20 Best SaaS Books on Starting a Profitable Software-as-a-Service Business in 2023

Books for Starting a SaaS

Product-Led Growth: How to Build a Product That Sells Itself by Wes Bush

“Product-Led Growth: How to Build a Product That Sells Itself” by Wes Bush is a game-changing book that delves into the concept of product-led growth, an innovative approach to driving business success. Bush explores how to create a product that becomes the primary driver of customer acquisition and retention, resulting in exponential growth. With practical insights and real-world examples, this book provides a roadmap for entrepreneurs and business leaders to build a product-centric organization and achieve sustainable growth in the competitive SaaS landscape.

Crossing the Chasm by Geoffrey A. Moore

“Crossing the Chasm” by Geoffrey A. Moore is a seminal book in the field of technology marketing. It explores the challenges faced by innovative products and startups when trying to transition from early adopters to the mainstream market. Moore introduces the concept of the “chasm” and presents strategies for successfully crossing it to achieve widespread adoption. With in-depth analysis, case studies, and actionable advice, this book offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs, marketers, and digital business leaders looking to navigate the critical stages of product adoption and drive sustainable growth in the ever-changing technology landscape.

The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz

“The Hard Thing About Hard Things” by Ben Horowitz is a candid and practical guide to navigating the challenges of running a startup or a growing company. Drawing from his own experiences as a successful entrepreneur and venture capitalist, Horowitz provides invaluable insights into the often overlooked and difficult aspects of leadership and decision-making. With a focus on tackling the tough decisions, managing through crises, and building a resilient culture, this book offers real-world advice and actionable strategies for entrepreneurs and business leaders. Horowitz’s frank storytelling and lessons learned make this book an essential resource for anyone looking to overcome the inevitable obstacles and build a thriving business.

The Lean Startup by Eric Ries

“The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries is a groundbreaking book that revolutionizes the way startups and businesses approach innovation and product development. Ries introduces the concept of the lean startup methodology, which emphasizes rapid experimentation, validated learning, and iterative product development. By leveraging the principles of lean manufacturing and agile development, Ries guides entrepreneurs on how to build a sustainable business by continuously testing assumptions, adapting to customer feedback, and focusing on delivering value. Packed with real-world examples and actionable insights, this book is a must-read for every SaaS founder striving for success in a digital market.

Zero to One by Peter Thiel

“Zero to One” by Peter Thiel is a thought-provoking SaaS book that challenges conventional wisdom about entrepreneurship and innovation. Thiel, a co-founder of PayPal and an influential venture capitalist, shares his insights on how to build transformative and innovative companies from scratch. He argues that true innovation lies in creating something entirely new rather than simply improving existing ideas. Thiel explores the importance of developing monopoly-like characteristics, fostering a unique value proposition, and creating a strong network effect. With a focus on building breakthrough technologies and monopolistic businesses, this book provides entrepreneurs with a fresh perspective on how to succeed in an increasingly competitive landscape. Thiel’s contrarian ideas and actionable advice make “Zero to One” a compelling read for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders alike.

Obviously Awesome: How to Nail Product Positioning so Customers Get It, Buy It, Love It by April Dunford

“Obviously Awesome: How to Nail Product Positioning so Customers Get It, Buy It, Love It” by April Dunford is a definitive guide to mastering the art of product positioning. With her extensive expertise, Dunford provides actionable insights and proven strategies to effectively communicate the value and uniqueness of your product to customers and create inbound sales. Through real-world examples and practical exercises, she helps readers identify target markets, craft compelling messaging, and create a positioning strategy that drives customer understanding, engagement, and loyalty. Whether you’re a startup founder or a seasoned marketer, this book equips you with the tools and knowledge to position your product for success in a crowded marketplace.

Traction: How Any Startup Can Achieve Explosive Customer Growth by Gabriel Weinberg and Justin Mares

“Traction: How Any Startup Can Achieve Explosive Customer Growth” by Gabriel Weinberg and Justin Mares is a must-read for entrepreneurs seeking to drive rapid customer growth. The book presents a comprehensive framework that covers 19 different channels for acquiring customers, ranging from traditional marketing channels to unconventional approaches. Weinberg and Mares provide actionable advice, case studies, and step-by-step instructions to help startups identify the most effective channels for their specific their business models and industry. This book serves as a practical guide for implementing a systematic approach to gaining traction and achieving sustainable growth, making it an invaluable resource for startup founders and marketers alike.

The Mom Test: How to talk to customers & learn if your business is a good idea when everyone is lying to you by Rob Fitzpatrick

“The Mom Test: How to talk to customers & learn if your business is a good idea when everyone is lying to you” by Rob Fitzpatrick is a game-changing book that challenges the traditional approach to customer conversations. Fitzpatrick provides invaluable guidance on how to gather honest and actionable feedback from potential customers, even when faced with biases and polite but unhelpful responses. By sharing personal anecdotes and practical strategies, he teaches entrepreneurs how to ask the right questions, avoid confirmation bias, and truly understand customer needs. This book equips readers with the tools to validate business ideas effectively and make informed decisions based on genuine customer insights. Whether you’re a startup founder or a seasoned entrepreneur, “The Mom Test” is a must-read for mastering the art of meaningful customer conversations and building a successful business.

Running your SaaS

Rework by Fried and Hansson

“Rework” by Fried and Hansson: This saas book challenges traditional business practices and offers innovative strategies for entrepreneurs. With a focus on simplicity, efficiency, and outside-the-box thinking, it provides actionable advice for building successful saas businesses. The book emphasizes the importance of questioning conventions, embracing flexibility, and leveraging technology to drive growth, customer success and create new, innovative sales acceleration formula. It is a valuable resource for individuals looking to disrupt the status quo and thrive in the competitive saas industry.

From Impossible to Inevitable: How SaaS and Other Hyper-Growth Companies Create Predictable Revenue by Aaron Ross

“From Impossible to Inevitable: How SaaS and Other Hyper-Growth Companies Create Predictable Revenue” by Aaron Ross: This book is a comprehensive guide for saas businesses aiming to achieve predictable revenue and hyper-growth. It offers practical strategies, proven frameworks, and real-life examples to help entrepreneurs overcome common challenges and scale their businesses. With a focus on customer success, growth strategies, and sales process optimization, it provides insights into generating recurring revenue, maximizing customer lifetime value, and building successful saas products. It is a must-read for those seeking to accelerate their saas startup’s growth and create sustainable revenue streams.

Predictable Revenue: Turn Your Business Into a Sales Machine with the $100 Million Best Practices of Salesforce.com

“Predictable Revenue: Turn Your Business Into a Sales Machine with the $100 Million Best Practices of Salesforce.com“: This saas book is a treasure trove of best practices for building a highly effective sales processes. Based on the experiences of Salesforce.com, it provides actionable strategies, techniques, and processes for generating predictable revenue. The book explores various sales strategies, emphasizes the importance of recurring revenue, and highlights the value of customer lifetime value. It is an invaluable resource for saas companies looking to optimize their sales efforts, increase saas sales, and achieve sustainable growth.

The SaaS Email Marketing Playbook by Etienne Garbugli

“The SaaS Email Marketing Playbook” by Etienne Garbugli: This book is a comprehensive guide for SaaS businesses seeking to leverage email marketing for customer success and growth. It provides practical advice, best practices, and case studies to help companies optimize their email campaigns, improve customer retention, and drive business growth. The book covers topics such as email segmentation, personalization, automation, and measuring email marketing effectiveness. With actionable insights and strategies, it equips saas marketers with the tools they need to succeed in today’s competitive landscape.

High Output management by  Andrew S. Grove

“High Output Management” by Andrew S. Grove: This classic management book offers valuable insights into effective leadership and management practices for innovative companies. Grove provides practical guidance on team productivity, goal-setting, operational efficiency, and decision-making. By emphasizing the importance of leveraging resources, managing time effectively, and aligning organizational objectives, the book helps saas leaders optimize performance and achieve high output. It is a must-read for managers and executives in saas businesses looking to drive productivity and innovation.

It Doesn’t Have To Be Crazy At Work by Jason Fried

“It Doesn’t Have To Be Crazy At Work” by Jason Fried: This book challenges the prevalent culture of overwork and stress in saas organization. Fried advocates for a calmer and more balanced approach to work, emphasizing the importance of employee well-being, focus, and creativity. With practical insights and real-world examples, the book provides strategies for creating a healthy work environment and fostering productivity. It is a valuable resource for saas business leaders seeking to build sustainable, people-centric organizations that thrive in today’s competitive landscape.

Radical Candor: How to Get What You Want by Saying What You Mean by Kim Scott

“Radical Candor: How to Get What You Want by Saying What You Mean” by Kim Scott: This is one the SaaS books that explores the power of open and honest communication in saas companies. Scott introduces the concept of radical candor, which involves caring personally and challenging directly. With practical advice and real-life anecdotes, the book provides guidance on building strong relationships, giving effective feedback, and creating a culture of trust and growth. It is a valuable resource for saas leaders and managers looking to improve communication, foster collaboration, and drive innovation within their organizations.

Fall in Love with the Problem, Not the Solution by Uri Levine

“Fall in Love with the Problem, Not the Solution” by Uri Levine: This book encourages SaaS founders to focus on understanding and solving customer problems rather than becoming fixated on specific saas solutions. Levine shares his experiences as a successful entrepreneur and offers insights into identifying market opportunities, validating ideas, and iterating solutions. The book emphasizes the importance of customer-centricity, continuous learning, and adaptability in the SaaS startup journey. It is a thought-provoking read for those looking to build innovative saas companies and make a meaningful impact in the market.

Scaling up your SaaS business

Scaling Up: How a Few Companies Make It…and Why the Rest Don’t by Verne Harnish

“Scaling Up: How a Few Companies Make It…and Why the Rest Don’t” by Verne Harnish: In this highly acclaimed saas book, Harnish explores the fundamental principles and strategies that drive successful SaaS startups. With a focus on saas sales, saas metrics, and scaling techniques, he presents practical advice on how to overcome the challenges of rapid startup growth. Harnish’s renowned Rockefeller Habits provide a framework for aligning people, strategy, execution, and cash flow. Packed with actionable insights, this book is essential for entrepreneurs seeking to build thriving saas companies that can sustain long-term success.

Built to Sell: Creating a Business That Can Thrive Without You by John Warrillow

“Built to Sell: Creating a Business That Can Thrive Without You” by John Warrillow: Warrillow’s saas book challenges the notion that SaaS startups should be dependent on their founders. Instead, he advocates for creating businesses with sellable value.Warrillow guides readers through the process of transforming their companies into systems-driven, scalable enterprises. He emphasizes the importance of developing a unique value proposition, monthly recurring revenue models, and building a team capable of operating independently. With practical advice and real-life examples, this book empowers saas entrepreneurs to build sellable saas businesses that can thrive without their constant presence.

Inside the Tornado: Strategies for Developing, Leveraging, and Surviving Hypergrowth Markets by Geoffrey A. Moore

“Inside the Tornado: Strategies for Developing, Leveraging, and Surviving Hypergrowth Markets” by Geoffrey A. Moore explores the challenges and opportunities presented by hypergrowth markets. Building on his previous work, “Crossing the Chasm,” Moore provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and navigating the chaotic nature of rapidly changing markets. He introduces the concept of the tornado, representing the stage of hypergrowth where customer demand surges and winners and losers are determined. Moore offers valuable insights into the strategies required to successfully develop and leverage these markets, including how to segment customers, position products, and build scalable operations. With compelling examples and practical guidance, this book equips entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge to survive and thrive in hypergrowth markets. Whether you’re a saas startup or an established company, “Inside the Tornado” is a valuable resource for understanding and capitalizing on the dynamics of rapid market growth.

The Innovator’s Dilemma by Clayton Christensen by Clayton M. Christensen

“The Innovator’s Dilemma” by Clayton M. Christensen explores the challenges faced by successful companies when confronted with disruptive innovation. Christensen presents a framework that explains why established companies struggle to adapt and innovate. Through real-world examples, he highlights the importance of disruptive technologies and offers strategies to navigate these challenges. This book is essential reading for business leaders and entrepreneurs seeking to understand and overcome the innovator’s dilemma to stay competitive in a rapidly changing market.

Summary

Discover the best books to guide you through every stage of building a profitable SaaS business. From inception to scaling up, these expert-recommended reads provide invaluable insights and strategies for success in the dynamic world of software-as-a-service.