How to Validate a SaaS Idea Before Writing a Single Line of Code
Most founders start with code.
But the ones who last start with proof.
Before you spin up npx create-next-app
, before the first database schema or Stripe key — you need to know someone actually wants what you're about to build.
That's what JoinWaitlist.dev exists for: to help you validate your SaaS idea before writing a single line of code.
1. The Problem: Coding Is the Easiest (and Most Expensive) Way to Lie to Yourself
I've built over 66 products in the past decade.
Most failed not because the tech was wrong — but because nobody cared.
When you spend weeks building an MVP, you've already made hundreds of tiny decisions:
- who it's for,
- what problem it solves,
- what they'll pay for it.
Each of those could be wrong.
So instead of testing features, test intent.
As one founder wrote:
"Our basic understanding of idea validation: 1. Creating a landing page; 2. Creating a product wait-list or email list; 3. Talking to potential customers." (Alexander Chen on IndieHackers, 2024)
That captures the essence: you don't need full code. You need early signals.
2. The Principle: Validate Demand Before You Build Supply
Validation isn't about asking "Would you use this?"
It's about seeing what people do when you ask them to take action — even before your product exists.
The key shift:
From opinions → to behavior.
From surveys → to signals.
From code → to commitment.
In the words of a founder who went from idea to validation in one day:
"I personally consider I need at least 1 stranger to pay actual USD$ for my product before it's even released." (Tom Jacquesson, IndieHackers)
That's a powerful benchmark.
3. Step-by-Step: How to Validate a SaaS Idea Without Code
Let's go through the practical workflow I use (and what JoinWaitlist.dev is built to support).
Step 1: Define a Sharp, Pain-Driven Idea
Write down your idea in one line:
"I help [audience] do [job] without [pain]."
Example:
"I help indie devs validate SaaS ideas without writing code."
If you can't say it in one sentence, you'll struggle to get someone to move from "maybe" to "yes".
Step 2: Create a Simple Waitlist Landing Page
Don't over-engineer.
Focus on clarity, not cleverness.
Your waitlist page should include:
- A headline that names the problem.
- A sub‐heading that describes your promise.
- A single call-to-action: "Join the waitlist."
- Optional: mock pricing or product tiers.
JoinWaitlist.dev lets you generate this in minutes — no code, no builder fatigue, no distractions.
Tip: Keep your copy conversational. "Tired of paying $99/mo for bloated tools? We're building a simpler one. Join early."
One founder emphasised this exact route:
"The third option, which is by far the quickest, is to set up a landing page with a wait-list form … or even a 'buy' button, and drive people to that." ("Ideas are cheap. Here's how to validate them.", IndieHackers, 2023)
Step 3: Drive Real Traffic (Even $10 Is Enough)
Validation isn't about big numbers — it's about clear signals.
I start with:
- 1 Reddit post in a relevant community
- 1 Twitter/X thread explaining the problem
- $10 on Google or Meta ads targeting your niche keywords
- A quick DM to 10 friends who fit your ideal user
If people click, visit, and sign up, you've got signal.
If not, you just saved months of wasted effort.
Step 4: Track Conversion Metrics That Matter
Here are early metrics worth watching:
Metric | What It Tells You | Good Benchmark* |
---|---|---|
Visits → Sign-ups | Does your idea attract curiosity? | 15-30% conversion if targeted |
Email replies / Surveys | Are they serious about solving it? | >10% reply rate |
Mock Sale Clicks ("Buy" button) | Would they pay? | 3-10% of sign-ups clicking |
*Benchmarks depend heavily on niche, traffic quality, and positioning.
According to a thread on IndieHackers:
"On average, the wait-list to product registration rate falls between 5-8%. But some users achieved >20%." (IndieHackers discussion, 2023)
That gives you a rough expectation.
Step 5: Run a "Fake Door" Test (Optional but Powerful)
A fake door test looks like a real checkout — but it's actually a validation gate.
You show a "Buy Now" button that leads to something like:
"We're still in early access. Want to be notified when it's ready?"
If users click that button, you've learned something no survey could tell you — they're willing to pay for the solution.
JoinWaitlist.dev lets you run this mock sale safely — without needing Stripe or backend code.
One founder put it like:
"Using a landing page + 'buy' button before building saved me months of dev time." (See link above, 2023)
Step 6: Talk to Your Wait-list (Before You Build)
Once you have 50–100 sign-ups, send them a short email:
"Hey — thanks for joining. I'm curious: what made you sign up?"
You'll get gold.
Real sentences that reveal the pain behind the click.
That feedback will shape your MVP far better than any brainstorm.
For example, one founder on IndieHackers described how he ran interviews after wait-list sign-ups and adjusted the product accordingly. ("How to get market validation for B2B SaaS", IndieHackers, 2023)
4. Validation Benchmarks: When to Move From Idea → Build
Here's a rough rule-of-thumb from dozens of indie creators:
Signal | Meaning | Next Step |
---|---|---|
< 10 sign-ups | Weak signal | Reframe idea |
50 sign-ups | Early interest | Interview users |
100+ sign-ups | Strong validation | Build MVP |
200+ wait-list sign-ups | Market pull | Start building + pricing test |
If you hit these organically (no influencer push or viral post), you've earned the green light.
One founder who validated his micro-SaaS pointed out that the clear definition of niche and pain was critical — and he intentionally kept the wait-list step early. ("How I Validated My Micro-SaaS Idea Quickly (And You Can Too!)", IndieHackers, 2025)
5. Bonus: Pre-Launch Metrics That Predict Post-Launch Growth
Once you start collecting wait-list data, look for these patterns:
- Referral rate – Do users share your page? If yes → you have evangelists.
- Time to sign-up – Are users signing within seconds of visiting? That shows urgency.
- Churn on wait-list preview pages – Do people drop off after the thank-you page? Weak signal.
One discussion on IndieHackers noted how many founders focus on wait-list sign-ups but forget to engage those users before product launch — and interest can fade. ("What's a good signup rate on an idea validation landing page?", IndieHackers, 2023)
So track beyond just "emails collected".
6. Why This Matters
You don't need code to prove demand.
You need courage to test assumptions.
Validation isn't about being clever — it's about being honest early.
If I went back to my first SaaS idea, I'd skip six months of coding and just build a wait-list first.
7. Try It Yourself: Launch a Validation Waitlist in Minutes
JoinWaitlist.dev lets you:
- Create a hosted validation page instantly
- Run mock-sales (fake doors) without backend code
- Measure pre-launch metrics (sign-ups, conversion, intent)
- Export validated audiences when you're ready to build
👉 Try JoinWaitlist.dev — validate your next SaaS idea before you write a single line of code.
If you found this useful, share it with a fellow indie hacker.
Let's make fewer dead products — and more validated ones.