Build a SaaS With AI: From Idea to Revenue in Weeks
Manas Takalpati
Founder, Blue Orchid
Building a SaaS product used to take months and a team. With AI development tools, you can go from idea to deployed product in weeks - solo.
The Process
Week 1: Validate and Spec
Don't build yet. First, confirm someone will pay for what you're building.
- Identify a specific problem for a specific audience
- Talk to 10 people who have this problem
- Check that they're actively looking for solutions (use keyword research)
- Write a one-page spec: what it does, who it's for, how much you'll charge
If you can't find 10 people excited about your solution, pick a different problem.
Week 2: Build the MVP
This is where AI changes everything. With Claude Code and vibe coding:
Day 1-2: Scaffold
- Set up Next.js + database + auth using a SaaS starter kit
- Deploy to Vercel so you have a live URL from day one
- Configure Stripe for payments
Day 3-5: Core Feature
- Build the one feature that solves the core problem
- Use Claude Code for implementation - describe what you need, review what it builds
- Don't build settings, admin panels, or nice-to-haves
Day 6-7: Polish and Deploy
- Landing page explaining what you built
- Onboarding flow for new users
- Basic error handling and loading states
Week 3: Launch and Iterate
- Share with the 10 people you interviewed
- Post on relevant communities
- Collect feedback aggressively
- Fix critical issues with AI assistance (hours, not days)
Week 4+: Grow
- Add features based on actual user requests
- Build content for organic discovery
- Set up automated onboarding emails
- Implement AI workflow automation for support
My SaaS Stack
| Layer | Tool | Cost | |-------|------|------| | Framework | Next.js | Free | | Database | Supabase | Free tier → $25/month | | Hosting | Vercel | Free tier → $20/month | | Payments | Stripe | 2.9% + $0.30 | | Auth | Supabase Auth | Included | | AI Development | Claude Code | $5-15/day | | Email | Resend | Free tier → $20/month |
Total cost to launch: Under $100. Compare that to a traditional startup's burn rate.
What Makes AI-Built SaaS Different
Speed. Features that took a team a week take you a day with Claude Code.
Iteration speed. Customer says "can you add X?" You can often ship it same day.
Low overhead. No team salaries means you're profitable at much lower revenue.
Technical debt management. AI helps refactor and maintain code, not just generate it.
Pricing Your SaaS
Simple pricing works best for solo SaaS:
- Free tier - Let people try before buying
- One paid tier - $20-50/month for individuals, $50-200/month for teams
- Annual discount - 20% off for annual billing (improves cash flow)
Don't overcomplicate pricing. You can always add tiers later.
For the full business framework, see One-Person AI Business.
Frequently Asked Questions
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