Self-Service SaaS
Definition
Self-service SaaS lets customers sign up, try, and buy without talking to sales. Product sells itself through trial and onboarding.
Extended Definition
Examples: Notion, Figma, Ahrefs. Users discover product, sign up for free, try features, upgrade when ready. No sales calls required. Benefits: lower CAC, faster sales cycle, scales infinitely. Requirements: excellent product, clear value prop, smooth onboarding, self-serve payment. Works best for products under $500/month per user.
Related Terms
Freemium
Freemium is a pricing model where the core product is free forever, but advanced features, higher limits, or premium support require payment. The free tier drives adoption, paid tiers drive revenue.
PLG (Product-Led Growth)
PLG is a go-to-market strategy where the product itself is the primary driver of customer acquisition, conversion, and expansion—not sales or marketing teams.
Time to Value
How long it takes a new user to experience the core benefit of your product.