How to Find Your Perfect Micro SaaS Idea

So, you’re thinking about diving into SaaS, but not the big, complex type with dozens of features and a giant customer base. Instead, let’s talk about micro SaaS—small-scale, focused software that solves a specific need for a limited audience. This approach can be a great way to earn a steady income while keeping things manageable and avoiding intense competition.

Let’s break down what makes a micro SaaS product and how to find the right idea.

What Exactly Is Micro SaaS?

Micro SaaS is all about simplicity and specificity. Here’s what defines it:

1. Small, Niche Audience. Instead of aiming for millions of users, a micro SaaS serves thousands, maybe even just a few hundred. And that’s perfect. A good micro SaaS might top out at $50,000 to $100,000 per year in revenue, which is enough to be worthwhile but small enough to stay under the radar of big competitors.

2. Solves One Problem Really Well. A micro SaaS doesn’t try to be a multi-tool; it’s designed to handle a single task exceptionally. Think of it as a simple, focused app that does one thing right. You won’t have to deal with complex dashboards or constant feature requests—just focus on keeping that one thing running smoothly.

3. A Single Traffic Source. Since your audience is niche, they’re often found in one primary location—maybe a specific forum, a niche subreddit, or a handful of targeted Google search terms. Your traffic might only be 100-500 monthly searches, but that’s okay because the people who find you are looking for exactly what you offer.

5 Steps to Finding a Micro SaaS Idea

Now that we know what micro SaaS is all about, let’s talk about finding an idea that’ll work in this space.

1. Browse Existing SaaS Marketplaces for Inspiration

A great way to find micro SaaS ideas is by exploring SaaS marketplaces. Here’s a helpful list with 70 different marketplaces, each showcasing thousands of small SaaS products. By browsing, you can see what’s already working and find gaps for potential new ideas.

A great place to start is with Shopify or WooCommerce. Many micro SaaS products here address small but specific needs, like an add-on to turn your Shopify store into an Instagram-style feed or a plugin to create custom gift card options. People need these solutions, but they’re so specific that they’re unlikely to attract big companies.

These marketplaces cover popular platforms like Magento, Figma, Stripe, and more. Look at which add-ons get the most installs, and think about how you could create something similar—or better—for a particular platform.

2. Look for Popular Extensions that Solve Small Problems

The best micro SaaS tools solve small, recurring problems that users need a fix for but can’t find in the platform’s default tools. These solutions don’t have to be huge or revolutionary; they just need to work reliably. Look at successful tools on these platforms and notice what they have in common: they’re often single-purpose, easy to install, and don’t require much setup.

For example, if you’re looking at Figma, you might notice there’s demand for custom templates or enhanced collaboration tools. On Stripe, maybe it’s something as simple as an automatic invoice generator. These small, focused tools deliver convenience and save users time, and that’s what makes them valuable.

3. Spend Time in Niche Communities to Spot Gaps

Check out forums, Reddit threads, or niche Facebook groups where people discuss platform-specific issues. These communities are where you’ll find out what’s really bothering people and get ideas for potential solutions. For example, check out subreddits like r/Shopify, r/Stripe, or r/WooCommerce. Search for phrases like “Is there a tool for X?” or “Does anyone know how to fix Y?”

The same questions or complaints popping up repeatedly is a good sign that there’s an unsolved problem. When you spot those recurring pain points, it could be a great chance to fill that gap with a micro SaaS product.

4. Keep It Simple and Don’t Overcomplicate

The beauty of micro SaaS is that simplicity is key. It’s tempting to pack more features into a tool, but every feature you add will mean more maintenance, more testing, and potentially more issues. Instead, stick to one core function and make it work flawlessly. Focus on delivering value through a well-polished single feature rather than a mix of mediocre options.

For example, if you’re creating a Stripe tool for automated invoicing, keep it simple. Let it create, send, and track invoices—nothing more. Over time, your users will appreciate the ease of use and reliability, and you’ll keep your maintenance needs minimal.

5. Test Your Idea with Real Feedback

Once you have a solid idea, get some validation from real users before fully committing to it. Many successful micro SaaS products spread by word of mouth within small communities rather than through paid marketing. You can test demand by sharing your idea in relevant communities, putting up a simple landing page, or even offering an early version for free.

Getting early feedback will show you if there’s genuine interest, and you can also discover any unforeseen issues. Sometimes, a simple demo or MVP (Minimum Viable Product) can tell you more about demand than all the market research in the world.

Final Thoughts: Micro SaaS Is All About Focus

Micro SaaS isn’t about dominating a market or creating the next big thing. It’s about crafting a practical, one-function solution for a small group of users with a specific need. By focusing on a manageable audience, creating a simple tool, and using a niche traffic source, you can build a profitable, low-maintenance product that adds value without massive marketing or development.

These steps should help you zero in on a micro SaaS idea that’s practical, profitable, and—most importantly—needed by a niche audience. Start small, stay focused, and remember: it’s about delivering something simple that works.