitlist, Waitlist.me, and Launchrock. Each of these options offers unique features to suit different needs. Ensure the landing page is visually appealing and clearly communicates the benefits of joining the waitlist.

2. Offer Incentives

Provide rewards for users who refer friends. For example, offer monetary rewards or exclusive access to features. This encourages users to spread the word and helps you grow your list quickly. Monetary rewards work particularly well, especially if they are relevant to your SaaS offering.

3. Promote Your Waitlist

Use social media, email marketing, and other channels to drive traffic to your waitlist. Consistent promotion is key to building momentum and attracting more sign-ups. Share updates and reminders regularly to keep your audience engaged and excited about the upcoming launch.

4. Engage with Your Audience

Send regular updates to your waitlist subscribers to keep them engaged. Share progress, upcoming features, and other exciting news to maintain their interest. Personalized emails and social media interactions can make your audience feel valued and more connected to your brand.

Case Study: Money Flap

Money Flap, a company providing banking services for underdeveloped regions, successfully used a waitlist to build anticipation for their product. They offered monetary rewards for referrals, which were highly relevant to their financial services. This strategy helped them grow their email list from zero to 5,000 subscribers in just 30 days.

They used our app, FastWaitlist, to manage their waitlist and referral program. Participants were incentivized to refer friends, with rewards ranging from $2,500 for the top referrer to $10 for those who referred at least one friend. Additionally, all participants were entered into a draw to win an iPhone 14 Max and AirPods Pro, ensuring everyone had a chance to win something.

Money Flap promoted their waitlist through social media posts, email campaigns, and multiple call-to-actions on their website. This comprehensive approach ensured maximum visibility and engagement, leading to a highly successful waitlist campaign.

Conclusion

Building a waitlist is a powerful strategy for SaaS founders to generate excitement and gather valuable user data before launch. By following these steps, you can create a successful waitlist that drives engagement and growth for your product. Remember to offer relevant incentives, promote consistently, and engage with your audience to maintain their interest.

For more detailed guidance on setting up a waitlist and referral program, check out our app, FastWaitlist. This tool can help you manage your waitlist efficiently and maximize your chances of a successful product launch.