Simplify Your SaaS Vendor List With These 13 Handy Tips

Many businesses like mine use software-as-a-service (SaaS) companies to help us with our daily operations. But with so many different vendors out there, it’s easy to lose track of how many SaaS providers we’re actually working with, and how much they cost. So I asked some of my fellow young entrepreneurs for their advice on how to manage it all:

When you have limited resources, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the software-as-a-service companies you rely on. So what’s one tip you have for simplifying the number of SaaS vendors you work with?

Here’s what my fellow entrepreneurs suggest you do to make the most of your SaaS tools:

1. Keep Track Regularly

I keep a spreadsheet with all the SaaS tools my team pays for. It tells me how much they cost and what they do. Every few months, we review the list and identify tools we no longer use or ones that have overlapping features with other tools. This way, we can cancel the tools we don’t need anymore and save money. If you don’t do this regularly, you might end up paying for things you don’t actually need.

2. Figure out your top priorities

Think about what your business really needs. Are there any tools or services you can do without? Be honest with yourself. Don’t get distracted by the latest fancy gadgets or apps. Instead, focus on what will truly make a difference for your business’s success.

3. Involve your team in the decision-making process

When you reduce the number of software programs you use, it not only helps you save money, but it also makes your work easier and improves how your team communicates and collaborates. To simplify things, create a mind map and talk to your team to understand what software you’re currently using. Once you have a clear picture, get rid of any unnecessary programs and switch to an all-in-one platform that offers everything you need.

4. Begin by Setting a Goal

At Stride, we always say that having too many systems can be costly. It’s tempting to keep adding more and more SaaS services, but I’ve learned that the best approach is to first identify your goal, break down the problem you’re trying to solve, and then determine if a particular software is the right solution. Sometimes, we rush into buying software without properly articulating the problem we’re trying to solve.

5. Compare Investment With Revenue Generated

One issue with many SaaS vendors is the difficulty in tracking the revenue generated and the investment made. Take some time to calculate all the expenses incurred in a month and compare them to the revenue generated by each SaaS tool. Use these numbers to decide which tools are essential and profitable for your business, and unsubscribe from those that are not.

Automation Makes Work Easier

Did you know that there are special tools and plugins that can make all your software work together seamlessly? It’s amazing! With these tools, you can automate certain tasks based on triggers. That means information can flow automatically between different apps, creating a smooth process to help you reach your goals. For example, you can connect Google Docs or Sheets with your social media accounts, and vice versa. By doing this, you’ll be able to streamline your tools and save lots of time! – Blair Williams, MemberPress

Find Everything in One Place

Imagine if you could find all the features you need to run your business in one convenient place. Well, guess what? There are companies out there that offer email marketing, automation, landing pages, websites, surveys, and pop-ups all under one roof! Isn’t that great? It’s much more affordable than having to pay different vendors for each individual feature. So why not seek out these all-in-one solutions providers and make your life easier? – Kristin Kimberly Marquet, Marquet Media, LLC

8. Find Vendors Who Have Other Products You Can Use

When you’re looking for software vendors, try to find ones that have multiple solutions or work with other software vendors. This way, you can get products that work well together and maybe even get a discount if you buy both. It’s common for small businesses to have too many different software products. You need to decide what’s really important for you and get rid of anything you don’t really need. – Syed Balkhi, WPBeginner

9. Choose Someone to Keep an Eye on Your Software

You gotta put someone in charge of your company’s SaaS products. Shelfware has always been a big problem for companies of all sizes, and SaaS isn’t really fixin’ this problem. A lot of businesses are gettin’ charged every month for services they don’t use or that don’t meet their needs. Just one person with a spreadsheet can save ya thousands and thousands of dollars. ~ Ismael Wrixen, FE International

10. Figure Out How Important Each Provider is to Your Success

I recommend you take a good look at the SaaS providers you use and think about how they benefit you and how important they are to your success. If you find that there are a bunch of services that aren’t really helpin’ your company and aren’t being used much in the last month, you might wanna think about cancelin’ those SaaS subscriptions. ~ John Brackett, Smash Balloon LLC

11. Take into Account How New Tools Will Fit with the Ones You Already Have

The most important thing to consider is how a new tool will work together with the tools you already use. If you add a new tool and it doesn’t connect with your existing ones, it can become a real headache. It’s important to have a plan that shows how all your tools interact and work together. This will help you get the most out of each tool and avoid adding tools that you don’t really need. ~ Maria Thimothy, OneIMS

12. Opt for Packages that Include Multiple Tools

The easiest way to simplify your SaaS vendors is to find bundle packages. Disney+ offers a package where you can get ESPN+ and Hulu together. If you already pay for those services, it makes sense to bundle them and save money. Many business-focused software companies also collaborate to provide users with a complete package. Look out for these deals and consolidate whenever you can. – Chris Christoff, MonsterInsights

13. Make a Guide for Yourself

To simplify the number of SaaS vendors you work with, create a guide for yourself to follow. Having a reference makes it easier to make clear decisions that benefit your business. When vendors are aware of the expectations you’ve set, you can eliminate the ones you don’t need. – Stephanie Wells, Formidable Forms