My perfect tools to build an SaaS in 4 days

It's easier to run a business, and faster to build it if you start with great tools, isn't it?

Find in this articles the ones I use the most to build apps in just a few days.

Summary

Design templates
SaaS Templates
Code
Communication
Analytics
Storage and database
Hosting
Emails marketing

Design templates

For my websites, I bought Cruip templates: they have an interesting diversity of templates from startup templates, to administration dashboard, and it's quite cheap for the quality and choice available (you pay once and get all incoming templates).

For design elements I use Adobe & Canva. I subscribed to a creative plan so I can access Adobe Express to design a new logo in 2 minutes, Adobe Photoshop to create my banners, etc.

SaaS Template

If I had to start from zero I would have used Gravity as it's boilerplate with auth, payments, dashboard... everything you need when you build an SaaS that is time-consuming.

Code

I use Github for code versioning and to collaborate with other people. ‌‌To code I use Visual Studio Code for web development, Pycharm for python development (don't ask me why, I'm used to it).

Communication

Twitter is my daily tool to learn about latest technologies, build new relationships around my interests and do marketing. ‌‌‌I use my own template for tweets analysis, and Editby to generate new content ideas.

I recently created an Instagram as well were I plan to share my journey & memes about startup journey.

To discuss with my co-founders we use Discord. It's a very useful method to communication as you can create different channels for different purposes. Such as "administrative-and-financial", "tech", or "random" to talk about whatever else not business related.  ‌‌

Productivity

I use a lot Google Drive. I have folders for my projects, containing spreadsheets, word documents, presentation etc. Free storage is generous.

I also use Notion for todo lists in addition to my notebook and pen.

Analytics

I love Umami Analytics. It's open source, you can install it on Vercel, host on Supabase and you have a powerful analytics system for free.

Storage and database

Supabase is awesome and free for simple apps. It allows storage, database, auth... and it's easy to use.

Hosting

Vercel allows you to quickly deploy a project. The free plan is very generous, and it's really well integrated with NextJS.

Emails marketing

I used Brevo it's super simple: you upload a list of contact and you can mass email them and have access to the analytics (opening rates etc.). The also handle the subscriptions, and the free plan is enough to start (300 emails/day).

About the Author:
I'm Pauline, a serial indie hacker. I built 4 SaaS, sold one and won't stop here.
Find my journey on my social networks:
Twitter @Pauline_cx
Instagram @Pauline_iacrea